Outbound Collective logo

Hike Monte Grona

Plesio, Italy

5.0/5
based on 7 reviews

Details

Distance

2.5 miles

Elevation Gain

3280.8 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Benjamin Lane

Where else in the world can you hike over 1700m and see the Swiss & Italian Alps while overlooking the world famous Lake Como and its famous villages around the lake!

The Mount Grona trail elevates you 1736m above sea level, giving you a breathtaking panoramic views of the Swiss & Italian Alps while overlooking the spectacular Lake Como and its famous villages surrounding the lakeside.

Beginning the hike, you wander through forest vegetation, slowly elevating yourself to the tricky rocky climbs towards the mountaintop.

The first of the serious climbs takes just over an hour and gets you to a refugee point with some teaser views along the way. After following the narrow and rocky path the refugee point gives you a chance to take a break and admire the views while hydrating at its water station!

For many this is the point where they begin their descent, but you miss the best views! Continue on the path to the next view point - it only takes 20 minutes and takes you across the mountain face, with not too much more incline. From this incredible viewpoint you decide what path to take: the steep and difficult climb which is quicker, or the long but less difficult climb around the steep faces. Of course the option to return to the start is available too. Be warned the steep and difficult climb has loose rocks and requires strength to pull yourself up the mountains rocks at times.

The pain is worth the views when you make it to the peak's cross at 1736m above sea level! Choose a clear day so you can get the clear views of all the snowy Alps and towns below you.

There is a choice of paths to make the return, depending on what level of difficulty you want to descend at. The hike to the peak of the mountain and back takes around 4-5 hours depending on experience and the speed you hike at.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Hiking
Forest
Scenic
Wildlife

Reviews

Very cool hike! Magnificent views over lake como and Lugano from the top. The trail is clearly marked. As mentioned... first part is relatively easy but the last bit up can be a bit tricky with loose rocks on the way down and a few steep climbs. I took the short and steeper route so not sure how big the difference is. Loved it!

I am going to climb next week. Does the climb requires sturdy shoes? (My purpose to visit Como is to run halfmarathon, and will have only hand luggage so.....it will be hard to pack sturdy shoes) that's the reason I ask that.

Completed this hike and it was a beautiful pay off at the top. We could see the summit from out B&B and it was begging to be bagged.

Did this hike today. It is great. Challenging at times (crawling up rocks) and a lot of elevation gain in not a lot of distance, but the views are totally worth it.

Just did this hike last week while we were staying in Bellagio, Italy. We took the morning ferry over to Menaggio and drove up to the gravel parking lot. The first half of the hike is pretty moderate to the refuge camp. We missed the split on the way up and accidentally took the steep route up. Was a bit challenging at times but definitely rewarding when we reached the summit. Awesome write up, that's for sharing and helping up find an awesome hike while we were in the area🤘

This is a must do if you are in the area of the northern lakes! Was in Italy for 10 days and this was def the best thing I did.

Nice work Ben I loved listening!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Gattascosa hut and Camoscellahorn

Hiking the Alpi Pontine - Pizzo Diei and Mount Cistella

Hike around Crestasee Lake

Photograph the Rhône Glacier

Hike from Bristen to Sedrun via the Gotthard Tunnel

Hike in the Laggintal