Cima Pizzocolo from the South-East ridge

DESCRIPTION
Challenging excursion following the South-East Crest of Monte Pizzocolo.
Monte Pizzoccolo is located on the Brescia side of Lake Garda, in the Alto Garda Bresciano Park, and dominates the town of Toscolano Maderno. It is a panoramic peak, the southernmost on the Lombard side of Lake Garda, which allows you to enjoy a splendid view of the lake, but not only: you can also admire the Ortles, Monte Baldo and Adamello. The route that we propose is not for everyone, because the section of the South-East Crest (former East Crest) is suitable for expert hikers; in several places you have to climb on rock and you must have a steady step and absence of vertigo. For those who don't feel like it, just take path 287 and you can easily reach the summit.

ITINERARY
From the car park in Ortello (695 m) go up to the right following the signpost 287 / 16TM indicating Cresta Sud-Est. You cross a small wooden bridge and arrive at the Tre porcellini cliff. Continue reaching the crossroads in Sopra Seasso - Sentiero delle Creste (858 m). Here you continue straight on on 16TM: now the South-East Crest begins. At the intersection of Cresta Sud-Est / Variante Tre Amici (1330 m), turn left following the 202C. Just before the summit there is an anemometer. A few more steps and you are on the summit of Monte Pizzocolo (1581 m). Pass through the Bivacco Due Aceri (1567 m) and go towards Le Merle signposted 287. Pass Dosso Le Prade (1458 m) and at Le Merle (1345 m) take the path 223 towards Sant’Urbano. You pass from Paolona di Sopra (1241 m), from the Rifugio Cà Da Prada (1117 m), from Barbio di Sotto (956 m) and arrive in Sant’Urbano (876 m). Now we return to Ortello.

EXCURSION DATE
April 10, 2022

STARTING POINT
Location Ortello

REFRESHMENT POINT
Nobody

AUTHOR’S SUGGESTIONS
The ring must be done counterclockwise.

SAFETY TIPS
The viability of the proposed itinerary, like all mountain morphology, is subject to environmental changes due to natural events and weather conditions. Therefore, before leaving, consult the competent tourist offices and / or the refuges of reference.
Our GPX tracks are only indicative, that is, the route was carried out at best with the conditions of the trails and weather of that day. So always consider what to do on site.
Also remember to evaluate the route based on your physical abilities, training and the equipment you have.
You should leave someone the route you intend to do told.
Remember that the emergency number is 112.

EQUIPMENT
It is recommended to have the appropriate equipment for the route, weather conditions and season: windproof and / or rain jacket, map and / or GPS device, goggles, sunscreen, boots, first aid kit, specific clothing, gloves, backpack with food and drink.

RECOMMENDED MAPS
Tabacco 078 GARDA OCCIDENTALE - SALÒ - VAL SABBIA - L. D’IDRO

INTERESTING LINKS
https://www.visitgarda.com

HOW TO ARRIVE
From Tuscolano Maderno, follow the signs for Monte Maderno, pass the hamlets of Maclino and Vigole, arriving in Sanico. Here you go up to the left following the signs for Monte Pizzocolo and arriving at the Ortello car park.

PARKING AREA
In Ortello - Path of the Crests
GPS coordinates: 45.655727, 10.586622

Parcheggio Ortello - Sentiero delle Creste

Si sale per una strada sterrata

Inizia a vedersi uno splendido panorama sul Lago di Garda

Falesia Tre porcellini

Si inizia a salire in cresta

Cresta Sud - Est

Cresta Sud - Est

Siamo arrivati all'anemometro

In vetta al Monte Pizzocolo

Chiesetta sul Monte Pizzocolo

Veduta dal Monte Pizzocolo

Monte Pizzocolo

Bivacco Due Aceri

Rifugio Cà da Prada

Chiesetta di Sant'Urbano