PROPOSED BY THE GUIDE
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Paione Lakes in Autumn: High-Altitude Loop in Val Bognanco

Bognanco, provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola · Piemonte•1 day•Hiking · 2,248 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
INTERMEDIATE PLUS
Where?
provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piemonte
On your own?
No problem
Points
+19
Paione Lakes in Autumn: High-Altitude Loop in Val Bognanco
Community photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE

Paione: three lakes, one loop

Three lakes, a staircase of rock, and the Val Bognanco bursting with fall colors.

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

The experience

We set off with the Guidders from the Rifugio San Bernardo early in the morning, with crisp autumn air and the forest turning gold and red. We climb with the Guidders along a loop that winds through golden larches and high pastures, reaching the three Paione Lakes: stacked one above the other in glacial basins, separated by rocky steps like giant stairs. The Lago Superiore, at 2270 meters, is the highest and most striking point of the day, its still water reflecting the golden afternoon light.

These stepped basins are a rare glacial feature: three lakes nested one above the other, linked by rock steps smoothed by ancient glaciers.

5 reasons to join - three alpine lakes in sequence, a one-of-a-kind sight - the loop in full autumn foliage, colors you won't forget - the historic Rifugio San Bernardo as our starting point - glacial stepped basins to see with your own eyes - open views over Val Bognanco and the surrounding peaks

Who it's for You'll need good fitness and legs ready for hours of walking: it's a long route but with no technical passages. Not suited for young children.

Come discover the Paione Lakes with the Guiddy community: see you there!

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.
+19 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 PLUS
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
956 m D+ · 14 km · 6 h
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Gambe
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Fiato

What's included in the price

✓INCLUDED
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✓Certified Guide
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch
✕Fuel, shared among participants
✕Travel to Bognanco
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.

Itinerary

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

Elevation gain
956 m
Max altitude
2,248 m
Distance
14 km
Duration
6 h
Map
Day
14 km · D+ 956 m · 6 h
Meeting point 9:00approximate
Return to San Bernardo, 28842, Bognanco, 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
A
09:00MEETING
Meeting point at San Bernardo di Bognanco
We meet the Guidders at San Bernardo, in Val Bognanco (Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province), indicative start time 9:00 but it can change with the season: the exact time will be shared in the event's Telegram group. We set off surrounded by the valley's autumn colours, ready for the Paione lakes.
B
10:00WATER
Climbing towards the Lower Lake
The trail climbs steadily among golden larches and rocks, with a few steep stretches we tackle step by step. The air gets crisper and the autumn woods accompany every bend towards the first glacial basins.
C
11:00WATER
Middle Lake of Paione
The second of the three stepped lakes greets us with still waters and golden foliage reflections all around. From here the trail gets wilder, among big boulders and ever wider views over the valley.
D
12:00WATER
Upper Paione Lake — lunch break
We've reached the Upper Lake, the highest point of the day: turquoise waters framed by rocks and scree, lit up by warm autumn light. We stop here with the Guidders for lunch, enjoying a view that's worth every step of the climb.
E
15:00WATER
Return to San Bernardo
We close the loop descending along a different stretch of trail, through woods ablaze with autumn colours, back to the cars at San Bernardo. With the Guidders we enjoy a cold beer or a coke to toast the day we just lived.

How do you get to Bognanco? 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
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
REQUIRED
Cap
RECOMMENDED
Sunscreen
RECOMMENDED

Your guide

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

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Dario, an environmental hiking guide and a beekeeper. 🐝 The mountains are my home: between trekking, trail running and mountaineering I'm out looking for new adventures to live and share every day. I love exploring trails, finding hidden corners and watching nature with curiosity, respect and passion — things that beekeeping taught me to look at very close up. Taking people out is what excites me most: seeing the astonishment in someone's eyes when they reach a summit, cross a wood or discover something new makes every outing special. My goal? To give you real experiences, where the journey counts as much as the destination, always with a smile and in good company. 🌲 See you in the mountains, Guidders!

