Passo Nota — Bocca dei Fortini Panoramic Ride — MTB Tour around Lake Garda
An epic loop via the legendary Ponale road, Lake Ledro, and the ridge above Passo Nota with a poolside lunch in Pregasina
Passo Nota — Bocca dei Fortini Panoramic Ride at a glance
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Duration: 6 hours
- Total distance: 35 km
- Elevation gain: 1530 m
- Price: €75 for 1 solo rider, or one flat group rate for 2–6 riders sharing the same guide.
- Start point: Riva del Garda, Torbole or Arco.
The feeling of Passo Nota — Bocca dei Fortini Panoramic Ride
Climb high above Lake Garda into true alpine terrain
About the Passo Nota — Bocca dei Fortini Panoramic Ride tour
We ride above Riva del Garda, gradually climbing through a mix of mountain roads and forest sections as we leave the lake behind and move into a more alpine landscape.
The ascent is long and consistent, gaining significant elevation without extreme gradients, but requiring good endurance and steady effort.
As we climb higher, the scenery changes — the air feels cooler, the surroundings quieter, and the views become more expansive.
The main destination of the ride is Passo Nota, a historic mountain pass between Trentino and Lombardy, once an important connection between Lake Garda and the Ledro Valley. The area is known for its military history, old roads, trenches from the Great War, mountain meadows, and wide alpine views.
At this altitude, the atmosphere feels completely different from the busy lake below — open, quiet, and strongly connected to the mountain history of Garda.
From Passo Nota, we continue through a high mountain area before starting a long descent with mixed terrain, including tighter turns and more demanding sections.
There are several descent options — more technical, more panoramic, or easier and flowier — and we choose the line together based on your skill and what you want from the ride.
We take breaks when needed and adapt the pace so you can complete the ride comfortably and with confidence.
Why this ride is special — Passo Nota — Bocca dei Fortini Panoramic Ride
Bocca Fortini follows old World War I military roads, built with steady gradients that are still rideable today.
The route also reaches Passo Nota, a historic mountain pass between Trentino and Lombardy, surrounded by old military roads, mountain meadows, and wide alpine landscapes.
The dry, rocky terrain and open slopes create a very different riding feel — more exposed, more raw, with long uninterrupted views.
It's a place you ride not for a single viewpoint, but for the combination of mountain history, remote alpine atmosphere, and the character of the terrain itself.
Who this ride is for
Suitable for riders with good fitness and endurance
Route highlights on Passo Nota — Bocca dei Fortini Panoramic Ride
- High mountain ride with significant elevation gain
- One of the highest riding points above Lake Garda
- Changing landscapes from lake to alpine terrain
- Wide-open panoramic views at altitude
- Long descent combining forest roads and more technical sections near Punta Larici
Good to know before you ride Passo Nota — Bocca dei Fortini Panoramic Ride
- Long climb with significant elevation gain
- E-bike strongly recommended for a more enjoyable ride
What to bring
- Helmet (mandatory)
- Sturdy shoes — rocky terrain ahead
- Water bottle (2L minimum — full day ride)
- Light windbreaker — ridge is exposed
- Small backpack for essentials
- Sunscreen & sunglasses
- Energy bars or snacks
- Gloves — technical descents on rocky terrain
- Swimsuit — pool stop in Pregasina
- Compact towel for the pool
- Fully charged phone — you'll want photos!
- Good mood 😊
Frequently asked about Passo Nota — Bocca dei Fortini Panoramic Ride
- How high does the Passo Nota tour go?
- The high point is around 1620 m on the ridge between Val di Ledro and Lake Garda — the highest tour in our catalogue. Snow can linger here until late May.
- Is Passo Nota an all-day ride?
- Yes. Plan for 6 to 7 hours including lunch. 28 km with 1100 m of elevation and a long alpine descent — a proper big mountain day.
- Do I need a full-suspension MTB for Passo Nota / Bocca dei Fortini?
- Strongly recommended. The upper descent has loose rock, exposed sections and roots. A hardtail is possible for very confident riders but a full-suspension trail bike is much more enjoyable.
- What is the best season for Passo Nota?
- Mid-June to mid-October. Earlier and later, snow on the ridge and ice in the shaded sections of the descent make it unsafe.
Book Passo Nota — Bocca dei Fortini Panoramic Ride: WhatsApp +39 388 571 8535 · info@mtb-tour.it · Tour page: https://mtb-tour.it/tours/passo-nota.html
Mountainbike-Tour am Gardasee — Passo Nota — Bocca dei Fortini Panoramic Ride. An epic loop via the legendary Ponale road, Lake Ledro, and the ridge above Passo Nota with a poolside lunch in Pregasina Private MTB-Tour mit lokalem Guide ab Riva del Garda, Torbole oder Arco. Schwierigkeit: Advanced · 35 km · 1530 m Höhenmeter. Buchung: +39 388 571 8535 (WhatsApp).