The best walks and hikes around Bellino

Embark on a difficult hiking adventure to Bivacco Boerio in Valle Varaita, a challenging route that spans 9.2 miles (14.8 km) and climbs 3988 feet (1216 metres). This demanding trail, which typically takes around 7 hours and 24 minutes to complete, leads you through the scenic Vallone del Rui with its small stone huts and vibrant mountain flowers. As you ascend, the terrain becomes more alpine, featuring unpaved sections, steep scree fields, and rocky paths, culminating in the dramatic, almost lunar landscape around the bivouac and the stunning Lago Mongioia.

Planning your visit requires good fitness, sure-footedness, and alpine experience, as some sections can be technical or hazardous. The trail usually starts from Sant'Anna di Bellino, where you can find parking, following paths U26 and U67. Be prepared for a continuous and steep climb, especially in the latter parts of the route. This area is best explored when conditions are clear, allowing you to fully appreciate the panoramic views and navigate the varied terrain safely.

The Bivacco Franco Boerio, inaugurated in 1992, is a key landmark on this route, offering 10 beds and serving as an excellent base for further ascents of peaks like Monte Mongioia and Monte Salza. This octagonal wooden structure, recently restored, sits just above Lago Mongioia, providing spectacular views of the surrounding Cozie Alps. Along the way, you might also discover historical elements like former military strongpoints near Grange Cruset, and if you are lucky, spot ibex near the bivouac in the late afternoon.

Embark on a difficult hiking adventure to Cima Mongioia, a challenging route spanning 10.5 miles (16.9 km) with a significant elevation gain of 4627 feet (1410 metres), typically taking 8 hours and 33 minutes to complete. The trail begins on a dirt road before ascending through switchbacks into the picturesque Vallone del Rui, an idyllic place dotted with small stone huts and vibrant mountain flowers. As you climb higher, the path becomes steeper, leading you through scree and rocky sections, especially on the demanding ascent from Lago Mongioia to the summit, where you will find stupendous panoramic views of the southwestern Alps, including Monte Bianco and Monviso.

This difficult trail requires very good physical fitness, sure-footedness, sturdy hiking shoes, and alpine experience. You should be prepared for potentially technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain, and be aware that snow can be present at higher elevations, particularly early in the summer season. The hike commonly starts from Sant'Anna di Bellino, where parking is available, and the Bivacco Boerio, located near Lago Mongioia, serves as a crucial base for those attempting the summit.

Cima Mongioia itself stands at 3,340 meters, marking the watershed between Italy's Valle Varaita and France's Ubaye valley, offering expansive 360-degree vistas. The region is celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity, and the Valle Varaita is known for its wide, shaded, and lush landscapes, featuring charming stone-and-wood villages. You can also observe the geological interest of the upper reaches, composed of schists with ophiolites and serpentinites, and pass by Grange Cruset, a historic mountain hamlet that was a significant strongpoint during World War II.

Embark on the Monte Salza and Bric de Rubren Loop, a difficult hike spanning 11.1 miles (17.9 km) with a significant 4613 feet (1406 metres) of elevation gain. This demanding route will take you around 8 hours and 55 minutes to complete, offering a true alpine experience. You will traverse rugged terrain, passing by the serene Lago Mongioia, and witness dramatic glacial moraines. The high mountain atmosphere is palpable as you climb towards panoramic vistas.

This challenging loop is best suited for experienced hikers ready for a demanding day in the mountains. You can typically begin your adventure from either Sant'Anna di Bellino or Chianale, so plan your access accordingly. Be aware that in snowy conditions, the trail requires mountaineering experience and specific equipment like crampons and ice axes. Always check local conditions before you set out.

This route offers more than just a physical challenge; it provides a deep dive into the alpine environment. From the Monte Salza Summit, you will be treated to expansive views over the surrounding valleys, including the Varaita di Rui and Vallon du Loup. The trail also passes by the Bivacco Boerio, a notable landmark in this remote region, adding to the sense of exploration.

Embark on a challenging hike along the Elio Bonfante Bivouac Trail, a demanding route that stretches 8.5 miles (13.6 km). You will gain 1714 feet (522 metres) in elevation, requiring an estimated 5 hours and 18 minutes to complete. As you traverse the alpine landscape, you'll encounter the Elio Bonfante Bivouac, a key landmark offering a rugged resting point. This difficult trail promises an immersive experience in high mountain terrain, with spectacular views of Monviso unfolding as you climb.

Since this is a point-to-point route, you should plan your logistics carefully for both the start and end points. Always check local conditions before you go, especially regarding weather and trail accessibility in the high alpine environment. Confirm parking availability at the trailhead in advance to ensure a smooth start to your adventure. Being prepared for variable conditions will make your hike more enjoyable.

This route is known as the T06 Alpine Traverse to Bivacco Bonfante, offering a rewarding experience for experienced hikers in the Monviso region. Beyond the bivouac, you can also discover the natural monument of Fonte Nera, adding to the scenic variety of this journey. It stands out as a significant alpine traverse, connecting you deeply with the natural beauty and ruggedness of the area.