Triassic Park: Journey Through Time on Monte San Giorgio
Meride, Canton Ticino · Svizzera•1 day•Hiking · 1,097 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
INTERMEDIATE
Where?
Canton Ticino, Svizzera
On your own?
No problem
Points
+16
Community photos
See all photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE
Monte San Giorgio, a journey through time
A long, long time ago, where we now see the Lombardy lakes, vast seas teeming with life stretched out, dominated by extraordinary creatures.
Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
Their traces, preserved for millions of years in the rocks of our mountains, tell us a fascinating story: the story of life on Earth.
Come and discover it with us, step by step, among fossils, legends, and breathtaking views. An adventure between science and fantasy for explorers of all ages!
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.
+16 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+
600 m D+ · 9 km · 4 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 4 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
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
✕Transport
✕Packed lunches
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
1,097 m
Distance
9 km
Duration
4 h
Day
9 km · D+ 600 m · 4 h
The stops · 9 km
Meeting point 9:30approximate
Meride via Fossati Parking Area, Via Ersilia Fossati 1, 6866 Meride, Svizzera. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
A scenic overlook above the river, where various fossils have been discovered.
11:15VIEWPOINT
Acqua del Ghiffo
A natural classroom nestled in the woods, where the sea once rolled.
11:45HISTORY
Miniera Tre Fontane
"The tunnels that have revealed the fossilized remains of the incredible creatures that once inhabited these ancient seas."
12:45SUMMIT
Summiting Monte San Giorgio
"Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Lugano and the surrounding mountains – the perfect spot for our lunch break!"
15:00RETURN
Back to Meride
Loop hike back to Meride along the old mule track.
How do you get to Meride? 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.
Heavy headgear
REQUIRED
Thermal shirt
REQUIRED
Long pants
REQUIRED
Warm gloves
REQUIRED
Light fleece
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Windbreaker
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Headlamp
RECOMMENDED
Snacks
RECOMMENDED
Mini-crampons (in autumn-winter)
RECOMMENDED
Your guide
Anna M.
· 33 outings
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.
Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Anna, an environmental hiking guide and a repentant ex-office worker. I run group hikes in Lombardy, mainly in the provinces of Lecco, Como and Sondrio, and the reason is always the same: to spread as widely as I can that sense of wonder towards nature and towards this precious, beautiful planet of ours. What I enjoy most is watching someone enjoy a view without a worry in their head and go home having learned something new. It happens often — and it happens better if there's one of my home-made biscuits to nibble along the way. 🍪 Join one of my hikes and see for yourself. See you in the mountains, Guidders!
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 4 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
✓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.
Triassic Park: Journey Through Time on Monte San Giorgio
Meride, (TI) · Svizzera
1 day · Hiking · 1,097 m
Elevation gain
600 m
Max altitude
1,097 m
Distance
9 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
4 h
Guiddy points
+16
▣ 6 photos
+2 photos
WHY THIS HIKE
Monte San Giorgio, a journey through time
A long, long time ago, where we now see the Lombardy lakes, vast seas teeming with life stretched out, dominated by extraordinary creatures.
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
Their traces, preserved for millions of years in the rocks of our mountains, tell us a fascinating story: the story of life on Earth.
Come and discover it with us, step by step, among fossils, legends, and breathtaking views. An adventure between science and fantasy for explorers of all ages!
How hard is it
Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
600 m D+ · 9 km · 4 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 4 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
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
✕Transport
✕Packed lunches
Itinerary
Day · approximate times
Stops · 9 km
Meeting point 9:30Meride via Fossati Parking Area
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
A scenic overlook above the river, where various fossils have been discovered.
11:15VIEWPOINT
Acqua del Ghiffo
A natural classroom nestled in the woods, where the sea once rolled.
11:45HISTORY
Miniera Tre Fontane
"The tunnels that have revealed the fossilized remains of the incredible creatures that once inhabited these ancient seas."
12:45SUMMIT
Summiting Monte San Giorgio
"Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Lugano and the surrounding mountains – the perfect spot for our lunch break!"
15:00RETURN
Back to Meride
Loop hike back to Meride along the old mule track.
How do you get to Meride? 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.
Heavy headgear
REQUIRED
Thermal shirt
REQUIRED
Long pants
REQUIRED
Warm gloves
REQUIRED
Light fleece
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Windbreaker
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Headlamp
RECOMMENDED
Snacks
RECOMMENDED
Mini-crampons (in autumn-winter)
RECOMMENDED
Your guide
Anna M.
33 outings with Guiddy
Guida Ambientale Escursionistica
Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Anna, an environmental hiking guide and a repentant ex-office worker. I run group hikes in Lombardy, mainly in the provinces of Lecco, Como and Sondrio, and the reason is always the same: to spread as widely as I can that sense of wonder towards nature and towards this precious, beautiful planet of ours. What I enjoy most is watching someone enjoy a view without a worry in their head and go home having learned something new. It happens often — and it happens better if there's one of my home-made biscuits to nibble along the way. 🍪 Join one of my hikes and see for yourself. See you in the mountains, Guidders!
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.
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 4 h with 600 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.