The best walks and hikes around Gardone Val Trompia

📌 Characteristics of Passo Spino (Sebino version) It is a small wooded pass, not marked by structures or refuges. It is located on the road/mule track that connects the two main passes in the area: Croce di Marone Forcella di Sale It is a transit point for MTB riders and hikers who follow the “Malghe in rete” loop. The section between Forcella di Sale and Passo Spino is predominantly downhill, with some short uphill sections. 🥾 Why it is important Passo Spino is useful as a reference point if: you are doing the Croce di Marone → Forcella di Sale → Noase → Sale Marasino loop you are riding the panoramic mountain road that connects the two main passes of Sebino you are climbing or descending by MTB along the “Malghe in rete” route It is not a panoramic viewpoint like Croce di Pezzolo or the Almana ridge: it is more of a technical passage along the ridge. 🗺️ Quick summary Forcella di Sale = pass at 1150 m, start of the Sentiero Benedetti Passo Spino = immediately after, on the road that continues towards Noase Croce di Marone = connected to both via the same mountain road

La Croce di Pezzolo is a panoramic pass at about 970 m above Sale Marasino, a fundamental crossing point between the Lake Iseo side and the Val Trompia. It is reachable both from Portole and from Pezzolo/Osteria Pastina and is a key junction for the trails towards Punta Almana. 📍 Where it is located and what it represents La Croce di Pezzolo is located along the southern ridge of the Almana, in a small grassy saddle that separates: the southern slope descending towards Pezzolo and Lake Iseo the northern slope facing Forcella di Sale and Val Trompia It is a popular spot for hikers because: it marks the transition between the 3V trail (lower section) and the path leading to the Almana summit it offers an open panorama of the Sebino and the Prealps it is easily accessible from multiple directions 🥾 How to reach it 1) From Pezzolo – Osteria Pastina (813 m) This is the shortest and simplest route. From the trattoria, follow the mule track that climbs through the woods and in 20–25 minutes you will reach La Croce di Pezzolo. 2) From Portole (Sale Marasino) From the Portole restaurant, climb towards Forcella di Sale and then descend slightly to the La Croce di Pezzolo pass. It is part of many loops, including the one leading to Punta Almana. 3) From the southern ridge of the Almana When descending from the summit along the southern ridge, La Croce di Pezzolo is the first point of reference. The ridge is scenic and highly appreciated. 🌄 Environment and panoramas The Croce is located in an open meadow, with views of: Lake Iseo Monte Isola Corna Trentapassi the Almana–Cabrera ridge It is a perfect place for a break during the Portole → Almana → Pezzolo loop.

The Rifugio Croce di Marone is located at 1,166 m on the southern slope of Monte Guglielmo, above Marone, and is one of the most convenient and frequented starting points for climbing the Guglielmo. 🏔️ Hut identity and location The refuge is located in the Croce di Marone area, reachable via the road that climbs from Marone → Cislano → Madonna della Rota, crossing the Valle dell’Opol. It is situated in a panoramic and strategic point for: Monte Guglielmo (1948 m) – classic and very frequented ascent Malga Guglielmo di Sotto and di Sopra Rifugio Almici Piani di Caregno The refuge is open all year round, has a restaurant, electric light, hot water, and about 15 beds. 🚗 How to get there By car from Marone Follow the signs for Zone. After about 4.5 km, past the cable car underpasses, you will find a sharp right turn with a sign for the refuge. The road becomes narrow and steep in the final kilometers. Paid parking with scratch card (3 € up to 4 hours, 5 € for longer). On foot from Zone (Englar) You can leave your car at the Englar restaurant (640 m). Ascent along the road/CAI 226 trail → approx. 1h20’–1h50’ depending on whether you cut corners. 🚶‍♂️ Main excursions from the refuge 1. Monte Guglielmo (E – approx. 2h) This is the shortest and most direct route to reach the summit of Guglielmo: Initial mule track Junction for Malpensata Section with white-blue 3V trail markers Malga Guglielmo di Sotto → Malga di Sopra Rifugio Almici → summit with the Monument to the Redeemer The panorama over the Sebino and the Prealps is considered one of the most beautiful in the area. 2. Rifugio Almici (1861 m) – 2h Simple and panoramic route along the mule track. 3. Piani di Caregno – 3h30’ Longer but very scenic route. 🏞️ Environment and atmosphere The area is characterized by: beech and fir woods open pastures views of Lake Iseo and Val Trompia presence of the 3V trail nearby It is an ideal spot for short excursions, longer treks, or family days out.

The monument is located at the Croce di Marone pass (approx. 1167 m), a historic crossing point between Lake Iseo and Val Trompia. It is situated next to the parking area and at the start of the road/mule track that climbs towards Malpensata and Monte Guglielmo.

Bridge closed...updated October 2025

very good refreshment stop👍

very beautiful and pleasant walk even for the most inexperienced, it is preferable to go after at least a week without rain

Just north of the 1,476-meter peak of Monte Bifo, this crossroads of trails allows you to continue towards Monte Guglielmo and the Almici refuge, or continue towards Passo Lividino. The view of the surrounding mountains is remarkable.