Porta di Prada: the Grigna's natural arch above Lake Como
Cainallo, Lecco · Lombardia•1 day · Saturday•Hiking · 1,729 m
Difficulty ?
INTERMEDIATE
Where?
Lecco, Lombardia
On your own?
No problem
Points
+16
Community photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Guiddy Experience
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE
A rock arch suspended over Lake Como
On the western side of the Grigna Settentrionale, looking directly out over Lake Como, winds one of the most beautiful treks in the Lecco area. The destination is the Porta di Prada: an imposing natural arch carved into the rock by water and time, one of those places you look at twice because the first time it doesn't seem real.
Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
We set off from Vo di Moncodeno, above Esino Lario, and walk through a karst landscape of dolines, white rock and views over Lake Lario. It's 12 kilometers and 600 meters of elevation gain, with no exposed passages but on terrain that is at times rocky, where you need to watch your footing.
After a photo stop at the arch, we continue on to the Rifugio Bietti-Buzzi, a natural terrace suspended above the lake, where we stop for lunch. The return leg passes once more beneath the walls of the Grigna.
This is an intermediate hike: six hours of walking and 600 meters of elevation gain on terrain that is at times rocky, with no technical difficulties. You'll need sturdy-soled boots and enough water.
Come with the Guidders: book now and let's head to the Porta di Prada together.
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
For the selected date: by 20 October, 23:59. You pay nothing when you book.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+16 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
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
600 m D+ · 12 km · 6 h
Easy
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 — this outing
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 6 h and 600 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Warm layers, a windproof jacket, 1.5 litres of water and a headlamp: the days are getting shorter, plus poles. 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)
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch or lunch at the hut
✕Parking
✕Travel to Cainallo
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.
Itinerary
One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.
Elevation gain
600 m
Max altitude
1,729 m
Distance
12 km
Duration
6 h
Saturday
24 Oct
12 km · D+ 600 m · 6 h
The stops · 12 km
Meeting point 9:15approximate
23825 Esino Lario, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
The meeting point is the Vo di Moncodeno car park, above Esino Lario (LC). Note: parking requires a ticket, bought from the machine next to the entrance of Rifugio Cainallo. From there we drive on for a short stretch to Vo di Moncodeno, where the trail starts. The exact time is shared in the outing's Telegram group.
11:30VIEWPOINT
Porta di Prada
We walk through karst country, between sinkholes and white rock, up to Porta di Prada. The natural arch appears suddenly round a bend in the trail: we stop for photos and to look at it from below, with Lake Como appearing beyond the rock.
12:30MOUNTAIN HUT
Lunch at Rifugio Bietti-Buzzi
From the arch we continue to Rifugio Bietti-Buzzi, a natural terrace above the lake. We stop for lunch, at the hut's tables or a packed one on the meadows, with the Grigna walls behind us and the lake below.
15:30RETURN
Back to Vo di Moncodeno
We finish the hike by heading back to the Vo di Moncodeno car park, passing once again beneath the walls of the Grigna, lit by the soft afternoon light on the rock. Back at the cars, we take a moment for a toast before saying our goodbyes.
How do you get to Cainallo? 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
for the selected date
1 car with 3 free seats for this date, and 1 Guidder is looking for a ride.
With a Guiddy profile you can see where they leave from and who's looking for a ride.
Prima volta con Guiddy. Attualmente proprio quello che cercavo: non ho molti amici che vogliono fare trekking o camminate outdoor e quest'app permette proprio questo: trovare un gruppo di persone appassiate della montagna con tanta voglia di camminare e godersi la natura. Farò altri tour
Your guide★★★★★★★★★★The Coordinator★★★★★★★★★★
Riccardo S.
Outing on 19 September 2026
★★★★★★★★★★
Your guide★★★★★★★★★★
Stefano B.
Outing on 18 April 2026
★★★★★★★★★★
Ho scelto questa gita per me semplice come prima uscita della stagione, per iniziare ad allenarmi in vista di quelle più impengative. Ho trovato un gruppo di persone super disponibili e simpatiche e una guida, Davide, una guida top sotto tutti i punti di vista. Pranzo al rifugio ottimo e abbondante. Per iniziare la stagione, direi la scelta perfetta!
Your guide★★★★★★★★★★
M
Mattia B.
Outing on 19 September 2026
★★★★★★★★★★
Your guide★★★★★★★★★★
Clara L.
Outing on 29 August 2026
★★★★★★★★★★
Escursione con panorama davvero bello nonostante il tempo era nuvoloso. Compagnia davvero 🔝. Giornata di trekking tra risate e chiacchiere 😊
Michele M.
