Top 14 Mountain Passes around Ello

Beautiful ridge hike for those who like to have a bit of emptiness on both sides.

Technical passage for people with a propensity for exposed passages

I'm asking for info. On the komoot map there is (going up from the 25th anniversary via ferrata) a fork on the left. Is this fork located before the Passo della Vacca? Is it passable and can it function as an escape route? Thanks

Passo della Vacca – Corni di Canzo Elevation: approx. 1,230 m Difficulty: EE (Expert Hikers) / T4 Exposure: high on the south side (vertical drop) Passo della Vacca is a characteristic rock notch located along the crest of the Western Horn of the Corni di Canzo, in the Larian Triangle. It is located just below the summit, at approximately 1,230 meters above sea level, and ideally connects the Ravella Valley (Canzo) with Valbrona, offering a suggestive and delicate passage in the crest crossing of the three Corni. Morphologically, it appears as a clear fracture in the rock, approximately 40 cm wide at the base but which widens towards the top, creating an exposed point with a vertical precipice on the south side, above the so-called Camino Gandin (an 80-meter gully). On the north side, however, it descends into a steep grassy gully, more accessible but still sloping. Its particular shape creates a natural “window effect”: at sunset, the sun can filter through the rock and make the hole visible from the valley floor. It is a must-see for those who reach the Corno Occidentale via the ridge from the west or from the Ferrata del Venticinquennale, and is part of routes classified EE (Expert Hikers) due to its exposure. The section is not equipped: there are no chains or cables. The crossing is done by supporting yourself with your hands and feet, lowering yourself on the north side to cross the gap safely. It does not present any real mountaineering difficulties, but requires a sure step, an absence of vertigo and maximum concentration, especially with a bulky backpack or in the presence of wind. The Passo della Vacca can be reached from path no. 1 from Canzo passing through Terz’Alpe, or from Colma di Pianezzo and Rifugio SEV via the ridge. Once passed, in a few minutes you reach the summit cross of the Corno Occidentale (1,373 m). From here you can continue with the complete crossing of the three Corni (Western, Central, Eastern) or descend towards the SEV Refuge. It is not recommended in the presence of snow or ice, when it becomes an alpine passage and may present verglas. In summer, however, it should be avoided in case of storms or crowds. The ideal is to tackle it in spring or autumn with dry rock. Although it is short and technically simple, it is a stretch where caution is essential: in the past, even serious accidents have occurred, often caused by distraction or underestimation of the danger. The Passo della Vacca is a symbol of the wild charm of the Corni di Canzo: a place that offers strong emotions and spectacular views, reserved for those who have experience, attention and respect for the mountains.

Good asphalt, quite challenging with a couple of steep sections at 18%

This challenging, exposed pass, not protected by chains, requires extreme caution and a head for heights. The difficulty and exposure of this section approach light mountaineering (EE + A, UIAA grade I–II). This is the most difficult section of the entire Corni di Canzo traverse: https://www.komoot.com/it-it/highlight/7234185 Recommended reading: https://www.lariotrek.it/soiusa/triangolo-lariano/gruppo-dei-corni-di-canzo/corni-di-canzo/corno-Occidente-di-canzo/passo-della-vacca

Bocchetta di Luera, located at about 1,209 meters above sea level, is a mountain pass in the Lombardy Prealps, near Canzo. This pass separates the Corno Orientale from the Corno Centrale of the Corni di Canzo, representing a crucial junction point for hikers who want to explore these peaks. To reach Bocchetta di Luera, you can follow several well-marked trails. One of the most common routes starts from Valmadrera, passing through San Tomaso and continuing towards the Sorgente dell'Acqua del Fo. From here, the trail climbs through beech and chestnut forests, leading to the pass. Another option is to start from Canzo, passing through the towns of Prim'Alpe, Second'Alpe and Terz'Alpe, following the trail that leads to Colma di Val Ravella and then to Bocchetta di Luera. From the pass, it is possible to quickly reach the summit of Corno Orientale, which offers a panoramic view of Lake Como, the Grigne and the surrounding mountains. The path to Corno Orientale is accessible and suitable for most hikers. For the more experienced, from Bocchetta di Luera you can take the path to Corno Centrale, which has more challenging sections and requires greater attention. The area is characterized by a rich biodiversity, with a variety of flora and fauna typical of the pre-Alpine environment. The paths are immersed in lush nature, offering hikers a pleasant experience and suggestive views. Bocchetta di Luera is an ideal destination for trekking and nature lovers, offering routes of varying difficulty and breathtaking views of the Lombard Prealps.

Gravel only ?