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Pizzo Diei: crossing the lunar plateau above Crodo

Frazione San Domenico, provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola · Piemonte•1 day•Hiking · 2,904 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
INTERMEDIATE PLUS
Where?
provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piemonte
On your own?
No problem
Points
+17
Pizzo Diei: crossing the lunar plateau above Crodo
Community photos
See all photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE

Pizzo Diei: the lunar desert

A dome of fine scree at 2906 meters, and under your feet the feeling of walking on the moon.

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

The experience

We set off with the Guidders in the morning for a real traverse: we climb toward altitude, pass by the historic Bivacco Giovanni Leoni (2803 m, built in 1901, always open) and cross the plateau linking the Diei to Monte Cistella. Here karst and frost have carved fissures and scree flats that feel like another planet. The final stretch climbs a steep, loose gully: we take it slow, following stone cairns up to the summit dome. Then it's downhill, a long descent back to the valley, through slopes that gradually ease off.

Old legends speak of devils and witches tied to this peak: looking at the lunar desert of the summit, you get why.

5 reasons to join - the summit of Pizzo Diei, a true lunar desert at altitude - crossing the plateau between Diei and Cistella - the charm of the historic Bivacco Leoni, standing since 1901 - old legends of witches and devils tied to this peak - authentic high-mountain scenery, far from the crowds

Who it's for You'll need trained legs and a taste for high-altitude, sometimes rough terrain. No technical passages, but some hiking experience is needed.

Come discover Pizzo Diei with the Guidders: we start together, we finish together, right on top of the lunar desert.

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.
+17 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+
709 m D+ · 15 km · 7h30
Exposure and exposed sections
NONE
The trail is never exposed. A few rocky stretches, no airy sections.
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 7h30 and 709 m of ascent ahead, you need regular training, it's a pace to keep up for hours
✓
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
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✓Licensed hiking guide
✓Guiddy points for the loyalty programme
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Cable car, gondola or chairlift
✕Packed lunch
✕Parking
✕Travel to Frazione San Domenico
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.

Itinerary

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

Elevation gain
709 m
Max altitude
2,904 m
Distance
15 km
Duration
7h30
Map
Day
15 km · D+ 709 m · 7h30
Meeting point 9:00approximate
Meeting point at the pass and departure towards Pizzo Diei, Frazione San Domenico 65, 28868 Varzo 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 the pass and departure towards Pizzo Diei
We meet with the Guidders already up high, above 2480 metres, in the upper Val d'Ossola near Crodo. The time is indicative and may change depending on the season: the exact time will be shared in the event's Telegram group.
B
10:00WATER
Steep climb towards Diei
The trail steepens and we climb step by step through high-altitude rocks and scree, the valley opening up below us. A tough but rewarding stretch, with the view growing wider at every turn.
C
12:00WATER
Pizzo Diei — summit and lunch break
We reach 2904 metres on a dome of fine scree, a true lunar desert at high altitude: here we stop for lunch with an absolute view over the Ossola Alps. The Guiddy group celebrates the summit with 360° panoramas.
D
15:00WATER
Long descent into the valley
We start the long descent that takes us back down, the trail dropping steadily through scree fields and open slopes. Our legs work hard, but the view over the valley below rewards every step.
E
18:00WATER
Return to the cars
Once the hike is over with the Guidders, we're back at the cars: the perfect moment for a cold beer or a coke together, toasting to an unforgettable day of trekking.

How do you get to Frazione San Domenico? 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
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Cap
RECOMMENDED
Sunscreen
RECOMMENDED
Layered clothing
RECOMMENDED
Waterproof shell
RECOMMENDED
Sunglasses
RECOMMENDED

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 7h30 with 709 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?
Pizzo Diei: crossing the lunar plateau above Crodo

Pizzo Diei: crossing the lunar plateau above Crodo

Frazione San Domenico, Varzo (VB) · Piemonte
1 day · Hiking · 2,904 m
New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it
Elevation gain
709 m
Max altitude
2,904 m
Distance
15 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
7h30
Guiddy points
+17
14 photos
+10 photos
WHY THIS HIKE

Pizzo Diei: the lunar desert

A dome of fine scree at 2906 meters, and under your feet the feeling of walking on the moon.

Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

We set off with the Guidders in the morning for a real traverse: we climb toward altitude, pass by the historic Bivacco Giovanni Leoni (2803 m, built in 1901, always open) and cross the plateau linking the Diei to Monte Cistella. Here karst and frost have carved fissures and scree flats that feel like another planet. The final stretch climbs a steep, loose gully: we take it slow, following stone cairns up to the summit dome. Then it's downhill, a long descent back to the valley, through slopes that gradually ease off.

Old legends speak of devils and witches tied to this peak: looking at the lunar desert of the summit, you get why.

5 reasons to join - the summit of Pizzo Diei, a true lunar desert at altitude - crossing the plateau between Diei and Cistella - the charm of the historic Bivacco Leoni, standing since 1901 - old legends of witches and devils tied to this peak - authentic high-mountain scenery, far from the crowds

Who it's for You'll need trained legs and a taste for high-altitude, sometimes rough terrain. No technical passages, but some hiking experience is needed.

Come discover Pizzo Diei with the Guidders: we start together, we finish together, right on top of the lunar desert.

How hard is it

Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE PLUS
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
709 m D+ · 15 km · 7h30
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 7h30 and 709 m of ascent ahead, you need regular training, it's a pace to keep up for hours
✓
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
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✓Licensed hiking guide
✓Guiddy points for the loyalty programme
NOT INCLUDED
✕Cable car, gondola or chairlift
✕Packed lunch
✕Parking
✕Travel to Frazione San Domenico

Itinerary

Day · approximate times
Map
Explore the map
5 stops
Meeting point 9:00Meeting point at the pass and departure towards Pizzo Diei
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
A
09:00MEETING
Meeting point at the pass and departure towards Pizzo Diei
We meet with the Guidders already up high, above 2480 metres, in the upper Val d'Ossola near Crodo. The time is indicative and may change depending on the season: the exact time will be shared in the event's Telegram group.
B
10:00WATER
Steep climb towards Diei
The trail steepens and we climb step by step through high-altitude rocks and scree, the valley opening up below us. A tough but rewarding stretch, with the view growing wider at every turn.
C
12:00WATER
Pizzo Diei — summit and lunch break
We reach 2904 metres on a dome of fine scree, a true lunar desert at high altitude: here we stop for lunch with an absolute view over the Ossola Alps. The Guiddy group celebrates the summit with 360° panoramas.
D
15:00WATER
Long descent into the valley
We start the long descent that takes us back down, the trail dropping steadily through scree fields and open slopes. Our legs work hard, but the view over the valley below rewards every step.
E
18:00WATER
Return to the cars
Once the hike is over with the Guidders, we're back at the cars: the perfect moment for a cold beer or a coke together, toasting to an unforgettable day of trekking.

How do you get to Frazione San Domenico? 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
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Cap
RECOMMENDED
Sunscreen
RECOMMENDED
Layered clothing
RECOMMENDED
Waterproof shell
RECOMMENDED
Sunglasses
RECOMMENDED

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 7h30 with 709 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
€24.90
per person
Book now →
Pay only if confirmed