Hikes in Pellio Intelvi

During the crossing of the southernmost Alpine peak of Ticino, we experience phenomenal depth and wide views, colorful mountain meadows, and a scenic descent with the cog railway.

Monte Generoso, Cima Boll, Monte Orimento, Cima Croce from Erbonne

Loop hike in the Ponna Valley starting from Laino (670 m).

This trail starts in Arogno and leads to Monte Generoso, passing through picturesque landscapes with mule tracks, alpine pastures, and forests. Along the way, you encounter panoramic viewpoints and historical sections, reaching the summit with the famous "Fiore di pietra." Ideal for experienced hikers seeking nature and breathtaking views.

Classic tour of Monte San Generoso climbing from the Italian side, departure and arrival from Orimento, going up on the high path, returning on the long variant of the low path. Path basically suitable for everyone, but remember that we are still in the mountains. A part of the high path can be disturbing for those who suffer severely from vertigo.

Penultimate hike of 2025 on the snow-covered eastern slope of Monte Generoso. The route from Alpe d’Orimento to Sasso Bianco winds through a landscape that I consider simply extraordinary.

A pleasant loop hike starting from Orimento, passing through Alpe Pesciò, and returning via the trails on the Italian side of Monte Generoso. An easy and varied route, ideal for a relaxing day with a picnic in the alpine meadows.

Monte Generoso is half Swiss: the border with Ticino runs right across its summit. It’s especially easy to reach from Lake Lugano; a cogwheel train runs to a point just below the summit. On the Italian side, the ascent begins in the Val d’Intelvi, a densely populated valley between Lake Como and Lake Lugano that for centuries was known primarily for its master builders, sculptors, and stucco artists. They created remarkable works of art throughout Europe.The summit has something to offer everyone: day-trippers stroll along the hiking trails around the summit. For via ferrata climbers, the North Ridge and the Ferrata Angelino are the ideal terrain. Paragliders soar into the skies from its grassy slopes. Botanists are fascinated by the diversity of plant life. A special feature is the Bear Cave on the eastern slope of Monte Generoso. There, speleologists discovered the bones of more than 500 cave bears that lived there until about 20,000 years ago. Other findings suggest that the cave was also visited by Neanderthal hunters (guided tour with 3D glasses; book via an app; information at www.mendrisiottoturismo.ch). The panorama from Monte Generoso is sure to delight everyone. It is considered one of the best in all of Ticino and, on clear days, stretches from the Apennines to the Central Alps, from Monviso in the far southwest to the Bernina in the north. Even Milan’s Duomo is said to be visible.> From Argegno, drive into the Val d’Intelvi and, in San Fedele d’Intelvi, continue along the provincial road to the northern edge of town. First, you’ll pass the turnoff to Casasco, and then, after 100 m, turn left onto the small road signposted for Orimento. The route leads up through the hamlet of Cavagnolo to the Alpe Grande parking lot and from there turns right toward the Baita di Orimento, which also has a small parking lot that is often full on weekends (6.6 km from San Fedele). Alternatively, you can park 1 km earlier, after the last hairpin turn, and 100 m further on—past a house—follow the “M. Generoso” sign onto a dirt road. After 15 minutes, it meets the trail leading up from the Baita di Orimento. From the Baita di Orimento01 (restaurant), follow a mountain trail signposted for Monte Generoso and hike on flat ground westward into the valley of the Breggia stream. Even before crossing the stream, the “Sentiero Alto” branches off to the right and, after a short climb, joins the trail leading up from the houses below the Bocca d’Orimento (alternative parking option). In a left-hand bend, you pass a pond and reach the small Barco dei Montoni saddle02. There, the ascent route turns left and leads quite steeply and rocky over a wooded ridge up to the open crest that extends northward from the summit massif of Monte Generoso. Follow it to the right to the saddle below the small secondary summit, Cima della Piancaccia03, where you can look down on Lake Lugano. Then cross the steep eastern flank of the Baraghetto, the slightly lower northern summit. The trail across the steep slopes is wide; a wire rope provides support in exposed sections. At the saddle below the main summit, a trail leads to the right up to Baraghetto (1,694 m, 10 min.), where the Via Ferrata Angelino also joins the route. It offers a view just as beautiful as that of its famous neighbor, but is less frequently visited. Continuing straight ahead takes you to the eastern ridge of Monte Generoso04, and you ascend to the right to the observation deck at the highest point.On the south side, 100 meters below the summit, stands the newly built, modern summit lodge “Fiore di Pietra” (Stone Flower), featuring two restaurants and the upper station of the cog railway. This is also where a “Planet Trail” begins, allowing you to explore the solar system on a scaled-down model as you hike. For the descent, return to the eastern ridge and follow it downhill until, after a few minutes, a sign for “Baita di Orimento” points to the left. The “Via Bassa” now crosses the steep slopes of Monte Generoso one level lower, overlooking the wooded Breggia Valley. At a fork, turn right toward Bear Cave05 (“Grotta dell’Orso,” visits by guided tour only) and, ascending slightly, to a wide meadow ridge. There, keep left and descend into a stream valley. On the other side of the stream, you’ll pass the ruined buildings of Alpe Pescio06 and follow an easy alpine trail downhill over varying terrain. In a wide right-hand curve, you exit the Breggia Creek valley and rejoin the trail you took on the ascent. Back at the Baita di Orimento01, it’s worth stopping for a break. The inn is housed in a building that’s about 200 years old and serves regional specialties.

Loop itinerary in the Monte Generoso Regional State Forest, in the heart of the upper Intelvi Valley, in the province of Como. I walked paths that give back the pure pleasure of walking and, along the route, I took a break at the welcoming agritourism of the Alpe di Gotta. A pleasant surprise, encountered after crossing the Hell Valley — a name that certainly did not suggest such a suggestive and harmonious place. I hypothesize that the toponym “gotta”, from the Latin gutta, drop, derives from the nearby spring. 

Hiking with great view