Mount San Primo (1,682 m / 5,518 ft)

Mount San Primo Scenic Loop Hike

The Roof of the Lariano Triangle: Trailhead at San Primo

A truly interesting trek, for both its natural beauty and panoramic views, which crosses the summit of Mount San Primo at 1,682 m (5,518 ft), the highest peak of the Lariano Triangle. The hike is well-marked with arrows and red and white trail markers (Trails 1 and 39). The descent from the peak to the Alpe dei Picett is the most challenging stretch due to the steep descent; in case of rain or slippery terrain, it is best to consider not completing the entire loop and instead heading back down the path traveled thus far. This guide assumes the starting point is at the ski lift parking lot, near the bar-restaurant La Baita, though you can easily choose another starting point or travel the loop in the opposite direction.

Climbing past Mount Ponciv to the Bocchetta di Terrabiotta

From the parking lot, we can make an initial evaluation of the path awaiting us by looking from left to right: the antenna at the summit of Mount Ponciv at 1,452 m (4,764 ft), the long eastern ridge, and the main peak of Mount San Primo. We begin the climb along the paved road, and before reaching the Alpe del Borgo barn, we turn right onto a mule track that winds among the rocks. Once in the woods, the incline flattens out a bit, becoming much easier. Upon arriving at a rocky cleft, we come across a trail junction and follow the signs on the right toward Alpe di Terrabiotta and the peak of San Primo. Leaving the woods behind, we continue to climb along a stony trail while amazing views of Lake Como open up behind us, requiring one last effort to reach the Bocchetta di Terrabiotta pass at 1,435 m (4,708 ft). The view from here is incredible: on clear days, looking south you can see Milan with its skyscrapers, looking east Lecco and the Grigne group, and looking north, the central and upper lake regions.

Ridge Views and the Steep Descent via Rifugio Martina

We continue walking west as the path steadily climbs along a beautiful ridge section, and after passing the main overlook, we face the final push to the summit of Mount San Primo. From the top, we enjoy a magnificent 360-degree view and quickly locate the mule track that heads down toward the Rifugio Martina at Alpe dei Picett. It is a very steep descent with a few sections where the path tends to fade among the trees, so we highly recommend maximum caution and proper footwear. Upon arriving at the Martina Refuge, you can take a well-deserved break to rest and recharge. Finally, we walk down the Alpe dei Picett along a paved road until reaching Alpe delle Ville, where we loop around the historic Colonia Bonomelli to return directly to the parking lot where we started the hike.