Italiano
Inglese
Guida Ambientale Escursionistica

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 6 h with 956 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?
Paione Lakes in Autumn: High-Altitude Loop in Val Bognanco

Paione Lakes in Autumn: High-Altitude Loop in Val Bognanco

Bognanco, (VB) · Piemonte
1 day · Hiking · 2,248 m
New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it
Elevation gain
956 m
Max altitude
2,248 m
Distance
14 km
Duration
6 h
Guiddy points
+19
3 photos
WHY THIS HIKE

Paione: three lakes, one loop

Three lakes, a staircase of rock, and the Val Bognanco bursting with fall colors.

Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

We set off with the Guidders from the Rifugio San Bernardo early in the morning, with crisp autumn air and the forest turning gold and red. We climb with the Guidders along a loop that winds through golden larches and high pastures, reaching the three Paione Lakes: stacked one above the other in glacial basins, separated by rocky steps like giant stairs. The Lago Superiore, at 2270 meters, is the highest and most striking point of the day, its still water reflecting the golden afternoon light.

These stepped basins are a rare glacial feature: three lakes nested one above the other, linked by rock steps smoothed by ancient glaciers.

5 reasons to join - three alpine lakes in sequence, a one-of-a-kind sight - the loop in full autumn foliage, colors you won't forget - the historic Rifugio San Bernardo as our starting point - glacial stepped basins to see with your own eyes - open views over Val Bognanco and the surrounding peaks

Who it's for You'll need good fitness and legs ready for hours of walking: it's a long route but with no technical passages. Not suited for young children.

Come discover the Paione Lakes with the Guiddy community: see you there!

How hard is it

Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE PLUS
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
956 m D+ · 14 km · 6 h
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Gambe
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Fiato

What's included

INCLUDED
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✓Certified Guide
NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch
✕Fuel, shared among participants
✕Travel to Bognanco

Itinerary

Day · approximate times
Map
Explore the map
5 stops
Meeting point 9:00Return to San Bernardo
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
A
09:00MEETING
Meeting point at San Bernardo di Bognanco
We meet the Guidders at San Bernardo, in Val Bognanco (Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province), indicative start time 9:00 but it can change with the season: the exact time will be shared in the event's Telegram group. We set off surrounded by the valley's autumn colours, ready for the Paione lakes.
B
10:00WATER
Climbing towards the Lower Lake
The trail climbs steadily among golden larches and rocks, with a few steep stretches we tackle step by step. The air gets crisper and the autumn woods accompany every bend towards the first glacial basins.
C
11:00WATER
Middle Lake of Paione
The second of the three stepped lakes greets us with still waters and golden foliage reflections all around. From here the trail gets wilder, among big boulders and ever wider views over the valley.
D
12:00WATER
Upper Paione Lake — lunch break
We've reached the Upper Lake, the highest point of the day: turquoise waters framed by rocks and scree, lit up by warm autumn light. We stop here with the Guidders for lunch, enjoying a view that's worth every step of the climb.
E
15:00WATER
Return to San Bernardo
We close the loop descending along a different stretch of trail, through woods ablaze with autumn colours, back to the cars at San Bernardo. With the Guidders we enjoy a cold beer or a coke to toast the day we just lived.

How do you get to Bognanco? 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
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
REQUIRED
Cap
RECOMMENDED
Sunscreen
RECOMMENDED

Your guide

Dario M.
Dario M.
Guida Ambientale Escursionistica

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Dario, an environmental hiking guide and a beekeeper. 🐝 The mountains are my home: between trekking, trail running and mountaineering I'm out looking for new adventures to live and share every day. I love exploring trails, finding hidden corners and watching nature with curiosity, respect and passion — things that beekeeping taught me to look at very close up. Taking people out is what excites me most: seeing the astonishment in someone's eyes when they reach a summit, cross a wood or discover something new makes every outing special. My goal? To give you real experiences, where the journey counts as much as the destination, always with a smile and in good company. 🌲 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 6 h with 956 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
€25
per person
Book now →
Pay only if confirmed