Valcaira Refuge
Edited by:
Maurizio Loconti
Last survey: 12/11/2021
Updated at: 03/11/2025
Updated at: 03/11/2025
Difficulty
T2
Length
13.00 Km
Departure altitude
1340 m
Arrival height
2034 m
Positive difference in height
747 m
Round trip time
05h30'
Recommended period
Introduction
The building is well maintained, but closed, and is located just below Pizzo d'Ormea, on the south slope.
Description
You ascend the forest road in its entirety, ignoring some shortcuts. You pass the San Giovanni chapel and the small Lao lake, the subject of a previous in-depth study. You continue to gain altitude until the end of the road and, in foggy weather, there are no precise reference points. Fortunately, it is only a few minutes and then there is the post that directs you to the bivouac. Straight uphill you go to Pizzo, but the relevant signpost seems to have been lost... With several ups and downs you reach the Valcaria refuge (2010 m). The building is not managed, so it is closer to a bivouac, which is also closed. It takes about 3h to get there.
Return to Quarzina via the morning route in 2h30.
In summary: discrete day 750 m descent - Dif. E - 15.5 km for approx. 5h30 Total (3h out and 2h30 return) + all the breaks to see the various sights. Average walking time: fair
.
If you want, here is the photo pdf file, with some more news:
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/VacEst021O.pdf
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/VacEst021O.pdf
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/anno2021.htm
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/altre2021.htm
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/altre2021.htm
NB: in the event of an excursion, always check with FIE, Cai, any park authorities or other institutions, pro loco, etc., that there have been no changes that have increased the difficulties! No liability is accepted. This text is purely indicative and not exhaustive.
.
Info Hiking Section Cral Galliera: http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/esc.htm
trips 2021 at link: http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/gite021.pdf
trips 2021 at link: http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/gite021.pdf
General information
Signposts: CAI
Type of route: a/r
Recommended period: June, July, August, September, October
Sun exposure: south
Objective Danger:none
Exposed Tracts:none
Useful Equipment: normal day hiking equipment
Water: n.r.
Bibliographic references
Road access
In Val Tanaro, just beyond Ormea (Cn), turn right and leave your car at Quarzina 1332 m (few places available).
Photo gallery
Introduction
The building is well maintained, but closed, and is located just below Pizzo d'Ormea, on the southern slope.
Description
You ascend the forest road in its entirety, ignoring some shortcuts. You pass the San Giovanni chapel and the Lao pond, the subject of a previous in-depth study. You continue to gain altitude until the end of the road and, in foggy weather, there are no precise reference points. Fortunately, it is only a few minutes and then there is the post that directs you to the bivouac. Straight uphill you go to Pizzo, but the relevant signpost seems to have been lost... With several ups and downs you reach the Valcaria refuge (2010 m). The building is not managed, so it is closer to a bivouac, which is also closed. It takes about 3h to get there.
Return to Quarzina via the morning route in 2h30.
In summary: discrete day 750 m descent - Dif. E - 15.5 km for approx. 5h30 Total (3h out and 2h30 return) + all the breaks to see the various sights. Average walking time: fair
.
If you want, here is the photo pdf file, with some more news:
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/VacEst021O.pdf
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/VacEst021O.pdf
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/anno2021.htm
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/altre2021.htm
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/altre2021.htm
NB: in the event of an excursion, always check with FIE, Cai, any park authorities or other institutions, pro loco, etc., that there have been no changes that have increased the difficulties! No liability is accepted. This text is purely indicative and not exhaustive.
.
Info Hiking Section Cral Galliera: http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/esc.htm
trips 2021 at link: http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/gite021.pdf
trips 2021 at link: http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/gite021.pdf
General information
Signposts: CAI
Type of route: a/r
Recommended period: June, July, August, September, October
Sun exposure: south
Objective Danger:none
Exposed Tracts:none
Useful Equipment: normal day hiking equipment
Water: n.r.
Bibliographic references
Road access
In Val Tanaro, just beyond Ormea (Cn), turn right and leave your car at Quarzina 1332 m (few places available).
Photo gallery
Galleria fotografica
© 2021 - Maurizio Loconti
Sul crinale ©2021 Maurizio Lo Conti
© 2021 - Maurizio Loconti
Partenza ©2021 Maurizio Lo Conti
© 2021 - Maurizio Loconti