Imagine a place where, in just half an hour’s walk, you can find yourself suspended between heaven and earth, your eyes sweeping from Arco Castle with the Sarca Valley, to Mount Brione between Torbole and Riva del Garda, to the sparkling waters of the lake.
The Croce dei Colodri is just that: a vantage point nestled between karst rocks and holm oaks, where adventure meets the most spectacular view.
How to get to the Croce dei Colodri
The path starts from Laghel, a small hamlet in the municipality of Arco, right next to the small Church of Santa Maria. You must take path number 431, which is also clearly marked by a sign naming it ‘Sentiero dei Lecci’ (Holm-oak path), precisely because of the typical Mediterranean vegetation (Holm-oak, Broom, Olive tree and Terebinthus); but there are also Black Hornbeam, Black Pine and Lesser Ash trees.
The path – after an initial stretch that climbs up surrounded by cypress trees planted more than a century ago by the famous engineer Gianni Caproni (who used their wood to design the first planes, in the early 1900s) – climbs up between rocks and natural steps, and then ends in a short, flatter stretch in the middle of the forest, which takes you to the summit of Monte Colodri with its imposing cross, located at 373 m. Although the altitude is not high at all, you will feel as if you are much higher, thanks to the magnificent perspective that will stand out before you.
The route has an altitude difference of 150 m, which in one go takes about 30-40 minutes. You then return via the same path.
It is suitable for everyone, but not for all shoes! Always remember to wear hiking boots with a good grip.
Photographer’s tip: if you want beautiful sunshine illuminating the landscape, without backlighting, we recommend going in the morning.
Where to park
If you are lucky you can park your car right next to the Church of Santa Maria di Laghel, but be careful because there are only 3-4 spaces.
Otherwise, as you drive up to Laghel you will see on your left, there is a large dirt car park, which is also used to follow the path to Arco Castle. From there to the little church of Laghel it is about a 15-minute walk uphill among the olive trees.
Donkey Wall Crag
Just before reaching the summit, on your left, the Muro dell’Asino (Donkey’s Wall) crag awaits you: a striking rock face, perfect for approaching climbing, and also suitable for children.
This corner of nature is also ideal for a regenerating break: a beautiful meadow invites you to stretch out in the sun, while a couple of wooden tables with benches offer a comfortable place for an open-air picnic.
Summit Book
Right on the Colodri Cross, you will notice a small metal box containing the Libro di Vetta (Summit Book) (edited by SAT – Società Alpinisti Tridentini), in which to write a thought to leave in a place of the heart like this.
Madonnina
From the cross you can see, on a rocky spur not far away, the elegant white silhouette of the Madonnina. Reaching her is a short but suggestive adventure: it only takes a few minutes’ walk to find yourself at her feet.
Caution: the route has exposed sections and requires caution, given the presence of somewhat impervious points. But for those who tackle the route, the reward is a breathtaking panorama that, unlike the one from the Cross, can also sweep northwards.
What to do around the Colodri Cross
Since you have boots on your feet, why not use them for the rest of the day?
Set off to discover Bosco Caproni, explore oolite quarries and Great War trenches, or immerse yourself in the evocative lunar landscape of the Marocche di Dro.
As you have read, this little excursion offers so much beauty, but also much food for thought and opportunities for sharing. Don’t miss it!
Bye dear Outdoors,
Silvia Turazza
