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Lago Denza and suspended glacier of Presanella

Category
Mountain tour
Difficulty
Moderate
Activity time
6:16
Durata in ore
Distance
11.5
Distance in km
A hike of geological, natural, and glaciological interest, with a scenic and panoramic view of the rugged but impressive north face of Presanella.
An impressive trail that will remain in your memory for its majestic location, characterized by glaciers, alpine lakes, gravel quarries, and snowy gorges. Upon reaching Rifugio Denza, following the "Sentiero dei Tedeschi" you will make a complete loop passing by Lago Denza.

Route info

Moderate
Distance
11.5 km
Activity time
6:16 h.
Uphill Elevation
1205 m
Downhill elevation
1267 m
Physical effort
Scenary
Highest point
2665 m
Lowest point
1856 m
Height difference
809 m

Copyright

APT Valli di Sole, Peio e Rabbi

Suggestions

We recommend doing this hike from mid-May until the end of June, to enjoy the splendid view of Cima Presanella and the blooming and scent of the beautiful alpine rhododendrons characteristic of the area.

Safety information

The trail is well marked with red and white SAT signs with the corresponding number in black.

  • Choose a route suitable and consistent with your preparation.
  • Leave information about your itinerary and approximate return time.
  • Pay attention to signs and indications along the path.
  • Do not hesitate to turn back if necessary.
  • In case of accident or emergency, call 118.

The information provided may be subject to changes or alterations, therefore their value should not be considered definitive. It is impossible to avoid inaccuracies due to rapid climatic or environmental changes that may occur without warning. We therefore assume no responsibility for variations experienced by the user. It is recommended to always check weather and environmental conditions before every hike.

The practicability of routes in the mountain environment is strictly linked to current conditions and is influenced by natural phenomena, environmental changes, and weather conditions. For this reason, the information on this page may have changed. Before leaving for an outing, ensure that the trail is still accessible by contacting the refuge owner, mountain guides, or visitor centers of natural parks, and the tourist information offices of the local authorities.

Starting point

Pozzi Alti parking lot

Directions

E - Hiking (Hiker)

By car, passing through the village of Vermiglio towards Velon, you reach a junction and an old military dirt road recently repaired, which leads to the former fort Pozzi Alti (1,884m). The 6 km long road is accessible without a permit. If you prefer to walk this road instead of driving, take SAT 233 which leads to the fort (1h 30min), one of the original Austro-Hungarian forts defending the Tonale Pass. From the parking lot take SAT 233 which ascends gently, crosses the steep walls of the «Crozi di Stavel», the naturally carved trails on the mountainside and a short tunnel until the sign indicating SAT 206 ascending directly from Stavel. This takes you to Val Presanella, where the panorama opens up and offers a magnificent view of Cima Presanella: at this point continue along SAT 206 towards Rifugio Stavel «F.Denza» (2,298m) which lies directly below the north face of Cima Presanella (3,558m), the highest mountain in Trentino.

The route continues on SAT 206, the "Sentiero dei Tedeschi", which ascends to the Vedretta della Presanella (2,650m) along the slopes reaching the glacier's edge. A location of great glacial interest. From here a descent towards the Lago Denza until reaching the refuge. It is possible to vary the return route by car without taking the same path. Take SAT 234, which climbs the large basin carved by rocks towards the Passo dei Pozzi Alti (2,650m), offering spectacular views towards Bernina and Vioz. Finally descend the north side, initially an open space then becoming quite shrubby, following an old mule track dating back to World War I that leads to the Pozzi Alti parking lot.

Public transportation

The Verona-Brennero line up to Trento and from there take the local line Trento-Malè-Mezzana for Val di Sole, from where there is a bus connection to all villages. For schedules visit www.valdisole.net/EN/Public-Transportation

How to get there

FROM BOLOGNA-VERONA AND BRENNERO
Coming from the south take the A22 motorway and exit at Trento Nord. Coming from the north exit at S. Michele all’Adige. Continue towards Cles, Val di Non, Val di Sole and Vermiglio.

FROM BERGAMO-BRESCIA
Take the SS42 towards Tonale and Vermiglio.

Arriving in Vermiglio follow directions for Velon. Just after Hotel Baita Velon take the dirt road towards the former Forte Pozzi Alti.

Where to park

Pozzi Alti parking lot (6 km from Vermiglio)
Waterproof clothing, both light and warm (1st layer, next to the skin should be polypropylene, 2nd insulating layer in wool, and a 3rd waterproof layer like a Gore-Tex or nylon anorak, and long pants), gloves, trekking shoes (not sneakers) and a hat. A change of clothes, backpack.