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Artavaggio Plateau Loop & Cazzaniga-Merlini Hut: Autumn in Valsassina

Localita' Culmine San Pietro, Lecco · Lombardia•1 day · Saturday•Hiking · 1,877 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
INTERMEDIATE
Where?
Lecco, Lombardia
On your own?
No problem
Points
+17
Artavaggio Plateau Loop & Cazzaniga-Merlini Hut: Autumn in Valsassina
Community photos
See all photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Guiddy Experience
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE

Artavaggio Autumn Loop

An amphitheater that looks like the Dolomites, but we're in Valsassina.

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

The experience

We set off with the Guidders from Culmine San Pietro, through woods that blaze red and gold in autumn, and climb steadily towards the Piani di Artavaggio. The route is a loop: you climb through beech forests and alpine pastures, cross the plateaus where the rare strachitunt cheese is produced, and reach the Rifugio Cazzaniga-Merlini, 1888 m, perched on an almost vertical rocky spur. All around, the amphitheater of the Campelli group truly resembles the Dolomites in the shape and color of its rock. In the golden light of the afternoon, the panorama opens up to the Resegone and, on clear days, beyond the Po Valley.

The refuge has reopened after years of closure: today it's once again a genuine stopping point, with a restaurant and a wealth of mountain history behind it.

5 reasons to come - a complete loop in the heart of Valsassina - the Rifugio Cazzaniga-Merlini suspended on the rock - the autumn foliage that sets the woods ablaze - a rocky amphitheater reminiscent of the Dolomites - open views all the way to the Resegone

Who it's suitable for A long hike but with no technical difficulties: you'll need trained legs and the desire to spend a whole day outdoors.

Join the Guidders: book now and enjoy autumn at the Piani di Artavaggio.

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
For the selected date: by 27 October, 23:59. You pay nothing when you book.
Recommended age 25–45
It's not a rule: it just tells you what kind of group to expect. You can still sign up if you're outside this range.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+17 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.
Dog friendly
Your dog can come: add them when you book.

How hard is it, really

Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
783 m D+ · 17 km · 6h30
Exposure and exposed sections
NONE
No exposed sections reported on the route.
VERTIGO RISK
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 6h30 and 783 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Warm layers, a windproof jacket, 1.5 litres of water and a headlamp: the days are getting shorter, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included in the price

✓INCLUDED
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Optional lunch in hut
✕Travel to Localita' Culmine San Pietro
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.

Itinerary

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

Elevation gain
783 m
Max altitude
1,877 m
Distance
17 km
Duration
6h30
Map
Saturday
31 Oct
17 km · D+ 783 m · 6h30
Meeting point 9:00approximate
Return to the cars at Culmine San Pietro, Localita' Culmine San Pietro 4, 23817 Cassina Valsassina 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
A
09:00MEETING
Meeting at Culmine San Pietro
We meet the Guidders at Culmine San Pietro, in Cassina Valsassina (LC): the time is indicative, the exact one will be shared on the event's Telegram group. We set off surrounded by autumn colors, ready for the loop to Piani di Artavaggio.
B
10:30WATER
Climb towards the pass
The trail climbs steadily through golden woods, step by step we gain altitude as the forest glows yellow and copper. First real glimpse of the valley panorama below.
C
11:30WATER
Piani di Artavaggio
We leave the forest behind and the Artavaggio amphitheater opens up, with the Campelli rocks glowing almost Dolomite-like in the autumn light. A natural balcony that takes your breath away.
D
12:30WATER
Rifugio Cazzaniga-Merlini — lunch break
We reach Rifugio Cazzaniga-Merlini, perched on a rocky spur below Bocchetta di Piazzo: here we stop for lunch with Sodadura and Cima di Piazzo towering above us. Incredible views over the whole valley and the Resegone in the distance.
E
16:00WATER
Return to the cars at Culmine San Pietro
We close the loop back at Culmine San Pietro with the golden afternoon light accompanying the last stretch. We enjoy a cold beer or a coke together with the Guidders before saying goodbye.

How do you get to Localita' Culmine San Pietro? 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
for the selected date
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

Guiddy Experience

Saturday 31 October
GuiddyExperience
Hikes picked for you

Guides and coordinators we pick for you.

With the group on this date

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Francesca, a Guiddy coordinator, and I can't wait to walk with you. Step by step we'll enjoy spectacular views, with one simple goal: reaching the top with a smile. That isn't a throwaway line — if you get there tired and happy, the day went exactly as it should. We'll share unforgettable outings, between trails, nature and a real appetite for being outdoors, living everything good the mountains have to give. Especially among the splendid peaks above Bergamo, which I carry with me. As a coordinator, my job is to make sure the only thing you have to think about is walking. ⛰️ See you in the mountains, Guidders!

