Mount Saccarello Loop in the Ligurian Alps Park

This is a loop trail that reaches the summit of Monte Saccarello, starting and ending in Realdo, partially covering stages 5 and 6 of the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri.The well-marked itinerary begins with a mule track that in half an hour leads to the paved road to the church of Sant'Antonio. Continuing, the trail enters a coniferous forest and reaches the scenic Collardente Pass (1,599 m). From the pass, you join the AVML trail (stage 5) that climbs steeply along the ridge of Mt. Saccarello. You then reach the summit of the highest mountain in Liguria, 2,200 m asl. The summit offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. You continue on level ground to the Statue of the Redeemer. From here, you descend slightly in about thirty minutes to La Terza Refuge (2,051 m). The dirt road climbs gently up, flanking Rifugio Sanremo and Monte Cimonasso (2,088 m), to Garlenda Pass (2,013 m). From the pass, leave the AVML (stage 6) and descend steeply to the right on a dirt road, which leads to the junction of Case Vesignana (1,519 m). Here, you take a path that, in about forty-five minutes, leads back to Realdo and to the arrival and departure point of the hike.
 
How to get to the starting point and how to return from the arrival point 
Realdo (IM), is a hamlet of the municipality of Triora .Realdo, is about 40 km from Arma di Taggia (IM), served by a train station and the highway exit, Arma di Taggia- Sanremo est, on the A10.
 
Public transportation
There are no regular buses to Realdo. Therefore, the use of own means of transportation is recommended.Public transportation service is operational to the main town of Triora, which is about 12 km from Realdo. For up-to-date schedules, it is recommended to consult the RIVIERA TRASPORTI SPA website https://rivieratrasporti.it/orario-generale
 
Where topark
 Parking options in Realdo
 
Accessibility information
The loop trail is part of the hiking network of the Ligurian Alps Regional Park. 
The route along the AVML has signage, white stripe and two red ones on either side with AV written on them.
Suggestions (POI )
Borgo di Triora - Borgo di Realdo - Summit of Mount Saccarello - Statue of the Redeemer - La Terza Refuge - Sanremo Refuge - Borgo di Verdeggia.
 
Safety Info
In the winter period, the trail may be affected by snow and icy sections. Use caution. Always consult the weather forecast before setting off.
 
Recommended equipment
To tackle this route safely, it is essential to equip yourself properly. The route is in a mountainous environment, so the following are essential:
- hiking shoes and technical layered clothing that can adapt to sudden changes in temperature;
- sufficient food and water reserve for the entire day; 
- charged cell phone and, preferably, a power bank for additional recharges; 
- safety kit a whistle, a survival tarp and a first aid kit;
- for orientation, it is recommended not to rely solely on signposts and to have maps of the route, in paper and digital versions, useful in low visibility or foggy conditions.
 
 
Directions to follow: loop trail
 
Additional tips: for more info visit the Ligurian Alps Regional Park website https://parconaturalealpiliguri.it/
 
Hiking difficulty (1-6): 4
 
Physical preparation (1-6): 5