The 10 Most Amazing Peaks around Parco naturale della Alta Valle Pesio e Tanaro
Best mountain peaks around Parco naturale della Alta Valle Pesio e Tanaro are found within the Parco Naturale Marguareis, a protected area in the Ligurian Alps. This region is characterized by its unique karst landscape, extensive cave systems, and diverse ecosystems. The park offers a network of hiking trails that lead to various summits, providing opportunities to explore its natural features. It is known for its rich biodiversity, including both alpine and Mediterranean plant species, and a variety of alpine…
Last updated: July 14, 2026
Pian delle Gorre
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Duke Pass
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Marguareis Lake
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Morgantini Hut
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Saline Pass
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Tips from the Community
Left home at 7 am, arrived at the Pian delle Gorre refuge at 8:30 am for breakfast and around 8:45 am departure for the tour… and to think that it was supposed to be just the Pis del Pesio loop… but then, arriving at the crossroads, I remembered Tissone's words who had been there just a week before and told me that the Pis doesn't wet, so what do I do, go see a waterfall without water?? No way!! And so off towards the Duca pass… then, arriving from the Duca… it was still early… alright, I got carried away… off towards the Garelli refuge… and back to the Pian delle Gorre refuge… a top day!!! I almost didn't deserve it!!! But that’s it!!! So, a big loop!! But damn me and damn these f…ing loop tours… ahahahah… a very positive first experience!!! I was home at 4:30 pm
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... Duca e Garelli trail … show me the way Started from home at 7, arrived at Rifugio Pian delle Gorre at 8:30, breakfast and around 8:45 departure for the tour… and to think that it was supposed to be just the Pis del Pesio loop… but then, arriving at the crossroads, I remembered Tissone's words who had been there just a week before and told me that the Pis wasn't pissing anymore and so what do I do, go see a waterfall without water?? No way!! And so off towards Passo del Duca… then arriving from the Duca… it was still early… alright then I got carried away… off towards Rifugio Garelli… and back to Rifugio Pian delle Gorre… a top day!!! I almost didn't deserve it!!! But that’s it!!! So loop!! But damn me and damn these fucking loop trails… ahahahah … as a first experience very positive!!! At 16:30 I was home
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Located at 1,928 meters above sea level in the heart of the homonymous Natural Park, this small alpine body of water lies in a picturesque grassy hollow right at the foot and start of the famous Torinesi and Genovesi canals. Next to the lake is the Rifugio Garelli with the adjacent botanical station "Danilo Re". Being a protected area with a very high biodiversity value, it is the ideal place to stop and observe up close the rich flora typical of the park and, with a bit of attention, spot the chamois and marmots that inhabit the area.
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The structure is a scientific hut dedicated to speleological research in the nearby Conca delle Carsene, managed by the Alpi Marittime Speleological Group.
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An Alpine pass that can be reached quite easily, if you follow the wide mule track that climbs in hairpin bends and that starts from Gias degli Arpi
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Magnificent route, both uphill and downhill. Not for beginners. You need to have some technical riding skills both uphill and downhill (and conditional training even with e-bikes), but very beautiful. ABSOLUTELY AVOID the very technical Gias Funtena part downhill and especially very popular with hikers between April and September especially the period May - July (phenomenon of the Pis del Pesio) and continue along the uphill route also downhill thus visiting, in 3 minutes of walking, the Cascate del Saut before arriving at Pian delle Gorre. Pedaling all uphill including the last 3 hairpin bends. Breathtaking landscapes. Period June (evaluate the presence of potentially dangerous snow at Passo del Duca) - October
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with e-bike you can pedal almost everything, only small sections, not suitable for everyone, experience is required
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we reach the Malaberga plain (2,219 m) and the nearby Morgantini speleological hut (2,237 m), curiously belonging to the municipality of Briga Alta. It is in fact one of the rare cases of an “enclave”, that is, an administrative island.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most prominent mountain peaks in the Parco Naturale Marguareis?
