The Spirit of the Wood and the geological trail in Val Ravella: wooden gnomes and erratic boulders above Canzo
Canzo, Como · Lombardia•1 day•Hiking · 800 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
EASY
Where?
Como, Lombardia
On your own?
No problem
Points
+14
Community photos
See all photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE
The Spirit of the Wood at Canzo
In Val Ravella, above Canzo, gnomes, dragons and witches are carved into trunks and rocks along the path: this is the Spirit of the Wood trail, and it works on children like few places in Lombardy. The same valley holds the geological trail, an open-air museum of erratic boulders and giants' kettles.
Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
From Canzo we climb through the wood among the carvings to Prim'Alpe and Terz'Alpe, where the hut is, and come back down the geological trail: nine kilometres, 400 metres of climb, highest point 800 metres.
You can eat at Terz'Alpe (polenta and valley cheeses) and it is worth stopping: lunch at the hut is optional and not included. The carvings are living wood: touch them, do not climb them. Highest point 800 metres.
The train is very easy here: the Milan Cadorna–Asso line stops at Canzo, and the trail starts in the village. By car from Milan about one hour: parking at the entrance to Val Ravella.
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.
+14 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
EASY
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
400 m D+ · 9 km · 4 h
Easy — this outing
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
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 4 h and 400 m of ascent ahead, an easy pace, suitable for beginners
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket. 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)
✓Guiddy points for the loyalty programme
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Parking
✕Packed lunch or lunch at the hut
✕Travel to Canzo
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.
Itinerary
One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.
Elevation gain
400 m
Max altitude
800 m
Distance
9 km
Duration
4 h
Day
9 km · D+ 400 m · 4 h
Meeting point 9:30approximate
Meeting at Canzo, Canzo, provincia di Como, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
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?
⌄
Paths, mule tracks or wide trails requiring little physical preparation. You need to be fit enough to walk for 4 h with 400 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.
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?
The Spirit of the Wood and the geological trail in Val Ravella: wooden gnomes and erratic boulders above Canzo
Canzo, (CO) · Lombardia
1 day · Hiking · 800 m
New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it
Elevation gain
400 m
Max altitude
800 m
Distance
9 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
4 h
Guiddy points
+14
▣ 8 photos
+4 photos
WHY THIS HIKE
The Spirit of the Wood at Canzo
In Val Ravella, above Canzo, gnomes, dragons and witches are carved into trunks and rocks along the path: this is the Spirit of the Wood trail, and it works on children like few places in Lombardy. The same valley holds the geological trail, an open-air museum of erratic boulders and giants' kettles.
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
From Canzo we climb through the wood among the carvings to Prim'Alpe and Terz'Alpe, where the hut is, and come back down the geological trail: nine kilometres, 400 metres of climb, highest point 800 metres.
You can eat at Terz'Alpe (polenta and valley cheeses) and it is worth stopping: lunch at the hut is optional and not included. The carvings are living wood: touch them, do not climb them. Highest point 800 metres.
The train is very easy here: the Milan Cadorna–Asso line stops at Canzo, and the trail starts in the village. By car from Milan about one hour: parking at the entrance to Val Ravella.
How hard is it
Guiddy scale
EASY
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
400 m D+ · 9 km · 4 h
Easy — this outing
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
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 4 h and 400 m of ascent ahead, an easy pace, suitable for beginners
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket. 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)
✓Guiddy points for the loyalty programme
NOT INCLUDED
✕Parking
✕Packed lunch or lunch at the hut
✕Travel to Canzo
Itinerary
Day · approximate times
Explore the map
5 stops
Meeting point 9:30Meeting at Canzo
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
Paths, mule tracks or wide trails requiring little physical preparation. You need to be fit enough to walk for 4 h with 400 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Apple Maps
