Alta Via dell'Adamello-Tappa 8 (Garibaldi-Occhi)

The Alta Via dell'Adamello Tappa 8 (Garibaldi–Occhi) is a 10 km point-to-point trail in Lombardy, Italy, gaining roughly 860 m of elevation over a single full day. Rated EE (for experienced hikers), it crosses the airy Passo delle Gole Larghe at 2,804 m, linking the Venerocolo basin to the Aviolo cirque through chamois country and First World War terrain.

About the Alta Via dell'Adamello-Tappa 8 (Garibaldi-Occhi)

Tappa 8 is the eighth stage of the Alta Via dell'Adamello, the long-distance high route also catalogued by the CAI (Club Alpino Italiano) as Sentiero Numero 1. The full traverse runs the length of the Adamello-Presanella massif in the Parco dell'Adamello, on the Lombard side of the range straddling the Lombardy–Trentino border. This particular segment carries the official trail number 601 and connects the Rifugio Giacomo Garibaldi above Lago di Venerocolo to the Rifugio Sandro Occhi all'Aviolo, a walk of about 10 km that most parties complete in six to seven hours.

The stage has a long military memory. Trail 601 was nicknamed "Il Calvario" (the Calvary) by the alpine troops who used it during the First World War, because for soldiers marching up from Temù it was the last and most punishing stretch before reaching the foot of the glacier. Fortified trenches and stone emplacements from the so-called White War still survive near Pornina, and the route is as much a walk through history as it is a mountain crossing.

Despite its modest 10 km length, this is not an easy day. The EE grading (Escursionisti Esperti, experienced hikers) reflects exposed passages protected by chains and fixed cables, loose rocky ground, and a high pass that holds snow well into summer. Sure-footedness and a head for heights are required, and the stage is best treated as a committing alpine day rather than a casual ramble. The reward is a quiet, wildlife-rich corner of the Adamello that sees a fraction of the crowds found in the nearby Dolomites.

Geographically, the stage sits in the heart of the Adamello-Presanella group, the largest glaciated area in the Italian Alps. To the east rises the Adamello itself at 3,539 m, while the trail threads the boundary between the deep Val d'Avio and the hanging Conca dell'Aviolo. Walkers tackling Tappa 8 are usually on day eight or so of the full Sentiero 1 traverse, which typically takes nine to ten days from Edolo to Rino. Treated on its own, the stage works as a demanding two-day out-and-back from the valley, but it shines most as a link in the longer chain, where each refuge night builds toward the glacier crossings of the route's central stages.

Route Overview & Stages

Tappa 8 is a single self-contained stage, but it breaks naturally into three sections: the rocky descent from Rifugio Garibaldi, the long climb to Passo delle Gole Larghe, and the drop into the Aviolo cirque. The table below outlines the day for planning purposes.

Distances for the sub-sections are approximate; the official figure for the whole stage is around 10 km with 860 m of ascent. Because most of the climb is concentrated in the middle third, pace yourself for the long pull to the Gole Larghe pass, which is the crux of the day.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Rifugio Giacomo Garibaldi (2,548 m) — The CAI-operated hut at the head of Val d'Avio and the stage's starting point, perched beneath the Adamello glacier above Lago di Venerocolo.
• Lago di Venerocolo — A glacial lake fed by the retreating Venerocolo glacier; the basin opens dramatic views back toward the Adamello summit (3,539 m).
• Il Calvario (Trail 601) — The rocky path nicknamed by alpine soldiers; the first descending section sets the rugged tone of the day.
• Pornina trenches — Surviving First World War fortifications and stone walls from the White War, a tangible reminder of high-altitude combat above 2,500 m.
• Passo delle Gole Larghe (2,804 m) — The high point of the stage, a stony saddle connecting Val d'Avio to the Conca dell'Aviolo and the natural watershed of the walk.
• Chamois herds — The slopes around the pass are among the best places in the park to spot large groups of chamois, often grazing within sight of the trail.
• Lago d'Aviolo — A deep mountain lake in the Aviolo cirque, ringed by larch and rough pasture where marmots whistle from the boulders.
• Rifugio Sandro Occhi all'Aviolo (1,930 m) — The welcoming end-of-stage refuge beside Lago d'Aviolo, with golden eagles frequently seen overhead on the final approach.

Best Time to Hike the Alta Via dell'Adamello-Tappa 8 (Garibaldi-Occhi)

The realistic hiking window for Tappa 8 runs from late June to mid-September, with the broader season sometimes stretching from April to October at lower elevations. Because the route tops out at 2,804 m and crosses north-facing ground, snow lingers on the approach to Passo delle Gole Larghe well into early summer. The chained sections become genuinely dangerous when iced or wet, so timing matters more here than on a low-level path.

The single best month is August. By August the snow has cleared from the pass, the staffed refuges are fully open, and daytime temperatures at altitude typically sit between 10°C and 18°C, with cold nights near freezing. July is a close second but can still hold snow patches in a heavy-snow year, while September brings crisp, stable air and thinner crowds at the cost of shorter days and the first risk of an early autumn snowfall. As of 2026, alpine seasons in the Adamello continue to start slightly earlier than the historical average because of reduced winter snowpack and ongoing glacier retreat, but you should still verify pass conditions with the refuge before committing. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in midsummer, so plan to be over the Gole Larghe before early afternoon.

