Papa Giovanni peak, a balcony over the valleys

Cima Papa Giovanni towers between the Seriana and Brembana valleys, rising from the Valcanale basin and overlooking the Twin Lakes. Reaching it from the Seriana side, we will first encounter the Alpe Corte Refuge, served by its comfortable mule track, which will give us a chance to pick up the pace while admiring the peaks surrounding the valley, in particular the rocky ridge that links Monte Secco, Corna Piana, Valmora and Pizzo Arera. Continuing from the refuge, the path becomes steeper, touching the huts and pasture areas, finally arriving at the Laghi Gemelli Pass. Here, a wonderful panorama opens up, and with one last effort, you reach Cima Papa Giovanni Paolo II. But we won't stop here: we will continue with a loop that crosses Cima delle Galline and allows you to return to Alpe Corte via the Passo della Marogella, enriching the route with passages and uniqueness. This is in fact a less beaten and trafficked area, giving the flavor of the real mountain in its natural state, although with some due attention in traversing it given the less comfortable paths.

The experience

Cima Papa Giovanni towers between the Seriana and Brembana valleys, rising from the Valcanale basin and overlooking the Twin Lakes. Reaching it from the Seriana side, we will first encounter the Alpe Corte Refuge, served by its comfortable mule track, which will give us a chance to pick up the pace while admiring the peaks surrounding the valley, in particular the rocky ridge that links Monte Secco, Corna Piana, Valmora and Pizzo Arera. Continuing from the refuge, the path becomes steeper, touching the huts and pasture areas, finally arriving at the Laghi Gemelli Pass. Here, a wonderful panorama opens up, and with one last effort, you reach Cima Papa Giovanni Paolo II. But we won't stop here: we will continue with a loop that crosses Cima delle Galline and allows you to return to Alpe Corte via the Passo della Marogella, enriching the route with passages and uniqueness. This is in fact a less beaten and trafficked area, giving the flavor of the real mountain in its natural state, although with some due attention in traversing it given the less comfortable paths.

How hard is it, really

What's included in the price

Itinerary

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

Day

12 km · D+ 1,170 m · 7 h

The stops · 12 km

Meeting point 8:30approximate

Parcheggio a Valcanale, Via Alpe Piazza, 24020 Ardesio provincia di Bergamo, 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

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08:30PARKING

Parking available in Valcanale

Meeting point: convenient paid parking with scratch-and-display tickets.

09:30MOUNTAIN HUT

Alpe Corte Mountain Hut

A welcoming mountain hut, the perfect first stop on our trail.

11:00PASS

Gemelli Lakes Pass

A more challenging climb will bring us to this panoramic pass, offering breathtaking views of the Val Brembana.

11:20SUMMIT

"Mount John Paul II Summit"

"We made it to the summit!"

11:50EXPERT TRAIL

Hen Mountain

A secondary summit, perhaps, but certainly not one to underestimate! The trail that branches off from Cima Papa is no ordinary walk in the park. It plunges you headfirst into the raw, untamed heart of the Orobic Alps.

12:00PASS

Marogella Pass

Return trek to Valcanale.

15:00RETURN

Back to the trailhead

We'll rejoin the trail coming from Alpe Corte and return to our starting point. There's also the option to stop for a break at the Rifugio mountain hut.

What to bring

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

Questions?