Lake Denza and Presanella hanging glacier

Lake Denza and Presanella hanging glacier - Description

Directions

• Start

  Pozzi Alti car park
  
  E - Escursionistico (Hiker)
  By car passing the village of Vermiglio in the direction of Velon you reach a junction and a recently repaired old military dirt road, which leads to the ex-fort Pozzi Alti (1.884m). The 6km long road is accessible without a permit. If you wish to walk this road instead of driving, take the SAT 233 which leads to the fort (1h 30mins), one of the original Austrian-Hungarian forts which defended Passo Tonale. From the car park take the SAT 233 which ascends slightly, cross the steep walls of the «Crozi di Stavel», the naturally carved paths on the side of the mountain and a short tunnel until the signpost indicating SAT 206 which ascends directly from Stavel. This brings you in Val Presanella, where the setting opens up and presents a magnificent view of the Cima Presanella: at this point continue along the SAT 206 in the direction of Rifugio Stavel «F.Denza» (2.298m) which is located directly beneath the north face of the Cima Presanella (3.558m) the highest mountain in Trentino.
  The itinerary continues on the SAT 206 «Sentiero dei Tedeschi» which ascends to the Vedretta della Presanella (2.650m) along the slopes which arrive to the margin of the glacier. A position of great glacial interest. From here a descent towards Lago Denza until reaching the rifugio. It is possible to vary the route back by car without returning by way of the same path. Take the SAT 234, which ascends the vast basin hollowed by the rocks to Passo dei Pozzi Alti (2.650m), and which offers spectacular views towards Bernina and Vioz. Finally descend the north side, which at first is an open space before becoming quite bushy, and following an old mule-path dating back to the First World War and which leads to the car park at Pozzi Alti.

• end point

  Lake Denza, Presanella hanging glacier and Passo dei Pozzi

required equipment

Waterproof clothing, both lightweight but warm (1st layer, in contact with the skin should be in polypropylene, 2nd layer insulating wool, and a 3rd waterproof layer such as an anorak in goretex or nylon, and long trousers) gloves, walking shoes (Not trainers) and a hat. A change of clothes, rucksack.

Tips for the tour

We recommend doing this excursion from the middle of May until the end of June, in order to be able to admire the wonderful view of Cima Presanella and the flowering and perfume of the beautiful Alpine Rhododendrums which characterise the area.

Difficulty

• Difficulty

  Medium

• Fitness

• Technique

• Experience

• Landscape

Directions

self-arranged arrival
FROM BOLOGNA-VERONA AND FROM BRENNEROComing from the south take the A22 motorway and exit at Trento Nord. Coming from the north exit at S. Michele all’Adige. Continue in the direction of Cles, Val di Non, Val di Sole and Vermiglio. FROM BERGAMO-BRESCIATake the SS42 to Tonale and Vermiglio. Once in Vermiglio follow the signs to Velon. Straight after the Hotel Baita Velon take the dirt road to the ex Forte Pozzi Alti.
Pozzi Alti car park (6 km from Vermiglio)

public transport
The Verona-Brennero line to Trento and from there take the local Trento-Malè-Mezzana line to Val di Sole, from where there is a bus connection to all the villages. For times visit www.valdisole.net/EN/Public-Transportation