San Nazzaro Val Cavargna is a charming mountain village nestled between Lake Como and Lake Lugano. Here, you can find a convenient parking area from which you can embark on an interesting hike to Pizzo di Gino and Cima Pianchette. Along this relatively easy and undemanding trail, you can take a break at the Croce di Campo refuge. If you book a few hours in advance, you can secure a comfortable spot at a table for lunch. On this particular occasion, we didn’t make it all the way to Pizzo di Gino, but the place is so captivating, and the views are so expansive that I will definitely return to conquer that peak as well.
From San Nazzaro Val Cavargna to Cima Pianchette
The trail is straightforward and suitable for all skill levels. Initially, you pass through a small forest, and later on, the trail intersects with a mountain road where, unfortunately, you may encounter a few cars, especially from hunters or casual visitors to the refuge who aren’t keen on hiking.
Taking the detour along the slightly wilderness trail that runs parallel to the road can be a good compromise. Once you’ve passed the refuge, you can take the high route that leads directly to the ridge. Be cautious here because, in our case, we were led astray by an unmarked trail on our GPS that followed a lower path around the mountain. As a result, we had to cut across an off-road section to rejoin the correct trail. At the summit, the view is breathtaking, and Pizzo di Gino is just a stone’s throw away.
Going back to the car parking
The return trip is a leisurely walk, with a gentle and undemanding descent. After a pleasant lunch break at the refuge, we resumed the trail that leads back to the parking area for cars.
Some pics