Practical Information

Accommodation

This is a hut-to-hut stage, so a refuge bed at each end is the standard approach. The Rifugio Giacomo Garibaldi (2,548 m) and the Rifugio Sandro Occhi all'Aviolo (1,930 m) are both CAI-affiliated and staffed in summer. Expect dormitory rates of roughly €25–€35 per person per night for a bunk, with half-board (dinner, bed and breakfast) typically €55–€70. CAI members receive a meaningful discount, so an alpine club membership often pays for itself over a multi-day trip. Booking ahead by phone or email is strongly advised in August, when beds fill quickly. Wild camping is restricted inside the Parco dell'Adamello; bivouacking is tolerated only in emergencies, pitched late and struck early, and never beside the lakes.

Getting There & Back

The gateway towns are Temù and Edolo in the upper Val Camonica. By public transport, the nearest railhead is Edolo station, terminus of the Brescia–Iseo–Edolo regional line operated by Trenord; from Edolo, local buses run up the valley toward Temù and Ponte di Legno. From Temù, a forest road and the lower stages of Sentiero 1 lead up to Rifugio Garibaldi, a substantial walk-in that most thru-hikers reach as part of the preceding stage. Driving, the closest airports are Bergamo–Orio al Serio (BGY) and Verona (VRN), each about 2.5–3 hours by car. Because Tappa 8 is point-to-point, plan your exit from the Aviolo side toward Edolo or arrange to continue along the high route rather than returning to your start.

Permits & Fees

No permit is required to walk Tappa 8, and there is no entry fee for the Parco dell'Adamello itself. Your only fixed costs are refuge nights, meals, and any local bus or train fares. Drones and off-trail camping are regulated within the park, and you should respect signed wildlife-protection zones, particularly around chamois and nesting raptors. Standard alpine etiquette applies: carry out all rubbish, keep dogs leashed near livestock, and check the official park and CAI sources for current trail advisories before you set off. The Parco dell'Adamello authority publishes stage descriptions, while the Club Alpino Italiano maintains the waymarking and refuge network along Sentiero Numero 1.

Gear & Packing List

An EE stage with fixed cables and a high pass demands a careful kit. Sturdy B-rated hiking boots with a stiff sole, trekking poles for the loose descents, and a light pair of gloves for gripping cold chains are all worth their weight. Pack a windproof shell, an insulating midlayer for the pass, sun protection for exposed terrain, and at least 1.5 litres of water capacity, since reliable sources are limited high on the route. A 35–55 litre pack comfortably carries hut gear for a multi-day traverse; the Abisko Hike 35 suits a light, refuge-based itinerary, while the Atmos AG 50 or the ultralight Arc Blast 55L give extra room if you carry a sleeping bag liner and more food between huts. If you are weighing pack options for a long alpine trip, our roundup of the best ultralight backpacks of 2026 compares seven tested models. For fuelling a 6–7 hour day with 860 m of climbing, read how many calories you need hiking a full day before you portion your trail food.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the Adamello's mix of high passes, alpine refuges and quiet trails appeals, Italy's Dolomite high routes offer a longer, equally scenic next step. These multi-day alte vie share the hut-to-hut format and EE-grade exposure of Tappa 8, scaled up to week-long traverses. Those drawn to remote balkan trekking might also enjoy our guide to hiking the Theth to Valbona trail in Albania.

• Alta Via n. 2 delle Dolomiti - Dolomiten-Höhenweg Nr. 2 (Italy), 185 km
• Alta via n. 6 delle Dolomiti (Italy), 180 km
• Alta via n. 6 delle Dolomiti - XI tappa (Italy), 180 km
• Alta via n. 6 delle Dolomiti - X tappa (Italy), 180 km
• Alta via n. 9 delle Dolomiti - Dolomiten-Höhenweg Nr. 9 (Italy), 140 km

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike Tappa 8 of the Alta Via dell'Adamello?
August is the single best month. By then snow has cleared from Passo delle Gole Larghe at 2,804 m, the refuges are fully staffed, and daytime temperatures at altitude run a comfortable 10–18°C. July is a strong alternative, while September offers stable air and fewer hikers but shorter days and a risk of early snow.

How difficult is the Garibaldi–Occhi stage?
It is graded EE (experienced hikers only). Although it is just 10 km with 860 m of ascent, the route has exposed sections protected by chains and cables, loose rocky ground, and a high pass that holds snow into early summer. Sure-footedness and a head for heights are essential, and the chained passages are hazardous when wet or iced.

How far is the trail and how long does it take per day?
Tappa 8 is a single point-to-point stage of about 10 km with roughly 860 m of climbing. Most parties complete it in six to seven hours of walking. The bulk of the ascent is concentrated on the climb to Passo delle Gole Larghe, so the day feels harder than the distance alone suggests; start early to clear the pass before afternoon storms.

Where can I stay along this stage?
The stage runs hut-to-hut between Rifugio Giacomo Garibaldi (2,548 m) and Rifugio Sandro Occhi all'Aviolo (1,930 m), both CAI-affiliated and staffed in summer. Dormitory beds cost roughly €25–€35 per night, with half-board around €55–€70. CAI members receive discounts. Book ahead in August. Wild camping is restricted inside the Parco dell'Adamello.

Do I need a permit or pay a fee?
No permit is required and there is no entry fee for the Parco dell'Adamello. Your only fixed costs are refuge nights, meals, and local transport. Drones and off-trail camping are regulated, and signed wildlife-protection zones around chamois and nesting raptors must be respected. Always check current trail advisories with the park or CAI before you set out.