Corni di Canzo

Gajum to Corno Centrale Loop Hike

The Core of the Larian Triangle: Trailhead at Gajum (Canzo Railway Station)

This spectacular loop hike departs from the historic Gajum spring at 483 m (1,585 ft) and climbs up to the SEV refuge at 1,235 m (4,052 ft) before reaching the rugged summit of the Central Horn at 1,368 m (4,488 ft). The route then descends to the traditional Terz'Alpe lodge at 793 m (2,602 ft) and returns to the starting point along the fascinating Ravella valley floor. Please note that the final scramble to the Central Horn is strictly recommended for experienced hikers only; the rock-climbing section is short but features exposed passages that should not be underestimated, especially for those prone to vertigo. The trails are well-marked with red and white arrows by the local CAI Canzo alpine club, and we highly recommend bringing a solid supply of water, wearing proper trekking shoes, and avoiding the trek during bad weather. Hikers can easily arrange their departure from the Canzo train station (operated by Trenord on the Milan-Asso line), located just a pleasant 20-minute walk from the Gajum trailhead.

Climbing past Prim'Alpe to the Pianezzo Meadow

From the Canzo railway station, we head up toward the church of San Francesco, following Via Gajum to the crossroads near the historic Hotel La Sorgente, where we turn left onto the cobbled mountain road that climbs into the forest. We ascend along wide switchbacks, passing the local In Valentina farmhouse before entering a serene larch forest to reach Prim'Alpe at 718 m (2,356 ft), which hosts the regional Center for Environmental Education and serves as a major trail junction. Just past the fresh waters of the San Gerolamo spring at 728 m (2,388 ft), we swing left onto the steep Trail 5 heading toward the "Vetta dei Corni." After navigating a long wooded stretch, the incline levels out as we traverse the northern flank of the mountain peaks, eventually emerging from the tree line into the open pastures of Pianezzo, located just a stone's throw from the welcoming SEV lodge (+39 338 5063747).

Conquering the Central Horn and the Ravella Geological Path

From the refuge, we climb up to the Forcella dei Corni pass at 1,300 m (4,265 ft) and turn left toward the Central Horn, bypassing a massive erratic boulder to arrive at the foot of the sheer rock wall. At the first rocky spur, we follow the expert trail sign, veering left and tracking the red paint markers to carefully scramble up through the crags. The summit rewards hikers with a small metal cross and a magnificent, unobstructed 360-degree view of the surrounding pre-Alpine lakes and mountains. After a relaxing break, we carefully retrace our steps back down the same rocky route. Returning to the Forcella pass, we flank the Western Horn on our right, traversing a rocky scree path down to a beautiful clearing where we join Trail 1 heading down to Terz'Alpe. From the Terz'Alpe lodge, we complete our loop by following the scenic Geological Path back to Gajum, tracing the course of the rushing Ravella stream through a picturesque canyon of bridges, small waterfalls, and natural stone pools.