Monte San Primo excursion

    The excursion to Monte San Primo is a very popular destination due to its simple and danger-free route, but above all it offers a panorama that takes your breath away.

    Monte San Primo excursion

    Excursion to Monte San Primo , the peak of the Como Prealps, the highest in the Larian triangle (1.682 m).

    This is a popular peak for hikers and families due to its simple, risk-free route (there are several climbing routes) and its spectacular, unparalleled panorama, offering a 360-degree view of both branches of Lake Como below, the Como Prealps, the Alps ( Monte Rosa is often recognisable ) and the Po Valley.

    On extremely clear days, you can even see the Northern Apennines. Indeed, some consider it the most panoramic mountain in the entire area between Como and Lecco!

    We present two climbing routes to reach the summit : a shorter one with a greater difference in altitude, the other longer one with a less steep slope (more suitable for children or the less trained).

    1. Monte San Primo path from Piano Rancio

    General informations

    • Starting location: parking San Primo Park, Piano Rancio, 968 m above sea level
    • Length: about 10 kilometers return
    • Difference: about 700 meters
    • Duration: about 2 hours on the move
    • Water: no one on the path
    • Refreshment points: no one on the path

    At the Ghisallo Pass, turning left and following the sign for “ San Primo ”, you reach the locality of Piano Rancio where we suggest leaving your car at the ski lifts (after the Genzianella restaurant on the right).

    We begin the climb by heading towards Alpe Borgo , and we go up along a small asphalt road amidst 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 signs to follow towards: Alpe Spessola , Dorsale , Terrabiotta and Colma di Sormano.
    Through Martina Sangianini for sending us some shots of the trail.

    So, getting back on the path, which is a bit bumpy on this stretch, in half an hour you reach the Terrabiotta alp, where it rejoins the dirt road coming from Colma di Sormano (see the next route).

    The first breathtaking view opens up: from the southwest 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 Due Mani , the Grigne Group, Bellagio and the upper lake, Tremezzina.
    Through Martina Sangianini for sending us some shots of the trail.

    2. Monte San Primo path from Colma di Sormano

    General informations

    From Sormano you can reach Colma di Sormano, where there is the possibility of parking.

    From here you take the dirt path immediately near the "La Colma" refreshment point, heading north, reaching after about 50 minutes the Insieme alp (1238m above sea level), recognizable by a splendid beech tree. 

    Here behind us the view opens up on the Grigne and the Resegone.

    Continuing along the path, which is always well signposted, you reach a bubble (pictured) from which you can begin to glimpse the Lecco branch of Lake Como and the Terrabiotta alp, then rejoining the path that climbs from Piano Rancio.

    You therefore have the same two choices for continuing: the coastal path or the one along the ridges , which is more panoramic but has some ups and downs that increase the difference in altitude to be 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, offering you two options : continue along the dirt road that gently climbs halfway up the hill to the summit, or follow the ridge which, with a little more effort, offers a rewarding route with ups and downs and wonderful views.

    For both routes, you need to calculate at least 1 hour of walking , also because in some places you won't be able to resist stopping to 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!
    Through Martina Sangianini, Martina Marzorati e Piera Anastasia for sending us some shots of the trail.

    Descent and stop at the Martina Refuge

    For the descent, you can follow the same route as the ascent. If you want to complete the loop, you can descend towards the Martina refuge (1221 m above sea level) near the Picitt alpine pasture and from there return to the starting parking lot.

    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!
    Through Martina Sangianini, Martina Marzorati e Piera Anastasia for sending us some shots of the trail.

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