PROPOSED BY THE GUIDE
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Grignone Loop Hike: Panoramic Piancaformia Ridge Trek, Lake Como

Esino Lario, Lecco · Lombardia•1 day•Hiking · 2,410 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
DIFFICULT PLUS
Where?
Lecco, Lombardia
On your own?
No problem
Points
+23
Grignone Loop Hike: Panoramic Piancaformia Ridge Trek, Lake Como
Community photos
See all photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE

Grignone Loop, Piancaformia

Get ready to experience one of the most spectacular and iconic hiking routes of the Grigna Settentrionale, a journey where the horizon fades among jagged peaks and the waters of Lake Como. This excursion is a total immersion into the harsh yet fascinating environment of the Lombard mountains. Our route starts from Cainallo, taking us straight into the heart of the action along the famous Cresta di Piancaformia. This ascent line, much loved for its stunning views, offers during the summer season a terrain that is primarily hiking in nature but with a truly grand scope. After reaching the summit, the descent will take us along the historic Via della Ganda. We will cross the striking karst landscapes of the Alpe di Moncodeno, before returning to the starting point to close a perfect loop.

Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

Get ready to experience one of the most spectacular and iconic hiking routes of the Grigna Settentrionale, a journey where the horizon fades among jagged peaks and the waters of Lake Como. This excursion is a total immersion into the harsh yet fascinating environment of the Lombard mountains. Our route starts from Cainallo, taking us straight into the heart of the action along the famous Cresta di Piancaformia. This ascent line, much loved for its stunning views, offers during the summer season a terrain that is primarily hiking in nature but with a truly grand scope. After reaching the summit, the descent will take us along the historic Via della Ganda. We will cross the striking karst landscapes of the Alpe di Moncodeno, before returning to the starting point to close a perfect loop.

GOOD TO KNOW
Group chat
It opens a couple of days before: that's where the meeting point is confirmed and carpooling is arranged.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before
You pay nothing when you book.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+23 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
Included in the price.
Not suitable for dogs
This time your dog stays at home.

How hard is it, really

Guiddy scale
DIFFICULT PLUS
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
1,350 m D+ · 13 km · 7 h
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 7 h and 1,350 m of ascent ahead, you need serious preparation: legs, lungs and being used to altitude
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket; your guide will explain crampons, ice axe and harness. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included in the price

✓INCLUDED
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Optional lunch in hut
✕Travel to Esino Lario
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.

Itinerary

One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.

Elevation gain
1,350 m
Max altitude
2,410 m
Distance
13 km
Duration
7 h
Day
13 km · D+ 1,350 m · 7 h
Map
The stops · 13 km
Meeting point 8:30approximate
Back to the cars in Esino Lario, 23825, Esino Lario, provincia di Lecco, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
HOW TO GET THERE
08:30MEETING
Meeting at Esino Lario and departure for the Piancaformia loop
We meet up with the Guidders in Esino Lario (Lecco) before heading up towards Piancaformia. Start time is indicative and may change with the season: the exact one is shared in the outing's Telegram group.
10:00WATER
Climb through the woods
The trail steepens as we climb through the woods, the valley floor gradually falling away beneath us. Step by step, the views open up more and more, until we reach the broad grassy ridge of Monte Pilastro (1,826 m), our first breathtaking panoramic point.
11:00VIEWPOINT
Panoramic balcony above 2,000 meters
After a short descent, we reach Bocchetta di Prada (1,626 m), where the Piancaformia begins and the trail runs along the ridge with a breathtaking view over the entire valley. A rather tough stretch of climbing brings us here, but every step is worth it.
12:30WATER
Highest point and lunch break with a view
We reach the highest point of the loop, around 2400 metres, and stop for lunch with a view that deserves a big round of applause. Here the group truly enjoys the day's achievement.
16:30WATER
Back to the cars in Esino Lario
We close the loop by first descending over scree and a short section equipped with a cable, and as we make our way down, the rock gradually gives way to open meadows, then woods and valleys, all the way to Esino Lario, where our cars await. Once the hike with the Guidders is over, we'll stop together for a cold beer or a Coke.

How do you get to Esino Lario? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group. Contacts and costs are agreed between you: a seat isn't guaranteed.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.

What to bring

A list made for this hike. No technical gear: just good shoes and a well-packed backpack.

Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Windproof
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Cap
RECOMMENDED
Sunscreen
RECOMMENDED
Layered clothing
RECOMMENDED

Your guide

Armando G.
Armando G.
· 1 outings
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Armando, a mid-mountain leader and International Mountain Leader. The mountains are a school of life and a natural gym for me. I've worked between nature and adventure for years: I was an instructor and rescuer in adventure parks and a rope access technician, and that path is what led me to guiding. I spend most of my days among woods and summits, and the striking thing is that every sunrise and every view still manages to surprise me — after all these years, that's saying something. On my outings I bring experience, care for safety and plenty of passion: the goal is to let you live the mountains for real, together with the Guidders. 🥾🌄 See you in the mountains, Guidders!

Italiano
Guida di Media Montagna

Reviews

Only from people who completed the outing.
—
no reviews yet
Itinerary—
Organisation—
Overall experience—
Ibex
The first reviews come after the outing
We only ask for feedback from people who were really there.

