At a glance
- Crags maintained by Garda Dolomiti
- 24
- Best season
- Spring and autumn
- Easy via ferrata near Arco
- Colodri, about 2 hours
- Via ferrata with lake views
- Fausto Susatti – Cima Capi
- Hardest via ferrata in the valley
- Rino Pisetta
- Festival
- Rock Master, Arco (early October)
The rock walls of the Valle del Sarca have made Arco an international reference point for sport climbing. From Riva del Garda you get there in a few minutes, by car, by bus or by bike on the cycle path. Many climbers choose to stay in Riva so that the lake, the restaurants and the evening stroll are right on their doorstep.
The crags
Garda Dolomiti, the official tourist board, maintains a list of 24 crags around Arco, Nago-Torbole and the Valle del Sarca, with information on aspect, grades and status. Some may be temporarily closed: always check the up-to-date list before setting off.
- Crags on the official list include Abissi, Policromuro, Belvedere, Spiaggia delle Lucertole (Torbole), Muro dell'Asino, Calvario and Massi di Prabi.
- With kids: there are crags designed for families, such as the Massi delle Traole in Nago and Family San Martino near the centre of Arco.
- Printed guidebooks and apps list many more crags: for grades and sectors, the up-to-date local guidebook remains the reference.
Via ferrata routes
| Via ferrata | Difficulty | Duration | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colodri (Arco) | Moderate | About 2 hours, 4 km | The easiest one to start with |
| Fausto Susatti – Cima Capi (from Biacesa, Ledro) | Moderate (grade B) | About 5 hours, 7 km | Spectacular views over the lake |
| Rino Pisetta (Dain Piccolo, Sarche) | Difficult | About 5 hours, 5.4 km, +800 m | The most demanding in the valley |
Via ferrata kit, helmet and weather check: always. If it is your first time, go with a mountain guide.
Mountain guides and courses
Several climbing schools and mountain guides work in Arco, running trips to the crags, multi-pitch routes, via ferrata outings and courses. Among others, Garda Dolomiti lists the Free Alp guiding service. If you are travelling without gear, the guides can also provide equipment.
When to come
Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons: mild temperatures and long days. In summer, climb early in the morning or at shaded crags; in winter, south-facing walls are often climbable in the middle of the day. In early October Arco hosts the Rock Master, the climbing festival that celebrated 40 years of events in 2026: the 2027 dates have not yet been announced.
Getting to Arco from Riva
- By bus: Riva and Arco are connected by Trentino Trasporti routes, free with the Trentino Guest Card included in your stay.
- By bike: the Valle del Sarca cycle path links Riva and Arco.
- Where to keep your gear: our Deluxe Apartment has a private cellar for ropes, rucksacks and bikes.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Arco famous for climbing?
Garda Dolomiti calls it a mecca for climbers: plenty of bolted crags with good safety standards, the limestone of the Valle del Sarca, multi-pitch routes and a mild climate that lets you climb almost all year round.
When is the best time to climb in Arco?
Spring and autumn. You can climb all year, but summer is very hot, so it is best to choose shaded crags or the early hours of the day.
Which via ferrata should I do near Riva del Garda?
To start with, the Ferrata del Colodri in Arco (moderate, about 2 hours). Longer and with views over the lake is the Fausto Susatti on Cima Capi (moderate, about 5 hours). The Rino Pisetta on the Dain Piccolo is the hardest in the Valle del Sarca and should only be tackled with experience or with a guide.
When is the Rock Master in Arco?
The Rock Master is held in Arco in early October: the 2026 edition took place from 2 to 4 October. The 2027 dates have not yet been announced.
