Tremorgio to Dalpe: Ticino, Southern Switzerland
Here it is, my favorite hike of summer 2021. I loved every second of every step of this trail - even the last few steep kilometers on my jelly legs (OK, maybe I just blocked that very last bit out). But this hike truly has it all: vibrant alpine lakes, spiky mountains, high plateaus, colorful valleys, waterfalls, that perfectly idyllic remoteness. The trail is quite diverse, too. I love climbing the boulders up above Lago di Leit, and the early fall colors in the high alpine meadows (which I’m sure are covered with wildflowers in the summer), especially how they contrasted with the deep cerulean water of Lago di Morghirolo. And normally I would curse a long, 3-hour descent, but the landscape is so stunning, it’s worth the sore legs. It’s a long hike (plan for at least 6 hours of moving time), which is what makes it a difficult trail, but it is truly excellent from start to finish. Run, don’t walk, to hike this one before the season ends.
Pro tip #1: If Capanna Leit is selling their alpine cheese - buy some! You won’t regret it.
Pro tip #2: Consider splitting this into two days, and staying the night at Capanna Tencia.
Start: Tremorgio (accessed from the Rodi-Fiesso cableway)
End: Dalpe (please check the Post Bus schedule, as it is irregular)
Basic Route: Tremorgio - Alpe Campolungo - Capanna Leit - Lago di Leit - Lei di Cima - Lago di Morghirolo - Capanna Tencia - Sgnoi - Dalpe
Length and Rating: 16km, 900 meters up/1500 m down, 6 hours. Difficult.