Outing on 19 September 2026
★★★★★★★★★★
Your guide★★★★★★★★★★
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 600 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 (for this date: 20 October, 23:59)
✓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? 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.
Porta di Prada: the Grigna's natural arch above Lake Como
Cainallo, Esino Lario (LC) · Lombardia
1 day · Hiking · 1,729 m
145 Guidders have already done it
Elevation gain
600 m
Max altitude
1,729 m
Distance
12 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
6 h
Guiddy points
+16
▣ 4 photos
WHY THIS HIKE
A rock arch suspended over Lake Como
On the western side of the Grigna Settentrionale, looking directly out over Lake Como, winds one of the most beautiful treks in the Lecco area. The destination is the Porta di Prada: an imposing natural arch carved into the rock by water and time, one of those places you look at twice because the first time it doesn't seem real.
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
We set off from Vo di Moncodeno, above Esino Lario, and walk through a karst landscape of dolines, white rock and views over Lake Lario. It's 12 kilometers and 600 meters of elevation gain, with no exposed passages but on terrain that is at times rocky, where you need to watch your footing.
After a photo stop at the arch, we continue on to the Rifugio Bietti-Buzzi, a natural terrace suspended above the lake, where we stop for lunch. The return leg passes once more beneath the walls of the Grigna.
This is an intermediate hike: six hours of walking and 600 meters of elevation gain on terrain that is at times rocky, with no technical difficulties. You'll need sturdy-soled boots and enough water.
Come with the Guidders: book now and let's head to the Porta di Prada together.
How hard is it
Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
600 m D+ · 12 km · 6 h
Easy
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 — this outing
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 6 h and 600 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Warm layers, a windproof jacket, 1.5 litres of water and a headlamp: the days are getting shorter, plus poles. 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)
NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch or lunch at the hut
✕Parking
✕Travel to Cainallo
Itinerary
Saturday · approximate times
Stops · 12 km
Meeting point 9:15Cainallo
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
The meeting point is the Vo di Moncodeno car park, above Esino Lario (LC). Note: parking requires a ticket, bought from the machine next to the entrance of Rifugio Cainallo. From there we drive on for a short stretch to Vo di Moncodeno, where the trail starts. The exact time is shared in the outing's Telegram group.
11:30VIEWPOINT
Porta di Prada
We walk through karst country, between sinkholes and white rock, up to Porta di Prada. The natural arch appears suddenly round a bend in the trail: we stop for photos and to look at it from below, with Lake Como appearing beyond the rock.
12:30MOUNTAIN HUT
Lunch at Rifugio Bietti-Buzzi
From the arch we continue to Rifugio Bietti-Buzzi, a natural terrace above the lake. We stop for lunch, at the hut's tables or a packed one on the meadows, with the Grigna walls behind us and the lake below.
15:30RETURN
Back to Vo di Moncodeno
We finish the hike by heading back to the Vo di Moncodeno car park, passing once again beneath the walls of the Grigna, lit by the soft afternoon light on the rock. Back at the cars, we take a moment for a toast before saying our goodbyes.
How do you get to Cainallo? By carpooling.
You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group.
WHO'S ALREADY GOING
for this date
1 car with 3 free seats for this date, and 1 Guidder is looking for a ride.
With a Guiddy profile you can see where they leave from and who's looking for a ride.
Prima volta con Guiddy. Attualmente proprio quello che cercavo: non ho molti amici che vogliono fare trekking o camminate outdoor e quest'app permette proprio questo: trovare un gruppo di persone appassiate della montagna con tanta voglia di camminare e godersi la natura. Farò altri tour
Your guide★★★★★★★★★★The Coordinator★★★★★★★★★★
Riccardo S.
Outing on 19 September 2026
★★★★★★★★★★
Your guide★★★★★★★★★★
Stefano B.
Outing on 18 April 2026
★★★★★★★★★★
Ho scelto questa gita per me semplice come prima uscita della stagione, per iniziare ad allenarmi in vista di quelle più impengative. Ho trovato un gruppo di persone super disponibili e simpatiche e una guida, Davide, una guida top sotto tutti i punti di vista. Pranzo al rifugio ottimo e abbondante. Per iniziare la stagione, direi la scelta perfetta!
Your guide★★★★★★★★★★
M
Mattia B.
Outing on 19 September 2026
★★★★★★★★★★
Your guide★★★★★★★★★★
Clara L.
Outing on 29 August 2026
★★★★★★★★★★
Escursione con panorama davvero bello nonostante il tempo era nuvoloso. Compagnia davvero 🔝. Giornata di trekking tra risate e chiacchiere 😊
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 600 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
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