Via Ferrata Colodri - Colt
Easy route up the east wall of Monte Colodri alongside the overhangs, with a spectacular view on the Valley of river Sarca. A classic of Garda Trentino!
The east face of Colodri witnessed the birth of free climbing in Arco in the seventies and eighties when the first modern routes were freed and it became a reference point for the first climbers.
The bolted trail was created as a descent trail for the hundreds of climbing teams that scale the sheer walls.
It is easy to get to, relatively simple and has a handy descent trail which makes it the perfect place for anyone approaching the vertical world for the first time. In fact it has quickly become the most popular via ferrata in Garda Trentino for beginners and families.
Put on your helmet, harness and ferrata set, and in a few minutes from Prabi you are at the start of the ferrata. After a section with cable and steps, you come to a smooth wall which is the baptism by fire for the absolute beginner: the rungs and safety cable will help you overcome any fear. Shortly before the top there is one last vertical stretch fitted with rungs for an exciting finish.
From the summit of Monte Colodri the view stretches from the Castle rock over the entire vale of Garda Trentino.
Author’s recommendation
In 1986 the Colodri wall was the venue for the first edition of Sport Roccia which would later become RockMaster.
Safety information
- Only do the via ferrata if you are reasonably fit and in excellent health.
- Do not do the via ferrata in bad weather, especially if it looks like a storm is coming.
- Do not do the via ferrata alone: if you have an accident nobody will be able to call for help.
- The risk of rock falls increases if there are others on the via ferrata or with wind or rain.
- Always check route conditions; in winter you may find snow and ice on some routes which make progression dangerous.
- Use proper safety gear (helmet, harness, ferrata kit with double self-locking carabiners and energy absorbing systems); put on your helmet once you get near to the wall. Rocks might fall before you get to the start of the via ferrata.
- During progression always keep both carabiners clipped onto the safety cable and when you pass the anchor points make sure at least one is clipped on to each safety cable.
- Only one person may be on any length of cable between two anchor points.
- Wear clothing suited to the altitude, the season and the length of the route: hiking boots and ferrata gloves to protect you from contact with the metal parts.
- Pay special attention on the easy parts where there are no cables.
- Always check the condition of the bolts and cables on the wall as they can suffer damage in bad weather. If you even think you see any problems that might compromise safety, turn back and let us know about the situation at [email protected] .
- Always evaluate a few important conditions: the proximity to other crowds, all the gears available and the preservation of the route. Beware, YOU are ultimately and solely responsible for taking this path and the safety rules and features that goes with it.
- These instructions are no substitute for the specific courses held by mountaineering associations or professional guides. Unless you have experience doing via ferratas, it is better to go accompanied by a mountain guide.
Emergency number 112.
The information on this chart is subject to inevitable variations, so this means that none of the indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason, we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, the hiker is advised to check the conditions of the places, environment and weather before setting out.
Tips and hints
- Facing a via ferrata requires knowledge of the right technique of progression and some training. If you want to try out this experience for the first time or check the use of the via ferrata set, we recommend that you contact one of our mountain guides: www.gardatrentino.it
- For further information on routes, activities, events and accommodation at lake Garda:
APT Garda Trentino, Tel. +39 0464 554444 - www.gardatrentino.it
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Access
In Prabi take the trail in front of the car park of the municipal swimmingpool, which leads you to the foot of Monte Colodri and in a few minutes to the start of the ferrata.
Ascent
The start of the via ferrata is above the limestone boulders at the foot of the east face of Monte Colodri. The first stretch is a track which zigzags up side of the rock. After a short vertical section, continue diagonally to the left until you come to the base of a smooth slab fitted out with rungs (1). Head up diagonally to the left following a cleft in the rock which brings you to the final upward stretch. The final vertical section is fitted with rungs and stirrups to take you past the short dihedral, which takes you over the top of the wall. A limestone slab of karst formation with plenty of cracks and clefts takes you to the cross at the top in just a few minutes.
Return
From the summit follow the Sentiero dei Lecci trail and head downto Laghel. Then continue to Arco town centre.
VARIATIONS OF THE CLIMB COLODRI FOR MOUNT COLT
From the cross of Monte Colodri go north until you arrive at the cliffs. Continue along the bolted trail (there are security wires to hold on too), that goes down westwards until the SAT431 trail and follow the path until you reach the hills just before the peak of Monte Colt, staying close to the pylon. Go down along the path east of Monte Colt: this wired path is not technically difficult, but it is exposed and requires climbing equipment such as boots, harness, helmets. There is a metal ladder to enable you to climb the last rock, before the descent towards Malapreda. Return to Prabi via Ceniga.
Note
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
The towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Torbole sul Garda, Nago and Arco – are connected by a number of urban and intercity bus lines which will take you to the starting point or in the immediate surroundings.
For up-to-the-minute information on timetables and routes: www.gardatrentino.it
Getting there
How to get to northern lake Garda / Garda Trentino: www.gardatrentino.it
Parking
Free parking in Caneve (5 min. walk from the town centre).
More Pay parking: Foro Boario parking, via Caproni Maini (Car park near the bridge), Post office (Via Monache).
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
-
Garda Trentino trekking map – On sale in information offices in Riva del Garda, Arco and Torbole
Book recommendations for this region:
Recommended maps for this region:
Equipment
- technical mountain clothing
- hiking boots with Vibram or similar sole
- via ferrata gear
- harness
- helmet
- gloves
- pickaxe and crampons (when necessary)
- a length of rope (recommended)
Statistics
- 3 Waypoints
- 3 Waypoints
Questions and answers
Rating
Photos from others