Cima dell'Angiolino, from Balmella

Access

From Locana (613m), turn left crossing the bridge over the Orco. Immediately after the bridge, continue to the right along the steep road that passes through the hamlets of Nusiglie and Piane to reach Balmella (890m) after 4km.

Introduction

A fascinating hike that winds its way through characteristic alpine pastures, affording sweeping views of the picturesque Locana valley. The route, although rewarding, requires a certain amount of attention to identify the path, which is not always clearly visible or adequately marked. Once at the summit, a spectacular view opens up over the southern slope of the Gran Paradiso National Park, a real naturalistic jewel to be admired.

Description

From Balmella (890m), take path on the right, marked by a votive pillar. Before crossing a small wooden bridge, turn right, cross a second bridge and go to the orographic right of the stream. Continue across wide grassy pastures, cross a wire barrier and meet a stream again. Follow a stone with a red marker (not always clearly visible) indicating to head to the left.
Go past a small group of huts and climb to the left into a steep beech forest. Reach a pastureland near the four granges of the Alpe Ussel (1516 m, 1.30 hrs.) and find the signpost for trail no. 505.
Continue along steep meadows and a poorly marked path to the Quarto alpine pastureland (1753 m). Continue following a signpost to turn right along a scree slope, keeping to the middle of the gully. After a few minutes, arrive at the Colma dell'Angiolino, where some stones mark the border between the Locana valley and the Val Grande di Lanzo.
Follow an uncertain path and rare stone cairns among thick bushes to reach the Colle della Croce d'Intror (1950 m, 1 hour). From here, turn right and climb the steep but comfortable north-east ridge, full of rhododendrons, until you reach the Cima dell'Angiolino (2168 m, 30 minutes), where there is a plaque from the CAI of Rivarolo indicating the highest point.
Return along the ascent route.