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Mount Legnone: the Normal Way Trail

17 September 2024 4 minutes read

Mount Legnone, with an altitude of 2,610 meters, is the highest peak in the province of Lecco and represents the westernmost point of the Orobian Alps. Its peak rises so high that it is easily visible from Milan and the Brianza area.

How to get to the Roccoli Lorla Refuge of Mount Legnone?

The starting point of the Via Normale trail on Mt. Legnone is the Roccoli Lorla Refuge.

To reach it by car starting from Alto Lario, you need to follow SP 72 from Colico in the direction of Dervio. From Dervio, then take SP 67, which leads to Val Varrone.

Once you get to Tremenico, turn left and follow the main road following the signs to the refuge. From this point on, the road becomes narrower, but still remains paved, leading you to the plain where the refuge is located.

The Via Normale of Mount Legnone

From the Roccoli Lorla Refuge, located at an elevation of 1,463 meters, the route to Mount Legnone, called the Via Normale, begins.

After taking the path behind the hut, you walk briefly and descend slightly before following the signs to Agrogno. You then continue along the trail, which begins to enter a dense larch forest quickly.

Passing a first hut, the trail levels off and leads you toAlpe Agrogno, located at an altitude of 1,644 meters. After a few flat sections, the climb becomes steeper, and you zigzag your way up until you reach a point where the ridge tapers and becomes more exposed. Here, you can count on fixed ropes to ease your passage.

Mount Legnone Normal Route

After passing this ledge, you reach the Porta del Merli pass, located at 2,129 meters, and shortly after the plateau of Bivacco Silvestri, also known as "Cà de Legn." Beyond the bivouac, the trail becomes more challenging and climbs with a greater gradient among the rocks.

Here you can help yourself with wire ropes in some places in order to reach the junction between the west ridge and the north ridge, where you will find a signpost. Continue, then, the ascent along the ridge, which is equipped with fixed ropes because of its exposure.

Ascent to Mount Legnone along the Via Normale

After a few minutes of walking, you will reach the large cross placed on the summit of Mount Legnone, which is at an altitude of 2,609 meters.

From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view encompassing much of the Alps, ranging from Monviso to Ortles and including spectacular peaks such as Disgrazia, the peaks of Val Masino and the Mera Valley, as well as the beautiful Lake Como, one of the most famous lakes in Lombardy.

The return is by following the same route as the ascent.

View from the summit of Mount Legnone

Useful information for the Via Normale

  • Starting point: Rifugio Roccoli Lorla - VALVARRONE
  • Point of arrival: Monte Legnone
  • Maximum altitude: 2609 meters
  • Height difference: 1200 meters
  • Length: 12 km
  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Walking time: Over 3h30 for the ascent, 3h for the descent
  • Support points:
    • Rifugio Roccoli Lorla (1463 m) - Roccoli Lorla locality, Municipality of Valvarrone (Lc) - +39 0341 875014 - Managed by CAI Dervio
    • Bivacco Silvestri (Cà del legn): 2146 m - Municipality of Valvarrone (Lc) - unattended

 

Is the Normal Route an Easy Trail?

The hike to Mount Legnone is classified as being of EE difficulty and is characterized by a long, largely steep ascent and in some sections exposed. The trail has sections equipped with ropes and fixed steps to aid the ascent. It is important to note that this hike is not recommended when there is snow and ice.

Mount Legnone is also affected by northerly winds coming from the Chiavenna Valley, which can make the climb more challenging on certain days. However, often during the day the intensity of these winds tends to decrease.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the hike to the summit of Mount Legnone via the Via Normale offers an extraordinary opportunity for mountain lovers in Lombardy and nature lovers.

This hiking adventure, classified as of EE difficulty, takes you, in fact, through breathtaking landscapes, offering very beautiful views of the Alps and Lake Como. However, it is important to take into account weather conditions and seasons, avoiding the ascent in the presence of snow or ice.


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