VO' DI MONCODENO PARKING is located above the village of Esino Lario, just about 30 minutes by car from our apartment. It is a great starting point for hiking in the surrounding mountains. Easier hikes include climbs to the peaks of Monte Palestro or Monte Croce, which offer stunning views of Lake Como.
A similarly beautiful panorama can be enjoyed from the unique rock formation Porta di Prada, a 20-meter-high natural arch shaped by erosion over thousands of years. Easy hiking trails also lead along both sides of the massif to the mountain huts Rifugio Bietti-Buzzi and Rifugio Bogani.
The highlight of hiking in this area is undoubtedly the ascent to the highest peak of the range, Grigna Settentrionale (also known as Monte Grignone). From an altitude of 2410 m, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Como, the Valle di Era valley, Valsassina, and the Alps.
Location: Vò di Moncodeno – Cainallo, Esino Lario (LC)
Altitude: 1430 m
Starting point for many hiking routes in the Grigne range
Payment is made at the machine near Rifugio Cainallo, located about 2 km lower down the road.
Paid parking: about €6 per day
In summer weekends the parking lot fills up quickly, so it is recommended to arrive early in the morning
Hiking routes from the parking area (one way):
- Porta di Prada 1660 m (1 h - easy)
- Rifugio Bogani 1810 m (2 h – moderately easy)
- Rifugio Bietti 1710 m (2 h - moderately easy)
- Monte Pilastro 1827 m (1 h - moderately easy)
- Monte Croce 1780 m (1 h - moderately easy)
Grigna Settentrionale 2410 m (4 h - moderately difficult)
