Giro Del Marguareis

The Giro del Marguareis was born in 2006 following an initiative by the Alta Valle Pesio and Tanaro Natural Park, later become the Marguareis Park, and by the managers of the huts in the protected area. It is a beautiful circular trek around the two main peaks of the Ligurian Alps, immersed in the realm of karst, where expansive pastures are interspersed with vertical limestone walls. Then there are dolines, furrowed fields, and stretches of very white rocks, almost lunar. Since the karst terrain absorbs water, there are no lakes or rivers at high altitudes; however, in the bottoms of the valleys, the underground hydrographic networks come to light, often with spectacular springs.
The official route consists of five stages, but the presence of numerous variants allows it to be modified according to one’s needs with extreme ease: one can choose longer or shorter stages, complete only the loop around the Marguareis massif, or also circle around the Mongioie, with durations ranging from two to five days. While the classic starting point is Pian delle Gorre, in Valle Pesio, Carnino or Viozene in Valle Tanaro can also be suitable locations to begin the trek.
The best time to undertake the Giro del Marguareis coincides with the opening period of the huts, from mid-June to mid-September. In June, depending on the years, it is still possible to encounter snow on the passes, while, in line with the opening of the structures, there are no issues until mid-October.