As you already know, our territory offers truly magnificent sceneries. For this very reason, you should take advantage of these holidays (or weekends in August) to explore our mountains and their trekking trails, which will allow you to experience the lake and its surroundings from a different, magical perspective.
MOUNT CROCIONE
Mount Crocione, standing at 1,641 meters, rises in front of the Bellagio peninsula. From its summit, you can enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the lake, with Bellagio in the foreground and its division into the two famous branches. The panorama also extends to the surrounding peaks, particularly with a view of the Grigne mountain group.
If you start from the locality of Croce above Menaggio, you will embark on a longer and more challenging trek, but certainly more rewarding and less crowded. This route will allow you to discover one of the best viewpoints overlooking Lake Como.
However, be prepared, as this is also one of the longer routes: expect approximately 6 hours for the round trip.
LAKE DARENGO
Lake Darengo is an enchanting alpine lake with crystal-clear waters, nestled between granite massifs and rugged ridges. The surrounding valley, with its wild beauty, is crisscrossed by the profile of several waterfalls and surrounded by marvelous forests. The lake is located at the top of the valley bearing the same name, at the foot of Pizzo della Gratella, Pizzo Campanile, Sasso Bodengo, and Pizzo San Pio.
Your itinerary will begin from Dangri: before Crotto, turn right and cross the characteristic bridge. Then, ascend along the steep mule track that leads to Baggio. Along the way, you will come across the Sanctuary of Sant'Anna, and as you continue to climb, you will reach the pastures of Baggio (970 m).
From there, proceed along a narrower trail that ventures into the valley until you reach the huts of Borgo (1055 m). Continuing along the Darengo stream, you will arrive at Rifugio Pianezza (1252 m). Subsequently, you will reach Alpe Darengo and cross an exposed and rocky section, quite steep, which will lead you to Rifugio Avert Darengo (1774 m). After a few steps, you will reach Lake Darengo and Capanna Como (1790 m).
I can assure you that the enchanting charm of the landscape will make you forget the fatigue and the length of the route. This itinerary can be completed in 3-4 hours.
MOUNT LEGNONE
Mount Legnone, with an altitude of 2,609 meters, is one of the highest peaks in the Orobie Alps. Its majestic summit offers a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding region, including the lakes and valleys. The mountain is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, with rocky slopes, alpine meadows, and forests.
From the enchanting Rifugio Roccoli Lorla (1463 m), take the trail behind it that will lead you towards Mount Legnone. After a short distance and at the end of a descent, follow the signs for Agrogno and continue along the trail that winds through a larch forest.
Near a first hut, the trail becomes flatter and leads to Alpe Agrogno (1644 m). After some more flat stretches, the path becomes steeper until you reach the pass known as Porta del Merli (2129 m).
Once you pass the bivouac, the trail becomes challenging and ascends among rocks with a steeper slope. Finally, you will reach the large cross located on the summit (2609 m), from which you can admire a large part of the Alpine arc, from Monviso to Ortles, including the spectacular Disgrazia, the peaks of Val Masino, the Valle del Mera, and the marvelous Lake Como.
This route, given its difficulty, will take you a bit of time: allow a little over 6 hours for the round trip.
PIZZO DI GINO
Pizzo di Gino, also known as Menone, is a mountain in the Alps, reaching an altitude of 2,245 meters above sea level. It is the highest peak in the Prealpi Luganesi and is located not far from the western shore of Lake Como, between the Albano Valley and the Val Cavargna. Our starting point is Passo Giovo, in the Garzena area.
The initial section of the route is relatively easy and follows a well-maintained trail. After about an hour of hiking, the trail splits into two: to the right, it leads to Bocchetta di Sommafiume, while to the left, it goes towards Rifugio Sommafiume and Pizzo di Gino.
By turning left, you continue uphill along a narrow path that leads, in about an hour, to Bocchetta di Senavecchia (1995 m). At the junction for Rifugio Croce di Campo, the trail becomes more challenging, with some exposed sections and passages that require the use of hands. After about 150 meters, you will reach another junction that offers two options for the final ascent to Pizzo di Gino.
Continuing along the trail (marked by red dots) on the right, you bypass the northwestern slope of Pizzo and reach the pastures that characterize the southern slopes. From here, the climb to the summit becomes steep and strenuous, but gradual and more manageable.
Instead, by taking the left route, you tackle the direct route to Pizzo di Gino, which is shorter but more demanding, with exposed sections and some passages that require the use of hands. Once you reach Pizzo di Gino (2245 m), you can enjoy a spectacular panorama of the Alpine arc, Lake Como, and the Larian Prealps.
Allow for approximately 4 hours for the round trip, considering the difficulty of the trail.
PASSO SAN JORIO
Passo San Jorio is a mountain pass located in the Lepontine Alps, on the border between Italy and Switzerland. It sits at an altitude of approximately 2,054 meters and is one of the historical communication routes between Italy and Switzerland. Furthermore, it offers a spectacular panorama of the surrounding mountains and the Intelvi Valley.
Passo San Jorio is also a place of historical and cultural interest. During World War II, it was an important crossing point for the partisan resistance and witnessed clashes between Italian and German forces. Today, there are still traces of this historical period, such as bunkers and memorial trails.
Our route starts from Brenzeglio, where a fountain and signs for Rifugio San Jorio can be found. The ascent begins on the grassy slopes of Monte Cortafon, on the right side of the Dongana Valley, until reaching the Monti di Ciaccio (1020 m) and subsequently the houses of Piazza Cavada (1175 m). From there, the trail becomes steeper, and through a long series of hairpin bends, you reach Dosso di Brento (1435 m). At the top of the ridge, slightly uphill, you will find Alpe di Brento (1461 m).
Once you surpass the alp, continue along a trail with a steady incline that leads to Rifugio Il Giovo (1714 m, currently closed). Leaving the refuge on the right, take the road that alternates between dirt and paved sections. Crossing several streams and a couple of final hairpin bends, after approximately 50 minutes of walking from Rifugio Il Giovo, you will arrive at Rifugio San Jorio (1980 m), formerly a barracks of the Guardia di Finanza. Continue along the steep dirt trail that, after a few steps, leads to Passo San Jorio.
From the pass, you can enjoy a marvelous panorama that stretches from Alto Lario to Valtellina, Lake Maggiore, the Swiss Alps, Monte Rosa, and the Matterhorn.
Not far from the pass stands the Church of San Jorio (2040 m), dedicated to the hermit.
Also, for this last itinerary, allow for 4 hours for the round trip.
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