The Italian Yosemite: Val di Mello and its Nature Reserve
Val Masino, Sondrio · Lombardia•1 day•Hiking · 1,156 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
EASY
Where?
Sondrio, Lombardia
On your own?
No problem
Points
+12
Community photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE
Val di Mello, the Italian Yosemite
An easy hike in Lombardy's largest protected area. This natural paradise, with its immense granite walls, forests, waterfalls, and crystal-clear waters, is often called the "Italian Yosemite."
Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
Venturing into the reserve, we'll discover the magnificent Laghetto del Qualido (Qualido Lake), the famous Bidet della Contessa (Countess's Bidet), and traverse forests and meadows of extraordinary beauty. In addition to the natural wonders, we'll uncover the legend of the Gigiàt, the famous creature said to inhabit these mountains!
The route, always on a well-maintained trail with only a gentle elevation gain, makes this hike accessible to everyone, even those new to mountain adventures.
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.
+12 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
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+
250 m D+ · 10 km · 3 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 3 h and 250 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
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch or lunch at the hut
✕Parking
✕Travel to Val Masino
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.
Itinerary
One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.
Elevation gain
250 m
Max altitude
1,156 m
Distance
10 km
Duration
3 h
Day
10 km · D+ 250 m · 3 h
The stops · 10 km
Meeting point 10:00approximate
San Martino Parking Area, Via Roma 37, 23010 Val Masino provincia di Sondrio, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
We'll pause at Rasica, where the Rasega mountain hut will be our base. We'll enjoy lunch by the stream.
13:30LAKE
BIdet della Contessa e Laghetto del Qualido
Famous landmarks like the Countess's Bidet and Lake Qualido, with a relaxing lakeside stop.
15:00RETURN
San Martino Parking Area
Return to the parking area
How do you get to Val Masino? 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.
Windproof
REQUIRED
Cap
REQUIRED
Sunscreen
REQUIRED
K-way
REQUIRED
Sunglasses
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Mineral salts and supplements
RECOMMENDED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Your guide
Ricky
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.
Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Ricky, an environmental hiking guide with a past as an artist — broke, but happy. I lived over 10 years in Milan, where I studied painting and lived in colour. Though, let's be honest, my real palette was always the mountains. In recent years the call of my Valtellina became irresistible: I was spending more time on the trails than in the city, so at the end of 2024 I made the most natural choice of all — going back to Sondrio, signing up for the AIGAE course and starting this adventure. Today I take groups out to discover the beauty of the Alps with hikes that suit everyone, and I have a soft spot for anyone who wants to share the walk with their dog. Because the mountains are even better lived with the ones you love. 🐕 See you in the mountains, Guidders!
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 3 h with 250 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? 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.
The Italian Yosemite: Val di Mello and its Nature Reserve
Val Masino, (SO) · Lombardia
1 day · Hiking · 1,156 m
New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it
Elevation gain
250 m
Max altitude
1,156 m
Distance
10 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
3 h
Guiddy points
+12
▣ 4 photos
WHY THIS HIKE
Val di Mello, the Italian Yosemite
An easy hike in Lombardy's largest protected area. This natural paradise, with its immense granite walls, forests, waterfalls, and crystal-clear waters, is often called the "Italian Yosemite."
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
Venturing into the reserve, we'll discover the magnificent Laghetto del Qualido (Qualido Lake), the famous Bidet della Contessa (Countess's Bidet), and traverse forests and meadows of extraordinary beauty. In addition to the natural wonders, we'll uncover the legend of the Gigiàt, the famous creature said to inhabit these mountains!
The route, always on a well-maintained trail with only a gentle elevation gain, makes this hike accessible to everyone, even those new to mountain adventures.
How hard is it
Guiddy scale
EASY
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
250 m D+ · 10 km · 3 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 3 h and 250 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
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch or lunch at the hut
✕Parking
✕Travel to Val Masino
Itinerary
Day · approximate times
Stops · 10 km
Meeting point 10:00San Martino Parking Area
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
We'll pause at Rasica, where the Rasega mountain hut will be our base. We'll enjoy lunch by the stream.
13:30LAKE
BIdet della Contessa e Laghetto del Qualido
Famous landmarks like the Countess's Bidet and Lake Qualido, with a relaxing lakeside stop.
15:00RETURN
San Martino Parking Area
Return to the parking area
How do you get to Val Masino? 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.
Windproof
REQUIRED
Cap
REQUIRED
Sunscreen
REQUIRED
K-way
REQUIRED
Sunglasses
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Mineral salts and supplements
RECOMMENDED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Your guide
Ricky
Guida Ambientale Escursionistica
Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Ricky, an environmental hiking guide with a past as an artist — broke, but happy. I lived over 10 years in Milan, where I studied painting and lived in colour. Though, let's be honest, my real palette was always the mountains. In recent years the call of my Valtellina became irresistible: I was spending more time on the trails than in the city, so at the end of 2024 I made the most natural choice of all — going back to Sondrio, signing up for the AIGAE course and starting this adventure. Today I take groups out to discover the beauty of the Alps with hikes that suit everyone, and I have a soft spot for anyone who wants to share the walk with their dog. Because the mountains are even better lived with the ones you love. 🐕 See you in the mountains, Guidders!
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.
Paths, mule tracks or wide trails requiring little physical preparation. You need to be fit enough to walk for 3 h with 250 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
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