Corno della Marogna: Panoramic Peak with Challenging Ascent Route
Corno della Marogna: one of the most panoramic peaks in the Alto Garda mountains, until 1915 it marked the border between the Kingdom of Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. From this superb summit, the view extends across the plains to Verona and Mantua, offering the opportunity to admire the glaciers of Carè Alto and Presanella, the magnificent Dolomites of Brenta, Catinaccio, and Marmolada, the Trentino Prealps with Bondone and Stivo, Paganella, the Venetian groups of Carega and Pasubio, the Monte Baldo range, and the nearby Monti Carone, Caplone, Tombea, and Tremalzo. On particularly clear days, with a good telescope, the Venetian lagoon can even be seen.
The Panorama and the Ascent Route
A view not to be missed: the suggested loop is short, but the ascent from the Südost ridge is reserved for experienced hikers and exploration enthusiasts. Others can reach the fantastic viewpoint of Corno della Marogna via the easy trail we propose here for the descent. The starting point is the Rifugio Garda at Passo di Tremalzo, a crossroads of roads: one wide and comfortable descending into Val d’Ampola; the other two, old and partly deteriorated mule tracks from the Great War, lead to Tremosine—one through the valley of S. Michele and the other through Bocca di Val Marza and Passo Nota.
Leave to the left the route toward Passo Nota, and follow the trail that heads down toward the valley of S. Michele; at the first switchback, abandon it for a faint trail that, keeping high on the meadows above Malga Ciapa, crosses the broad basin and passes the stream. Proceed to the right of the rocks sliding from Corno della Marogna down to the base of a grassy channel, which is occasionally obstructed by dwarf pines.
This marks the start of the expert section. Without an established trail or any visible trace, ascend the channel, traverse to the right along a ledge, and by battling through dense dwarf pine bushes, overcome some small rock faces until reaching the Südost crest, on a grassy saddle surrounded by rocky towers. Continue along the crest for a short distance, arriving at the foot of a steep section of scattered white rocks; circumvent it on the right along a steep meadow (be careful to avoid slipping if it’s wet or grassy), then climb back onto the ridge.
Proceed along ledges and successive rocky jumps until reaching a final small cliff, which is bypassed on the right by a trail that finally leads to the summit. The peak is also popular among mountain bikers climbing from Tremosine up to Bocca di Val Marza, then leaving their bikes and ascending on foot to the top. From Corno della Marogna, a short and well-marked trail descends through dwarf pines, leading to a tunnel near Bocca di Val Marza.
If you wish to avoid passing through the tunnel, stay to the left and descend briefly onto a small road. Follow it to the left, and after a long detour below Monte Tremalzo, you will find yourself at the entrance of Rifugio Garda.
