At the head of the Presena Valley, in the westernmost sector of the Presanella Group, lies a small yet fascinating system of alpine lakes known as the Monticello Lakes. The largest is the Lower Monticello Lake, located at 2,544 m. These basins occupy the floor of a glacial cirque shaped by Quaternary glaciers, with shores composed mainly of moraine debris and rocks polished by glacial erosion. The waters come from the nearby Monticello Glacier and from meltwater pools, giving the lakes their typical light‑green color and low transparency, characteristic of lakes fed by sediment‑rich glacial waters.
The lakes are located near Passo Paradiso, a natural connection point between Passo del Tonale and the Presena Glacier, in a high‑altitude environment dominated by tonalite rocks, residual snowfields, and wide‑open views of the Presanella peaks.
How to reach the Monticello Lakes
Passo del Tonale (1,883 m) can be reached via the SS42 road, either from Val Camonica (BS) or from Val di Sole (TN). Shortly before the pass, for those arriving from the Lombardy side, you can park in the convenient roadside areas and take the Paradiso Cable Car, which quickly brings you to Passo Paradiso (2,585 m). From here, you may continue with the cable car up to Passo Presena (2,997 m), an extraordinary panoramic viewpoint over the glacier.
From Passo Paradiso, follow the trail heading south to reach the Lower Monticello Lake. Continuing along the path toward Capanna Presena, you will also encounter the Middle Monticello Lake (2,558 m) and the Upper Monticello Lake, both set among metamorphic rocks and glacial deposits.
Access on foot from Passo del Tonale
The lakes can also be reached entirely on foot, starting from Passo del Tonale near the Paradiso Camper Area. From here, follow the SAT 281 trail, which climbs the valley along a longer but very scenic route.
Duration: approx. 5 hours round trip Difficulty: E – Hiking Elevation gain: medium, with sections on unstable terrain Recommended for: hikers with some experience in alpine environments.
