Monte Stivo

Like a sleeping giant, Monte Stivo reclines across the flatlands above northern Lake Garda. It’s a beast of a peak, clocking up 2,059 meters in height. It’s not the tallest in the region, though (that honor goes to Monte Baldo above Malcesine). But you can’t conquer Stivo by simply hopping on a cable car. That’s the fun part. The hike from bottom to top ranges through thick fir forests and even passes a donkey sanctuary at Malga Zanga (give the big Bernese dogs a hug, please!). Then, it opens onto high alpine pastures dotted with cows. The rewards are the 360 degree views of the Piccolo Dolomites and the Brenta Range, along with a cold beer at wonderful Rifugio Prospero Marchetti.