The highest peak in the Ligurian Alps and the symbolic heart of the park is Punta Marguareis (2,651 m). Other significant peaks include Saline Peak (Cima delle Saline, 2,612 m) and Pian Ballaur Peak (Cima Pian Ballaur, 2,604 m). These peaks contribute to the park's dramatic alpine scenery and extensive karst features.
What unique natural features can I explore around these mountain peaks?
The region is renowned for its unique karst landscape, featuring vast cave systems, striking limestone formations, sinkholes, and deep gullies. Punta Marguareis, for instance, is famous for over 150 kilometers of explored caves. You can also visit Marguareis Lake, which is fed by local springs and surrounded by rhododendrons and green meadows.
Are there family-friendly options for exploring the mountain peaks?
Yes, areas like Pian delle Gorre are considered family-friendly. It serves as an excellent starting point for numerous walks and offers a refuge with services, making it a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Marguareis Lake also provides a relaxing spot for picnics amidst green meadows.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Parco Naturale Marguareis?
The park boasts exceptional biodiversity, including typical alpine species such as eagles, chamois, and marmots. It is also notable for the return of the wolf to the Italian Alps in this region. The unique blend of alpine and Mediterranean climates supports a rich variety of flora and fauna.
What are some popular hiking trails near the mountain peaks?
The park offers an excellent network of marked footpaths. For challenging ascents, consider routes that lead to Saline Peak or Pian Ballaur Peak, which offer rewarding 360-degree views. You can find various routes, including difficult ones like the 'Rifugio Piero Garelli loop from Parcheggio Pian delle Gorre' or 'Lago Ratavuloira – Cima delle Saline loop from Cima delle Saline', on the Mountain Hikes guide.
Are there mountain huts or refuges available for hikers?
Yes, the park has welcoming mountain refuges. Pian delle Gorre has a refuge that serves as a great starting point for excursions. Another option is the Morgantini Hut, a scientific hut primarily for speleological research, which can sometimes be used as a bivouac by agreement with the Alpi Marittime Speleological Group.
What is the best time of year to visit the mountain peaks in this region?
The unique blend of alpine and Mediterranean climates means the park offers a rich experience for nature enthusiasts across seasons. For hiking and multi-day treks, the warmer months are generally ideal, allowing access to the extensive network of marked footpaths and mountain refuges.
What are the options for cycling or mountain biking near these peaks?
The area around Parco Naturale Marguareis offers various cycling opportunities. For mountain biking, you can explore routes like the 'Chapel of the Olocco – Olocco Chapel loop from Parcheggio Pian delle Gorre' or the 'Pian delle Gorre – Piero Garelli Hut loop'. More options are available in the MTB Trails guide. For gravel biking, routes such as the 'Limone Piemonte town centre – Chalet Le Marmotte loop' are featured in the Gravel biking guide.
What kind of views can I expect from the summits?
From the summit of Punta Marguareis, visitors can enjoy expansive panoramic views that, on clear days, can stretch from Corsica to Monte Rosa. Saline Peak and Pian Ballaur Peak also offer truly suggestive and rewarding views, particularly over the Ellero Valley.
Are there any specific challenges or difficulties when hiking these peaks?
While some trails are intermediate, others, especially to higher summits like Saline Peak, can be challenging. The climb from the east from Passo delle Saline is almost entirely on scree. Routes to Pian Ballaur Peak are not technically difficult but can be strenuous due to elevation gain. Always check route difficulty before embarking on a hike.
What is the significance of the 'Piccole Dolomiti' (Small Dolomites) reference for this region?
The Parco Naturale Marguareis, with its imposing alpine environment and distinctive karst features, is sometimes referred to as 'Piccole Dolomiti'. This highlights the dramatic and rugged limestone formations that characterize many of its peaks, including Punta Marguareis and its surrounding summits.
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See even more amazing summits around Parco naturale della Alta Valle Pesio e Tanaro with these guides:
