PROPOSED BY THE GUIDE
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Magical Autumn Escapes: Hiking the Lakes of Val Formazza

Frazione Riale, provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola · Piemonte•1 day•Hiking · 2,300 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
INTERMEDIATE
Where?
provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piemonte
On your own?
No problem
Points
+17
Magical Autumn Escapes: Hiking the Lakes of Val Formazza
Community photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE

Autumn among the Val Formazza lakes

Starting from the charming village of Riale, in the heart of the upper Val Formazza, we will embark on a journey that, step by step, will lead us through alpine landscapes of rare beauty.

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

The experience

In autumn, the mountain is dressed in warm and intense colors: the yellow and red of the larches blend with the deep blue of the alpine lakes and the white of the first snow on the peaks, creating a unique and unforgettable atmosphere.

Our excursion will begin by climbing towards Lake Toggia, with its clear waters and the imposing dam that dominates the valley. Continuing on, we will reach the picturesque San Giacomo Pass, a connecting point with neighboring Switzerland and a place that offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Crossing pastures and hollows with autumnal colors, we will arrive at the tranquil Lake Castel, a small jewel nestled among the mountains. From here, the descent will lead us to the Maria Luisa Refuge.

The return to Riale will be accompanied by the last glimpses of autumnal light, which will amplify the magic of this circular route, among alpine lakes, high-altitude panoramas and unforgettable landscapes.

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 4 days before
You pay nothing when you book.
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.
Not suitable for dogs
This time your dog stays at home.

How hard is it, really

Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
700 m D+ · 15 km · 6 h
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 6 h and 700 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included in the price

✓INCLUDED
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Meals
✕Travel to Frazione Riale
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.

Itinerary

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

Elevation gain
700 m
Max altitude
2,300 m
Distance
15 km
Duration
6 h
Day
15 km · D+ 700 m · 6 h
Map
The stops · 15 km
Meeting point 8:30approximate
Riale, Frazione Riale, 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
08:30PARKING
Riale
Charming mountain village. Our meeting point and the starting point for adventure!
11:00PASS
San Giacomo Pass
"The highest and most scenic point of our hike, where we'll stop for photos and a well-deserved break to enjoy lunch."
16:00RETURN
Riale: Your gateway to unforgettable mountain adventures.
Return to Riale following the same trail we took on the way up.

How do you get to Frazione Riale? 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.

Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Cap
REQUIRED
Guanti
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Food supply
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Mini-crampons
RECOMMENDED

Your guide

Giacomo C.
Giacomo C.
· 10 outings
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.

I'm Giacomo, a mid-mountain leader registered with the Collegio Guide Alpine. I was born and raised among the peaks of the Val d'Ossola and the views of Lake Maggiore, and I turned my passion for the mountains into a profession. Over the last 10 years I've travelled through New Zealand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Corsica, Madeira and Spain, and of course along the trails of the Alpine arc and the Apennines, often looking for that genuine connection with wild nature. I'll take you to find real places far from mass tourism: from the hidden trails of the Val d'Ossola and Lake Maggiore to the iconic Dolomites, with routes tailored to every level. My mission? To let you experience the mountains as something that changes you: every step is a story, every view a memory that stays. 🎒 See you on the trails!

Italiano
Inglese
Guida di Media Montagna

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.

After your outing, you can share your story too.

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 700 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 4 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? Message 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.
Message Ibex on WhatsApp
No commitment: we're happy to answer even just for advice.
Magical Autumn Escapes: Hiking the Lakes of Val Formazza

Magical Autumn Escapes: Hiking the Lakes of Val Formazza

Frazione Riale, Formazza (VB) · Piemonte
1 day · Hiking · 2,300 m
Elevation gain
700 m
Max altitude
2,300 m
Distance
15 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
6 h
Guiddy points
+17
4 photos
WHY THIS HIKE

Autumn among the Val Formazza lakes

Starting from the charming village of Riale, in the heart of the upper Val Formazza, we will embark on a journey that, step by step, will lead us through alpine landscapes of rare beauty.

Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

In autumn, the mountain is dressed in warm and intense colors: the yellow and red of the larches blend with the deep blue of the alpine lakes and the white of the first snow on the peaks, creating a unique and unforgettable atmosphere.

Our excursion will begin by climbing towards Lake Toggia, with its clear waters and the imposing dam that dominates the valley. Continuing on, we will reach the picturesque San Giacomo Pass, a connecting point with neighboring Switzerland and a place that offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Crossing pastures and hollows with autumnal colors, we will arrive at the tranquil Lake Castel, a small jewel nestled among the mountains. From here, the descent will lead us to the Maria Luisa Refuge.

The return to Riale will be accompanied by the last glimpses of autumnal light, which will amplify the magic of this circular route, among alpine lakes, high-altitude panoramas and unforgettable landscapes.

How hard is it

Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
700 m D+ · 15 km · 6 h
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 6 h and 700 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included

INCLUDED
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
NOT INCLUDED
✕Meals
✕Travel to Frazione Riale

Itinerary

Day · approximate times
Map
Stops · 15 km
Meeting point 8:30Riale
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
08:30PARKING
Riale
Charming mountain village. Our meeting point and the starting point for adventure!
11:00PASS
San Giacomo Pass
"The highest and most scenic point of our hike, where we'll stop for photos and a well-deserved break to enjoy lunch."
16:00RETURN
Riale: Your gateway to unforgettable mountain adventures.
Return to Riale following the same trail we took on the way up.

How do you get to Frazione Riale? 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.
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Cap
REQUIRED
Guanti
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Food supply
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Mini-crampons
RECOMMENDED

Your guide

Giacomo C.
Giacomo C.
10 outings with Guiddy
Guida di Media Montagna

I'm Giacomo, a mid-mountain leader registered with the Collegio Guide Alpine. I was born and raised among the peaks of the Val d'Ossola and the views of Lake Maggiore, and I turned my passion for the mountains into a profession. Over the last 10 years I've travelled through New Zealand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Corsica, Madeira and Spain, and of course along the trails of the Alpine arc and the Apennines, often looking for that genuine connection with wild nature. I'll take you to find real places far from mass tourism: from the hidden trails of the Val d'Ossola and Lake Maggiore to the iconic Dolomites, with routes tailored to every level. My mission? To let you experience the mountains as something that changes you: every step is a story, every view a memory that stays. 🎒 See you on the trails!

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.

After your outing, you can share your story too.

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 700 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?
⌄
Ibex
Still unsure? Message Ibex on WhatsApp →
No date
€25
per person
Book now →
Pay only if confirmed