Hikes in Mendatica

Diversity in the Karst A varied circuit between the Tenda Pass and the Piccole Dolomiti, as the limestone mountains around Punta Marguareis are fondly called, through the ancient cultural landscape of the Brigasker.

Penultimate step of RivierAlp, this wild section between the Arroscia and Argentina valleys offers its panoramas and forests to the most experienced hikers.

Continue your route towards Rifugio la Terza and enter the Brigasque Land, still characterized today by small herds of endemic sheep.

Beautiful panoramic route through the Navette forest, starting from the parking near the Ponte del Giairetto, continuing along the forest track that quickly climbs through the beautiful Navette forest. You can follow the entire path or use the clear shortcuts (not signposted but unmistakable). Between forest and some meadows, you climb a ridge that meets the Monesi-Tenda road (the Via del Sale). At this point, continue along the road to the right for about 500 meters until you cross a bridge, then at the nearby Rio Grosso, turn left, ascending the grassy ridge above. At first, the path is somewhat overgrown with rhododendrons, then the trail, although not marked, becomes clear but could be less visible with high grass. After passing a small grassy clearing, you continue to climb steadily, staying near the ridge. Gradually you exit the forest, cross a band of shrubs, and ascend a wide hill just before the plateau of Colla Rossa (2179 m). From here, turn left and follow the beautiful path that gently ascends, cutting across the north side of the long ridge coming from Cima Missun. When the path near a bend starts to descend, leave it to briefly climb the grassy slope leading to the summit (2356 m). On the return descent from the summit, continue right along the Marenca ridge route (SI G34) sella della Valletta - tetti delle Donzelle, until you reach the Tanarello pass (2042 m). Now descend left toward Passo della Porta, following the former military road Monesi-Colle di Tenda and reach Piani del Giairetto. Now, with the path on your right, descend to Colletta delle Salse (1626 m), and via the road return to the Giairetto parking.

Waterfalls beneath Monte FrontèThose looking to escape the heat on hot summer days along the coast will enjoy this hike, as it mostly leads through forests to cool waterfalls. And where it doesn’t, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Costa Muralta or the fertile Arroscia Valley, known for its abundance of water. Additional time should be planned for a rewarding tour through the two very picturesque mountain villages of Montegrosso Pian Latte and Mendatica.

Hike from Mendatica to the Cascate dell'Arroscia waterfalls.

The trail winds between Valletta Saddle and Garlenda Peak, thus enjoying a unique panorama of the Ligurian Alps and the Ligurian Sea in the background.

Above the village of Mendatica there is a series of spectacular waterfalls formed in the upper course of the Arroscia Stream, between dense woods. The waterfalls can be reached from Mendatica by an ancient mule-track.

All along the way, trails or tracks in the woods are followed (with the exception of a very brief passage on the provincial road, which flanks the Alta Via here and there). Panoramic glimpses through the woods offer beautiful views upstream, in the direction of the Marguareis complex, and toward the Arroscia Valley below and the sea.

Rifugio Ca' da Cardella - Mendatica - Chiesa di Santa Caterina - Chiesa dei Santi Nazario e Celso - Chiesa Santa Margherita - Pilun - Montegrosso Pian Latte - Santa Elisabetta