You'll be among the first to share your story.

Questions?

I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Rough and treacherous terrain requiring preparation and experience, equipment, and use of self-belay devices. You need to be fit enough to walk for 7 h with 1,350 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Book now, pay only if it goes ahead
MOST POPULAR
✓No charge now: the amount is only held on your card
✓Free cancellation up to 3 days before
✓You're only charged once the group is confirmed, at 7 pm the evening before departure
✓Minimum not reached? No charge, nothing to do
Or pay straight away by card, PayPal, Satispay or Revolut. With Klarna you can also pay in interest-free instalments.
Ibex
Still have questions? Ask Ibex
Ibex is Guiddy's virtual ibex: it answers everything, 24/7. In two messages it tells you whether this outing is for you, how to get there and what to pack.
Hi, I'm Ibex. Ask me anything about this outing: level, what to bring, meeting point, car pooling, payment.
No commitment: we're happy to answer even just for advice. Prefer WhatsApp?
Grignone Loop Hike: Panoramic Piancaformia Ridge Trek, Lake Como

Grignone Loop Hike: Panoramic Piancaformia Ridge Trek, Lake Como

Esino Lario, (LC) · Lombardia
1 day · Hiking · 2,410 m
New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it
Elevation gain
1,350 m
Max altitude
2,410 m
Distance
13 km
Duration
7 h
Guiddy points
+23
10 photos
+6 photos
WHY THIS HIKE

Grignone Loop, Piancaformia

Get ready to experience one of the most spectacular and iconic hiking routes of the Grigna Settentrionale, a journey where the horizon fades among jagged peaks and the waters of Lake Como. This excursion is a total immersion into the harsh yet fascinating environment of the Lombard mountains. Our route starts from Cainallo, taking us straight into the heart of the action along the famous Cresta di Piancaformia. This ascent line, much loved for its stunning views, offers during the summer season a terrain that is primarily hiking in nature but with a truly grand scope. After reaching the summit, the descent will take us along the historic Via della Ganda. We will cross the striking karst landscapes of the Alpe di Moncodeno, before returning to the starting point to close a perfect loop.

Come alone, leave with new friends

How hard is it

Guiddy scale
DIFFICULT PLUS
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
1,350 m D+ · 13 km · 7 h
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 7 h and 1,350 m of ascent ahead, you need serious preparation: legs, lungs and being used to altitude
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket; your guide will explain crampons, ice axe and harness. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included

INCLUDED
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
NOT INCLUDED
✕Optional lunch in hut
✕Travel to Esino Lario

Itinerary

Day · approximate times
Map
Stops · 13 km
Meeting point 8:30Back to the cars in Esino Lario
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
08:30MEETING
Meeting at Esino Lario and departure for the Piancaformia loop
We meet up with the Guidders in Esino Lario (Lecco) before heading up towards Piancaformia. Start time is indicative and may change with the season: the exact one is shared in the outing's Telegram group.
10:00WATER
Climb through the woods
The trail steepens as we climb through the woods, the valley floor gradually falling away beneath us. Step by step, the views open up more and more, until we reach the broad grassy ridge of Monte Pilastro (1,826 m), our first breathtaking panoramic point.
11:00VIEWPOINT
Panoramic balcony above 2,000 meters
After a short descent, we reach Bocchetta di Prada (1,626 m), where the Piancaformia begins and the trail runs along the ridge with a breathtaking view over the entire valley. A rather tough stretch of climbing brings us here, but every step is worth it.
12:30WATER
Highest point and lunch break with a view
We reach the highest point of the loop, around 2400 metres, and stop for lunch with a view that deserves a big round of applause. Here the group truly enjoys the day's achievement.
16:30WATER
Back to the cars in Esino Lario
We close the loop by first descending over scree and a short section equipped with a cable, and as we make our way down, the rock gradually gives way to open meadows, then woods and valleys, all the way to Esino Lario, where our cars await. Once the hike with the Guidders is over, we'll stop together for a cold beer or a Coke.

How do you get to Esino Lario? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.

What to bring

A list made for this hike.
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Windproof
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Cap
RECOMMENDED
Sunscreen
RECOMMENDED
Layered clothing
RECOMMENDED

Your guide

Armando G.
Armando G.
1 outings with Guiddy
Guida di Media Montagna

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Armando, a mid-mountain leader and International Mountain Leader. The mountains are a school of life and a natural gym for me. I've worked between nature and adventure for years: I was an instructor and rescuer in adventure parks and a rope access technician, and that path is what led me to guiding. I spend most of my days among woods and summits, and the striking thing is that every sunrise and every view still manages to surprise me — after all these years, that's saying something. On my outings I bring experience, care for safety and plenty of passion: the goal is to let you live the mountains for real, together with the Guidders. 🥾🌄 See you in the mountains, Guidders!

We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.

Reviews

— · none yet
Ibex
The first reviews come after the outing
Only from people who were really there.

You'll be among the first to share your story.

Questions?

I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Rough and treacherous terrain requiring preparation and experience, equipment, and use of self-belay devices. You need to be fit enough to walk for 7 h with 1,350 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
No date
€35
per person
Book now →
Pay only if confirmed