Dorsale del Triangolo Lariano

The mountains that divide the two branches of Lake Como

The Dorsale can be traversed in sections or as a 2-day trek. The starting point is Brunate, just above the city of Como, accessible by funicular; the endpoint is Bellagio, the Pearl of Lake Como.
The entire route, approximately 30 km long, runs at an average elevation of 1,200 meters above sea level, always on forest trails without technical difficulties and completely safe.

First stage: from Brunate to Pian del Tivano

From Como, Brunate is reached by funicular, which offers an exceptional view of the city of Como, the Alps, and the Brianza plain. Upon arriving in Brunate, take the road to the left toward the Church of S. Andrea, and follow the Pedestrian Promenade in the direction of the Faro Voltiano (an exceptional viewpoint dedicated to Como citizen Alessandro Volta). Continuing along the road, follow trail marker No. 1, taking a wide path into the woods.
From here, Torno can be reached with a first detour: after passing Baita Carla, take trail No. 15 passing through Monte Piatto; the round-trip itinerary takes approximately 3 hours. From Torno, it is possible to return to Como by bus (line C30) or by boat.
Staying on trail No. 1, continue to Baita Bondella, a remarkable viewpoint overlooking the surrounding Alpine chain. From here, proceed to Ristoro del Boletto, after which you can choose whether to take the Dorsale per Cresta, which climbs to the summit of Bolettone and then descends to Bocchetta di Lemna, where the Dorsale resumes. The Dorsale follows a scenic trail with stunning views of Lake Como. From the Bocchetta, the Capanna Mara refuge is reached.
From Bocchetta di Lemna, continue northward. The view of the Caslino d'Erba valleys and the Resegone and Palanzone mountains is splendid. Shortly beyond, you can choose whether to follow the "Dorsale per Cresta" and climb to Pizzo dell'Asino or pass along the wooded eastern slope of Pizzo. After passing two small valleys, you reach Bocchetta di Palanzo, where a descent trail leads to Caslino d'Erba. From Bocchetta di Palanzo, you can reach the summit of Monte Palanzone or continue toward Bocchetta di Caglio and reach the Riella refuge. Near the refuge are the entrances to numerous Palanzone caves, and continuing onward, you reach Bocchetta di Nesso. After passing the grazing meadows, you arrive at the foot of the S. Primo group. Upon reaching Bocchetta di Caglio, take the descent trail toward Colma di Caglio and then, keeping left, to Colma di Sormano.
Here you can choose to interrupt the trek and descend to Pian del Tivano.

Second stage: from Pian del Tivano to Bellagio

Reach Pian del Tivano, famous for its blooming narcissus, gentians, and lily of the valley, and take the trail leading to Alpetto di Torno, toward Alpe Spessola, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view toward the Grigne and Corni di Canzo. Pass a small natural lake to the locality of Terra Biotta, from which you can admire the Bellagio promontory. From here, you can climb the ridge toward the summit of Monte San Primo or descend toward Rifugio Martina.
Continue toward the locality of Pra Filippo, passing the turn toward Piano Rancio, until reaching Brogno. From here, take the trail leading to the belvedere of Monte Nuvolone. Skirting villas with marvelous views, take the trail leading to the town of Bellagio.
The detours and secondary excursions allow this itinerary to be completed in parts, divided over multiple days, or to dedicate the excursion to a single destination or summit. Connections between Como and Bellagio are provided by bus or boat. It is recommended to always pay attention to trail markers and danger warnings, especially during the winter season.