Ascent to Lago Nero —Ring tour

Hike the Ascent to Lago Nero —Ring tour for extraordinary panoramas in the Italian Alps' Valle Maira. This moderate 5.8-mile (9.4 km) loop takes about 3 hours and 59 minutes to complete, climbing 1976 feet (602 metres) through larch forests and pastures. You will cross a wooden bridge near Grange Selvest and follow paths that lead to the beautiful Lago Nero, whose crystalline waters reflect the surrounding larches and, on clear days, the impressive Monviso. Look out for Rocca la Meja in the distance as you make your way around the lake basin, before descending through Grange Chiacarloso and Grange Colombero.

This ring tour is generally considered a moderate hike, requiring good fitness and sure-footedness, but it is also family-friendly. The trail typically begins from Grange Selvest, located shortly after Preit di Canosio, and loops back to this starting point. The route predominantly features natural paths and mountain hiking trails, with some sections on unpaved roads and a small portion on paved road. Spring and summer are particularly good times to visit, offering pleasant conditions for your adventure.

Lago Nero itself is a pristine alpine lake, serving as the highlight of this popular destination. The route offers captivating mountain scenery and panoramic views of the Valle Maira. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like marmots and chamois amidst the rich alpine vegetation. If you are interested, small detours on the way back can lead you to the Alpine tombstone or the Pis del Passet waterfalls.