Lake Toggia from Riale

A circular trek starting from Riale, in Val Formazza, and climbing toward Lake Toggia through high pastures, scree fields, and wide open high-altitude landscapes, with views of the border peaks between Piedmont and Canton Ticino. With the Guidders, you’ll walk along mountain trails and rockier tracks, with a few steep sections, uneven ground, and exposure to the wind: sure footing is required, but the difficulty remains within standard hiking level. The best part? The ever-changing scenery, the charm of the dam, the silence of the valley, and that feeling of being truly far away. It’s the kind of hike to choose if you’re looking for real nature, the right company, and a day that leaves its mark. 5 reasons to go - panoramic loop above Riale - Lake Toggia takes center stage - varied trail that never feels monotonous - authentic high-valley atmosphere - social experience with the Guidders This hike is special because it brings together water, altitude, and borderland landscapes: you set off from the Formazza valley floor and find yourself in an open, rugged, and surprising environment, where every bend reveals a new view.

The experience

A circular trek starting from Riale, in Val Formazza, and climbing toward Lake Toggia through high pastures, scree fields, and wide open high-altitude landscapes, with views of the border peaks between Piedmont and Canton Ticino. With the Guidders, you’ll walk along mountain trails and rockier tracks, with a few steep sections, uneven ground, and exposure to the wind: sure footing is required, but the difficulty remains within standard hiking level. The best part? The ever-changing scenery, the charm of the dam, the silence of the valley, and that feeling of being truly far away. It’s the kind of hike to choose if you’re looking for real nature, the right company, and a day that leaves its mark. 5 reasons to go - panoramic loop above Riale - Lake Toggia takes center stage - varied trail that never feels monotonous - authentic high-valley atmosphere - social experience with the Guidders This hike is special because it brings together water, altitude, and borderland landscapes: you set off from the Formazza valley floor and find yourself in an open, rugged, and surprising environment, where every bend reveals a new view.

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

15 km · D+ 700 m · 5 h

The stops · 15 km

Meeting point 9:00approximate

Finish, Nuova Strada Anas 424 ex Strada Statale 659 di Valle Antigorio e Val Formazza, 28863 Formazza provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, 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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09:00PARKING

Start

We’ll meet in Riale (VB), where, after parking, we’ll set off on our day’s hike.

10:30MOUNTAIN HUT

Maria Luisa Mountain Hut

Once we reach Maria Luisa Hut, we’ll take a short break before continuing our adventure.

12:00PASS

San Giacomo Pass

A viewpoint across the border, followed by a crossing through lakes, meadows and rocky terrain, leads us back down into the valley.

15:00RETURN

return to the valley

The hike ends with the satisfying feeling of having completed a full loop. It’s the perfect moment to pause for a while and take away the lasting images of the trail.

What to bring

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

Questions?