Ferrata Che Guevara

The via ferrata that Guevara climbs leads from Pietramurata to the summit of Monte Casale, with an elevation gain of 1,400 metres, following the mountain’s imposing east face. It is a very long route, both on the ascent and the descent. It requires good physical fitness and stamina.

Leave your car at the entrance to the village of Pietramurata (coming from Trento, at the roundabout after the bridge over the Sarca, turn right until you reach a large car park behind the industrial estate) and, once you’ve put on your harness, head towards the cliff face along a well-marked path with SAT colour markings. The route climbs through the woods, with some rather steep and strenuous sections, and in about 20 minutes leads to the first metal cable. You climb up easy rocky terrain, without any particular technical difficulties, alternating between sections of path and sections of via ferrata to reach the actual start of the via ferrata, about 1 hour 20 minutes from the car park.

The climb follows the steep eastern face of Monte Casale, without ever becoming too strenuous. The numerous steps and metal handrails make for a pleasant climb and ensure that your arms do not become too tired.

During the ascent, the numerous ledges provide ideal spots to stop, rest and take some magnificent photos of Lakes Toblino, Cavedine and Garda, as well as Mount Stivo, Bondone and Baldo, which come into view on the horizon as you gain altitude. Once you reach the summit of Monte Casale, on the opposite side, the nearby Brenta Group completes the ‘gallery’ of landscapes. A well-deserved break at the Don Zio mountain hut, and then it’s time to set off on the descent.

This can be done either along the easy forest track leading back to Sarche, a walk of about 3 hours, or along the SAT 408 path (then the 426 junction), which you take after walking for about 20 minutes towards Comano. This second option is quicker but a little more technically challenging.