712 Sentiero Alpino Calanca

Starting point: San Bernardino Pass. The trail, bordered by rhododendrons and sparse larch forest, sits at 2000m, making way for spectacular panoramic views of alternating alpine terrain and beautiful mountain lakes. The 42km route leads through barren and imposing high mountain troughs and valleys; a sheer delight for hikers with its bold transitions and unique lodges along the way.

The Sentiero runs mainly on the Calanca side of the mountain range which is nearly 3000m above sea level; only the start in San Bernardino and the descent to Santa Maria are on the Misox valley side. The trail winds up towards the heavens and leads hiker high above the valley along crevices and from hut to hut. Besides the manned and serviced «Capanna Buffalora» hut, there are three self-service Rifugi (refuge huts), well-spaced out on the Sentiero and possessing a very special charm indeed.

San Bernardino village can be used as a starting point as well, with public transport links there better than at pass altitude.

Stages

712.01 San Bernardino Hospiz–Rifugio Pian Grand

712.02 Rifugio Pian Grand–Capanna Buffalora

712.03 Capanna Buffalora–Santa Maria im Calancatal

Stages

• 712.01 San Bernardino Hospiz–Rifugio Pian Grand
• 712.02 Rifugio Pian Grand–Capanna Buffalora