Zucco di Sileggio (1,373 m / 4,505 ft)

Olcio to Zucco di Sileggio Scenic Loop Hike

The Grigna Foothills: Trailhead at Olcio (Mandello del Lario) Railway station

This panoramic excursion starts from the village of Olcio at 250 m (820 ft) and climbs steeply to the rugged summit of Zucco Sileggio at 1,373 m (4,505 ft), before descending via Era di Sopra at 1,030 m (3,379 ft) to the historic Sanctuary of Santa Maria at 661 m (2,169 ft) and looping back to the starting path along Via ai Saioli. This trek requires a good level of physical fitness and stamina since the climb features considerable, continuous slopes, and at a few points, you will need to scramble using your hands to overcome short, rocky passages. The trails are well-marked by the CAI Grigne alpine club with distinct yellow and blue markers painted throughout the woods; we highly recommend wearing sturdy mountain shoes, carrying a generous supply of water, and postponing the trip in case of inclement weather. The hike conveniently begins and ends at the Olcio railway station, where hourly Trenord regional trains connect Lecco and Sondrio.

Climbing the Sileggio Direct Route and Central Lake Area Views

Leaving the railway station, we cross the traditional village of Olcio by marching upstream, following the mountain path that climbs steadily toward the Somana cemetery. Upon reaching Via ai Saioli, we continue along the dirt road right next to the historic cemetery chapel. After passing the local aqueduct building in the middle of a wide switchback, we locate the left turn for Trail 17A, where the mule track climbs steeply into the dense woods and offers beautiful, sweeping views over Mandello Lario to catch your breath. Past a small rustic hut, we emerge from the tree line to cross an open clearing with a magnificent view of Bellagio, before continuing through a beautiful forest of beech and birch trees. Near a stone ruin, we encounter the trail sign on the right for the challenging "Sileggio Direct" route, following the mountain flank up to a sharp left bend where we carefully climb a rugged rocky spur to finally reach the summit cross of Zucco Sileggio.

The Mario Sforza Bivouac and Descent via Alpe d'Era

The 360-degree view from the summit belvedere is incredible, showcasing the central basin of the Lario to the northwest and the jagged peaks of the Grigne mountains to the southeast. We continue our journey past the emergency Mario Sforza bivouac shelter at 1,360 m (4,462 ft), descending along the ridge to the Verdascia pass at 1,243 m (4,078 ft) where we turn right toward Alpe d'Era. After a steep descent through the trees, we emerge at the rustic stone barns of Era di Sopra at 980 m (3,215 ft) and follow the signs on the right for Trail 17. As the slope begins to ease, we pass a natural fresh water spring and descend directly to the historical Sanctuary of Santa Maria. Finally, passing the small votive chapel of Santa Preda at 580 m (1,903 ft), we follow the gentle dirt road that brings us back to the Via ai Saioli junction at 390 m (1,280 ft) to retrace our original path back down to Olcio.