Monte San Primo excursion
Excursion to Monte San Primo, the peak of the Como Prealps, is the highest in the Larian triangle (1,682 m).
It is a peak very popular with hikers and families by virtue of a simple and danger-free route (there are several climbing routes) and a spectacular panorama that has no equal, in which the view extends 360 degrees dominating both branches of Lake Como below, the Como Prealps, the Alps (often recognizable as the Monte Rosa) and the Po Valley.
On extremely clear days you can even see the northern Apennines. For no other reason, some consider it the most panoramic mountain in the entire territory How And Lecco!
We present you two climbing routes to reach the summit: one shorter with greater difference in altitude, the other longer with less slope (more suitable for children or the less fit).
1. Monte San Primo path from Piano Rancio
General informations
- Starting location: parking San Primo Park, Piano Rancio, 968 m above sea level
- Length: approximately 10 kilometers return
- Height difference: about 700 meters
- Duration: about 2 hours on the move
- Waterfall: no one on the trail
- Refreshment points: no one on the trail
At the Ghisallo pass, turning left and following the signs "San Primo”, you reach Piano Rancio where we suggest leaving the car at the ski lifts (after the Genzianella restaurant on the right).
You begin the climb by aiming in direction Alpe Borgo, and you go up along a small asphalt road in the middle of very green meadows. You quickly reach Alpe Borgo (about 15 minutes) and take the path that slopes off to the right.
Following the white and red signs you then enter a tree-lined stretch which in summer provides the only shade on the route (enjoy it!)
After a few more minutes of walking you emerge from the vegetation to reach a crossroads (about 15 minutes) where you will find directions to follow towards: Alpe Sicurezzala, Dorsal, Terrabiotta And Colma di Sormano.
Therefore, taking the path again, which is a bit bumpy in this section, in half an hour you reach the Terrabiotta alp, where it reconnects with the dirt road coming from the Colma di Sormano (see the next route).
The first breathtaking view opens up: from the south-west turning east and then north again: Monte Palanzone, the Po Valley, Lake Pusiano, Monte Cornizzolo, Corni di Canzo, Monte Moregallo, the Lecco branch of Lake Como, Monte Resegone, Monte Two Hands, Grigne Group, Bellagio and the upper lake, Tremezzina.
2. Monte San Primo path from Colma di Sormano
General informations
- Starting location: Colma di Sormano car park, 1122 m above sea level
- Length: approximately 15 kilometers return
- Height difference: about 550 meters
- Duration: about 3 uphill
- Waterfall: absent
- Refreshment points: no one on the trail
From Sormano you can reach Colma di Sormano, where there is the possibility of parking.
From here, take the dirt path immediately near the "La Colma" refreshment point, heading north, after about 50 minutes reaching Alpe Difesala (1238m above sea level), recognizable by a splendid beech tree. Here behind us the view opens up on the Grigne and the Resegone.
Continuing the path, always well signposted, you reach a bubble (in the photo) from which you can begin to glimpse the Lecco branch of the Lake Como and the Terrabiotta alp, thus rejoining the path that goes up from Rancio Plan.
You therefore have the same two choices to continue: coastal path or that along the ridges, more panoramic but with some ups and downs that increase the height difference to overcome.
However, in another hour's walk you reach the summit, with its wonderful view.
Paths to the summit of Monte San Primo from Alpe di Terrabiotta
To the west, however, the path continues which offers you two possibilities: continue along the dirt road which climbs gently halfway up to the summit, or follow the ridge which, with a little more effort, offers a satisfying route. of ups and downs and wonderful views.
It is necessary for both routes calculate at least 1 hour of walking, also because in some points you won't be able not to stop and enjoy the view!
Summit and Panorama: Monte San Primo excursion
The last stretch, where the slope increases significantly, is common to both choices.
Hold on tight at this point, because in a few minutes you will reach the summit: here you will find a cross, two radio antennas and a trigonometric point of the Military Geographic Institute. But the wonder is all about the view!
Descent and stop at the Martina Refuge
For the descent, you can follow the same itinerary as the ascent. If you want to complete the circular tour instead, you can descend towards the Martina refuge (1221m above sea level) at the Picitt alp and from here return to the initial car park.
Be careful though, this descent route is much steeper and more bumpy, not recommended if you are inexperienced.
Some advice for the excursion on Monte San Primo
- Wherever you leave from, be equipped with water in the summer! The trails are mostly in the sun and there are no refreshments once you set off.
- In winter, find out about the snow situation before leaving: you may need crampons or, sometimes, even snowshoes.
- In case of snow, the last part of the path that climbs the coast towards the summit from Terrabiotta is often closed. We recommend that you always respect the instructions so as not to put yourself and others at risk!
We thank the author of the article Martina Sangianini, our super Creator.
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