How to get there
The itinerary departs from the Giovo pass (1706m), where there is a fountain with drinking water.

Route
The beginning of the route is quite easy and sets out on a path that is easy to follow. With slight ups and downs, it enables you to go right to the head of the Valle Albano valley, crossing the meadows and shrub lands that characterise it.
After about 1 hour of walking you will reach a ford over the Albano river. Close from here, the path forks and leads, on the right, to the Bocchetta di Sommafiume mountain pass and, on the left, to the Sommafiume Shelter and the Pizzo Gino mountain.
Turning left, after around 10 minutes you will arrive at the Sommafiume Shelter (1784 m – there is a water fountain that is the final one along the route). From here, continue uphill on an inconspicuous track, climbing up the western slopes of the Valle Albano valley. The path is narrow and often grassy, and within around 45 minutes will take you to the Bocchetta di Senavecchia pass (1995 m).
From this point the route overlooks the Val Cavargna valley and continues on a gentle ascent, passing a fork for the Croce di Campo shelter and crossing stretches of scree until you reach another mountain pass. From this point the path becomes more challenging, with some exposed parts and stretches that require the use of your hands. After around 150m you will reach a fork in the path that gives you two options for the final part of the ascent up to the Pizzo di Gino mountain.
If you take the track to the right (marked by red spots) you will bypass the north-western side of the mountain. Crossing long flat stretches of scree, including some difficult parts, you will reach the pastures that characterise the southern slopes of the mountain. From here, the ascent to the summit, although steep and hard, is gradual and simpler. Alternatively, if you take the path to the left you will find the most direct route to the Pizzo di Gino mountain. This path is shorter but very hard, with some exposed parts and some stretches that require the use of your hands. Once you have reached the Pizzo di Gino mountain (2245m) you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over the Alpine area, Lake Como and the Pre-Alps on Lake Como.
The return journey takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Rest stops
- Rifugio Sommafiume (1784 m) – Loc. Sommafiume, Municipality of Gravedona ed Uniti – For bookings and keys: Bar San Gottardo - Piazza Paracchini n. 12, Dongo - +39 0344 81307 – Open from the end of May/June to the end of October

Notes
It's a long path with some exposed and challenging sides, especially in the final stretch of the ascent to Pizzo Gino.

Warnings
Check the weather forecast before starting your hike

(Text by Istituto Oikos)

Download GPX Track