Via Ferrata Rio Sallagoni
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/ Via Ferrata Rio SallagoniPhoto: G.P. Calzà, Garda Trentino -
/ Via Ferrata Rio SallagoniPhoto: Elaborazione grafica Sveva Seneci, Garda Trentino
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/ Via Ferrata Rio SallagoniPhoto: G.P. Calzà, Garda Trentino
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/ Via Ferrata Rio SallagoniPhoto: G.P. Calzà, Garda Trentino
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/ Via Ferrata Rio SallagoniPhoto: G.P. Calzà, Garda Trentino
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/ Via Ferrata Rio SallagoniPhoto: G.P. Calzà, Garda Trentino
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/ Via Ferrata Rio SallagoniPhoto: G.P. Calzà, Garda Trentino
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/ Via Ferrata Rio SallagoniPhoto: G.P. Calzà, Garda Trentino
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/ Via Ferrata Rio SallagoniPhoto: G.P. Calzà, Garda Trentino
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/ Via Ferrata Rio SallagoniPhoto: G.P. Calzà, Garda Trentino
A lovely protected route which climbs the narrow gorge delved by the Rio Sallagoni at the foot of the limestone cliff below Castel Drena. The atmosphere is rendered magical by the succession of waterfalls along the ascent and the particular lush vegetation of this hidden world. Two Tibetan bridges add a dash of excitement to the experience.
Easy access, just a few minute’s walk from the Marocche car park, and the fact that it is relatively short, make this an ideal itinerary for an exciting half-day excursion. Even though there are some short athletic stretches, it is still suitable for children, though kids under 140 cm in height will need a helping hand. Make sure when you come to a wooden bridge across the stream to take the trail that heads up to the Castle, and not continue along the gorge (this section is not fitted with any protection).
Author’s recommendation
Rest Stop
Chiosco Al CastelloSafety information
- Only do the via ferrata if you are reasonably fit and in excellent health.
- Do not do the via ferrata in bad weather, especially if it looks like a storm is coming.
- Do not do the via ferrata alone: if you have an accident nobody will be able to call for help.
- The risk of rock falls increases if there are others on the via ferrata or with wind or rain.
- Always check route conditions; in winter you may find snow and ice on some routes which make progression dangerous.
- Use proper safety gear (helmet, harness, ferrata kit with double self-locking carabiners and energy absorbing systems); put on your helmet once you get near to the wall. Rocks might fall before you get to the start of the via ferrata.
- During progression always keep both carabiners clipped onto the safety cable and when you pass the anchor points make sure at least one is clipped on to each safety cable.
- Only one person may be on any length of cable between two anchor points.
- Wear clothing suited to the altitude, the season and the length of the route: hiking boots and ferrata gloves to protect you from contact with the metal parts.
- Pay special attention on the easy parts where there are no cables.
- Always check the condition of the bolts and cables on the wall as they can suffer damage in bad weather. If you even think you see any problems that might compromise safety, turn back and let us know about the situation at info@gardatrentino.it .
- Always evaluate a few important conditions: the proximity to other crowds, all the gears available and the preservation of the route. Beware, YOU are ultimately and solely responsible for taking this path and the safety rules and features that goes with it.
- These instructions are no substitute for the specific courses held by mountaineering associations or professional guides. Unless you have experience doing via ferratas, it is better to go accompanied by a mountain guide.
Emergency number 112.
The information on this chart is subject to inevitable variations, so this means that none of the indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason, we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, the hiker is advised to check the conditions of the places, environment and weather before setting out.
Tips, hints and links
- Facing a via ferrata requires knowledge of the right technique of progression and some training. If you want to try out this experience for the first time or check the use of the via ferrata set, we recommend that you contact one of our mountain guides: www.gardatrentino.it
- For further information on routes, activities, events and accommodation at lake Garda: APT Garda Trentino, Tel. +39 0464 554444 - www.gardatrentino.it
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Access
From the car park of the Marocche Nature Reserve (which is on your left as you come up the SP 84 towards Drena), head down the main road . After a hundred metres you come to a dirt track with a signpost for Rio Sallagoni. Follow this track and in a few minutes it will take you to the entrance of the canyon.
Ascent
You get past the first rocky outcrop by heading up to the left of the waterfall with the help of some stirrups, then begin the long traverse in the ravine where there are a few more difficult sections for younger kids. You then come to a more open area with dense vegetation and waterfalls. You can stay on the path to the left side of the ravine (3) or ford the stream and cross the waterfall on a Tibetan hanging bridge (4). In a few minutes along a series of steps you come to a passage between huge boulders (5) and shortly after, crossing a second Tibetan bridge (7) – which you can avoid if you stick to the right and take the trail (6) – you come to a little wooden bridge across the stream. This is the end of the bolted section and in a short time the trail leads to Drena Castle.
The ravine continues but for now it has no bolted chains (8).
Return
From the Castle, head west towards the Sarca Valley and down the trail which will take you past the entrance to the canyon and back to the car park in about 20 minutes.
Note
Public transport
Public transport friendly
Drena is connected with the other towns in Garda Trentino by the number 304 intercity bus line. You can get off on request in the Marocche area on the way out and for the return trip there are two bus stops in via Roma. Details and timetables: www.gardatrentino.it
Getting there
Getting to northern lake Garda / Garda Trentino: www.gardatrentino.it
Parking
In the Marocche area there are two free car parks, one before the tamburello court and one immediately after.Author’s map recommendations
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Garda Trentino trekking map – On sale in information offices in Riva del Garda, Arco and Torbole
Book recommendations for this region:
Recommended maps for this region:
Equipment
- technical mountain clothing
- hiking boots with Vibram or similar sole
- via ferrata gear
- harness
- helmet
- gloves
- pickaxe and crampons (when necessary)
- a length of rope (recommended)
Questions & Answers
Got questions regarding this content? Ask them here.
Reviews
Photos from others
Kaj Kusterer
Kristof Szombati
Manfred Seiler