Hiking in Vallecamonica - Aviolo Lake and Gallinera Pass

Lago Aviolo and Passo Gallinera

Starting point: Rifugio alla Cascata in Valpaghera, from Vezza d'Oglio, on the SS 42 between Edolo and Ponte di Legno. Just above there's a car park near the ENEL cable car from where, following trail sign 21 you can reach the Sandro Occhi all'Aviolo refuge in about 1h and 30'. 

It's the end of June but still cool at the car park and, as always, I put on an extra layer, even if I'll take it back off after 10 minutes of walking uphill. We follow the signs number 21. It's quite a demanding ascent, but fun, across the roots of spruce trees, zigzags on a path in the woods and amongst alders, then across a stream and up ‘steps’ of blocks of granite. The cool air coming down from the mountains keep us fresh. Before the steep steps the path passes right under the rock, water dripping down to refresh us. 

We stop at a level area, with a tunnel in the rock closed by a gate for a drink of water and then continue uphill. At one point there’s rocky passage with a chain, but nothing difficult. The Sandro Occhi all'Aviolo refuge is just before the lake. Aviolo is an artificial lake, but one of the most beautiful in the area for the colour of the water. 

We continue along the path, to the left of the lake among larches. Just beyond the lake is an interesting wetland area. The path skirts it on the right, continuing level for a while before gaining height gradually and then zigzagging steeply, but always with a clear path to the Gallinera Pass (1h 15' from the refuge) where there’s a Bivouac.  Going up we glimpse some chamois deer and a spectacular variety of flowers. 

There’s also a good view of the Gallinera Valley and the Vallecamonica from the Pass. 

We eat our picnic lunch at the top, pretty much in silence, the views and the environment and placated hunger are enough. 

Coffee from my flask and a piece of chocolate each. On the way back we stop to rest outside the Osservatorio Faunistico in the wetland area. 

The stream which runs through the middle actually deserves the phrase ‘ crystal clear water.’ 

Spectacular places!