MTB: crossing Moino Lakes and Panelatte Lake
Difficulty
Medium
Period
Summer

A wonderful route through the Vigezzo mountains, crossing various streams and valleys, allowing cycle tourers to admire the beautiful lakes of Muino and Lago Panelatte, small mirrors of alpine water where peace and silence still reign supreme. The descent along the demanding mule track that descends to Arvogno from the Chapel of San Pantaleone, passing Alpe I Motti, is also wonderful. One of the most beautiful routes in the Vigezzo Valley. The route, made up of more than 1700 stone steps, is a real test for the most trained and prepared cyclists. The crossing can also be completed by starting from “Piana di Vigezzo”, which you can get to by cable car from the hamlet of Prestinone di Craveggia.

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Description

From Craveggia take the road to Alpe Blitz, after a few hundred metres turn left and continue until the end of the paved road. From there the route winds along a dirt road that leads into a beautiful forest with steep slopes. On leaving the woodland, the road becomes a mule track and climbs up to Colma di Craveggia, which is dotted with meadows alpine pastures. This stretch is almost impassable in the saddle. From the Oratorio di San Rocco follow the ridge westward and, turning left, continue along the path that crosses the southern slope of the mountain, to “Piana di Vigezzo”. Continue along a mule track that from the top of “Piana di Vigezzo” cable car goes up the ski slopes and crosses the west slopes of the Trubbio peak up to Bocchetta di Muino.
Start the descent on the eastern side along a fairly cyclable path and reach the Ruggia mountains and the two small lakes of Muino. From the second lake, go up the path that leads to Bocchetta di Ruggia. Descend for a while and follow the well-marked path that, with a long crossing, skirts the Pizzo Ruggia and, with a final ascent, leads to the Chapel of San Pantaleone. Follow signs to Lago Panelatte. The path to the chapel is difficult to cycle. The long staircase that leads to Arvogno starts from there. The route is difficult, even for those who love technical descents, but the sections that can be completed in the saddle are undoubtedly very satisfying. After crossing Alpe I Motti, follow the stairs to Alpe Verzasco and climb the paved road to Arvogno. Continue to Toceno and turn left to reach Craveggia.

Useful info

Route

Craveggia – La Colma – La Piana – Bocchetta di Muino – Bocchetta di Ruggia – Lago Panelatte – Alpe I Motti – Arvogno – Craveggia

Starting point

Craveggia 885 m (2904 ft)

Highest point reached

Lago Panelatte 2063 m (6768 ft)

Overall ascent

1377 m (4518 ft)

Lenght

28 km

Cyclability

Partial

Best time of year

June – September

Difficulty

IM

Maps

CNS f.275 Valle Antigorio, f.1311 Comologno / IGC f.11 Domodossola and Val Formazza

Access

From Gravellona Toce, follow the SS33 Ossola Highway until you get to the exit for Masera/Valle Vigezzo. Continue to Santa Maria Maggiore, turn left as you leave the village and you’ll get to Craveggia.

Ideal for
Everybody
You will discover
Nature
Sport
Guide to itineraries and useful info
Ideal for
Everybody
You will discover
Nature
Sport
Guide to itineraries and useful info
Choose your
mountain guide
IAT di Santa Maria Maggiore
Piazza Risorgimento 28857 Santa Maria Maggiore (VB) See map
Choose your
tour or nature guide

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