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

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?
⌄
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 6h30 with 783 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 (for this date: 27 October, 23:59)
✓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?
Artavaggio Plateau Loop & Cazzaniga-Merlini Hut: Autumn in Valsassina

Artavaggio Plateau Loop & Cazzaniga-Merlini Hut: Autumn in Valsassina

Localita' Culmine San Pietro, Cassina Valsassina (LC) · Lombardia
1 day · Hiking · 1,877 m
New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it
Elevation gain
783 m
Max altitude
1,877 m
Distance
17 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
6h30
Guiddy points
+17
10 photos
+6 photos
WHY THIS HIKE

Artavaggio Autumn Loop

An amphitheater that looks like the Dolomites, but we're in Valsassina.

Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

We set off with the Guidders from Culmine San Pietro, through woods that blaze red and gold in autumn, and climb steadily towards the Piani di Artavaggio. The route is a loop: you climb through beech forests and alpine pastures, cross the plateaus where the rare strachitunt cheese is produced, and reach the Rifugio Cazzaniga-Merlini, 1888 m, perched on an almost vertical rocky spur. All around, the amphitheater of the Campelli group truly resembles the Dolomites in the shape and color of its rock. In the golden light of the afternoon, the panorama opens up to the Resegone and, on clear days, beyond the Po Valley.

The refuge has reopened after years of closure: today it's once again a genuine stopping point, with a restaurant and a wealth of mountain history behind it.

5 reasons to come - a complete loop in the heart of Valsassina - the Rifugio Cazzaniga-Merlini suspended on the rock - the autumn foliage that sets the woods ablaze - a rocky amphitheater reminiscent of the Dolomites - open views all the way to the Resegone

Who it's suitable for A long hike but with no technical difficulties: you'll need trained legs and the desire to spend a whole day outdoors.

Join the Guidders: book now and enjoy autumn at the Piani di Artavaggio.

How hard is it

Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
783 m D+ · 17 km · 6h30
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 6h30 and 783 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Warm layers, a windproof jacket, 1.5 litres of water and a headlamp: the days are getting shorter, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included

INCLUDED
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
NOT INCLUDED
✕Optional lunch in hut
✕Travel to Localita' Culmine San Pietro

Itinerary

Saturday · approximate times
Map
Explore the map
5 stops
Meeting point 9:00Return to the cars at Culmine San Pietro
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
A
09:00MEETING
Meeting at Culmine San Pietro
We meet the Guidders at Culmine San Pietro, in Cassina Valsassina (LC): the time is indicative, the exact one will be shared on the event's Telegram group. We set off surrounded by autumn colors, ready for the loop to Piani di Artavaggio.
B
10:30WATER
Climb towards the pass
The trail climbs steadily through golden woods, step by step we gain altitude as the forest glows yellow and copper. First real glimpse of the valley panorama below.
C
11:30WATER
Piani di Artavaggio
We leave the forest behind and the Artavaggio amphitheater opens up, with the Campelli rocks glowing almost Dolomite-like in the autumn light. A natural balcony that takes your breath away.
D
12:30WATER
Rifugio Cazzaniga-Merlini — lunch break
We reach Rifugio Cazzaniga-Merlini, perched on a rocky spur below Bocchetta di Piazzo: here we stop for lunch with Sodadura and Cima di Piazzo towering above us. Incredible views over the whole valley and the Resegone in the distance.
E
16:00WATER
Return to the cars at Culmine San Pietro
We close the loop back at Culmine San Pietro with the golden afternoon light accompanying the last stretch. We enjoy a cold beer or a coke together with the Guidders before saying goodbye.

How do you get to Localita' Culmine San Pietro? By carpooling.

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

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
for this date
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

Guiddy Experience

Saturday 31 October
GuiddyExperience
Hikes picked for you

Guides and coordinators we pick for you.

With the group on this date
Francesca G.
Francesca G.
Guiddy Coordinator · 7 outings with Guiddy

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Francesca, a Guiddy coordinator, and I can't wait to walk with you. Step by step we'll enjoy spectacular views, with one simple goal: reaching the top with a smile. That isn't a throwaway line — if you get there tired and happy, the day went exactly as it should. We'll share unforgettable outings, between trails, nature and a real appetite for being outdoors, living everything good the mountains have to give. Especially among the splendid peaks above Bergamo, which I carry with me. As a coordinator, my job is to make sure the only thing you have to think about is walking. ⛰️ 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?
⌄
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 6h30 with 783 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?
⌄
Sat 31 Oct
€24.90
per person
✓ GROUP CONFIRMED
Book now →
Pay only if confirmed