Via Alta Vallemaggia - Stage 13: Cimalmotto-Capanna Ribia

The route between Valle di Campo over the ridge and down into the neighbouring Vergelletto Valley is a truly memorable one. It is possibly one of the most varied sections of the Via Alta, with a perfect succession of open spaces and rugged mountains. A beautiful hiking trail leads to Alpe di Sfii, where a fabulous alpine cheese is made among larches. Cross the bridge and continue up to Lago di Sfii, which according to Plinio Grossi is so blue that it could contain not only water but also a mysterious mixture of gentian flowers. The next mountain lake is not long in coming, past Lago del Pezz and now up to the pass, where on the left side is the Rosso di Ribia, which according to Giuseppe Brenna (author of the Alpine Guides to the Ticino Alps) is wild and forbidding. After the pass, the gentle arena of Ribia awaits: a sunny, secluded amphitheatre situated at a lofty 1,000 metres above the Onsernone Valley floor.

Source: Associazione Via Alta Vallemaggia