San Giovanni Loop — Two Ways Ride — MTB Tour around Lake Garda
A demanding advanced ride through rugged alpine terrain with breathtaking views and a choice of descents
San Giovanni Loop — Two Ways Ride at a glance
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Duration: 5 hours
- Total distance: 32 km
- Elevation gain: 1350 m
- Price: €140 per tour — one flat price for 1 to 6 riders sharing the same guide.
- E-bike rental: €45 hardtail / around €65 full-suspension per person. Helmet €4.
- Start point: Riva del Garda, Torbole or Arco.
Not sure which bike? How to choose →
The feeling of San Giovanni Loop — Two Ways Ride
A varied mountain ride with changing terrain above Lake Garda
About the San Giovanni Loop — Two Ways Ride tour
This tour offers a varied mountain biking experience, combining a steady climb with a mix of terrain on the way back.
From forest roads to trail sections, the route adapts to your level and preferences.
We ride above Riva del Garda, following a loop that can be completed in two different directions — each offering a distinct riding experience.
Riding counterclockwise, we gain most of the elevation on a quiet panoramic road, allowing for a steady and controlled climb despite the significant elevation gain.
Alternatively, riding clockwise, we climb through forest roads and gravel sections, creating a more off-road and engaging experience from the very beginning.
Both options lead us high above the lake, where the landscape opens into wide views and quieter mountain terrain.
The choice of direction defines the character of the entire ride — from how we climb to how we descend.
From there, the route continues along the opposite side of the mountain, with a mix of gravel roads and scenic sections leading toward the descent.
Depending on the chosen direction, the return can include trail sections of varying difficulty, forest roads, or smooth asphalt — allowing us to match the ride to your level and preferences.
Why this ride is special — San Giovanni Loop — Two Ways Ride
The climb to San Giovanni al Monte follows a series of tight switchbacks, gaining over 1000 m to around 1050 m above the lake.
Along the way, the terrain shifts between exposed panoramic sections and forested slopes, and at the top the view opens beyond Lake Garda into the inner valleys.
Who this ride is for
Suitable for riders with good basic fitness and some riding experience
Route highlights on San Giovanni Loop — Two Ways Ride
- One route, two completely different riding experiences
- Choice of direction defines climb and descent style
- Scenic climb with panoramic views above Lake Garda
- Mix of asphalt, gravel, and optional trail sections
- Flexible descent options based on your riding level
Good to know before you ride San Giovanni Loop — Two Ways Ride
- Long climb with multiple descent options
- E-bike recommended for a more comfortable climb
What to bring
- Helmet (mandatory)
- Sturdy shoes — rocky terrain ahead
- Small backpack for essentials
- Water bottle (2L minimum — full day ride)
- Warm layer & rain jacket
- Sunscreen & sunglasses
- Energy bars or snacks
- Gloves — long descents on rough terrain
- Fully charged phone — you'll want photos!
- Good mood 😊
Tour reel — San Giovanni Loop — Two Ways Ride
Frequently asked about San Giovanni Loop — Two Ways Ride
- Why is the San Giovanni tour called 'two ways'?
- Because we climb on one side of the ridge above Arco and descend on the other — a true point-to-point loop rather than an out-and-back. This means very different scenery on the way up and on the way down.
- What is the San Giovanni descent like?
- It runs on forest gravel roads, not singletrack. The steepest sections are concreted, which makes them predictable and safe to ride. If the group is up for it there are optional trail sections that can be added, but that's decided on the day once I've seen how you ride — it's never part of the plan you book.
- How fit do I need to be for San Giovanni?
- Advanced — 1350 m of climbing over 32 km. What makes this tour advanced is the distance and the elevation, not technical difficulty. An e-bike is fine but should have a long-range battery; on a regular MTB plan a full day with breaks.
- What is the elevation profile of the San Giovanni tour?
- One long sustained climb of 1350 m on a forest road, a short flat ridge section with the main viewpoint, and one continuous 1350 m descent on forest roads back to the valley.
What riders say about San Giovanni Loop — Two Ways Ride
Verified on Google Business Profile.
We rode San Giovanni on April 11. The panoramas are top-tier, the descent is dynamic. A great ride, thank you — next time again with you.
Alexey is hands down one of the best mountain bike guides you could ask for. He knows every trail and peak in the area inside out, and he genuinely tailors the route to your level and what you want out of the ride. Whether you're after a relaxed scenic tour or something more technical, he reads the group and adjusts on the fly. The scenery along the way is stunning. You ride through some seriously beautiful mountain landscapes, and Alexey knows exactly where the best viewpoints are. He also brings his own action cameras and captures the whole experience, so you walk away with great photos and video footage without having to fumble with your phone mid-ride. If you're looking for a guide who's skilled, friendly, and goes the extra mile to make the day memorable, book with Alexey. Highly recommend.
We were lucky enough to get on a tour with Alex. He was great. His knowledge and expertise in riding was very helpful. Also sharing information about the areas we were riding. I would definitely book with Alex again knowing I would be getting a great tour.
Book San Giovanni Loop — Two Ways Ride: WhatsApp +39 388 571 8535 · info@mtb-tour.it · Tour page: https://mtb-tour.it/tours/san-giovanni.html
Your guide: Aleksei (Lex) Shatilov — meet the guide and see credentials →
Mountainbike-Tour am Gardasee — San Giovanni Loop — Two Ways Ride. A demanding advanced ride through rugged alpine terrain with breathtaking views and a choice of descents Private MTB-Tour mit lokalem Guide ab Riva del Garda, Torbole oder Arco. Schwierigkeit: Advanced · 32 km · 1350 m Höhenmeter. Buchung: +39 388 571 8535 (WhatsApp).