Best canyons around Campo (Vallemaggia) are found within Vallemaggia, the largest valley in Italian-speaking Switzerland. This region is characterized by its natural landscapes, shaped by the Maggia River, which carves dramatic granite gorges. The area offers diverse geological features and opportunities for exploring river-sculpted formations.
Last updated: August 8, 2026
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There is a feeling of abrupt detachment when we enter what seems to be the mysterious door to the very heart of the mountain: almost suddenly we pass from a gentle, sunny and verdant landscape to a space of shadow where rare rays of sun struggle to penetrate, grazing the walls like blades of light, we pass from the heat to the cool-humid where only mosses and lichens manage to thrive and develop. We walk easily on the flat and dry bottom, created by the deposits of the streams, large irregularly rounded cavities alternate with narrow passages and above our heads dizzying walls seem at times to almost join together leaving only narrow openings towards the sky. Some metal ladders make the climb easier.
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In Maiesso (535 m) you can admire, along the course of the Toce river, the so-called 'giants' potholes': the rocky banks hit by the swirling subglacial current, have been sculpted as if they were soft clay, giving rise to semicircular, sinuous, smooth and enveloping shapes, splendid inlets where the current relaxes and the torrent widens into sparkling pools of water that invite you to take a dive and a 'vivifying' immersion. Here you can also observe the "zero unit", the oldest formation in our Alps that emerges only here in the Antigorio valley.
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Beautiful bridge over an even more beautiful gorge.
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The so-called 'pits of the giants' are round cavities dug into the rocks by the water. The sand and pebbles that can be seen in the cavities cause an abrasive effect on the rock, creating beautiful shapes. ✨💦
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Beautiful gorge to visit! 🤩 Easily accessible due to the stairs that have been constructed. No long walk required to reach the gorge! 🌿
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Very suggestive and reachable with an easy walk.
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Easy and panoramic excursion among the most beautiful ravines visited.
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There are a couple of nice bathing spots across the bridge and a few meters down the river.
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The Vallemaggia region offers several stunning canyons. The Giant's Kettles of the Toce are a natural monument featuring unique geological formations. Another must-see is the Uriezzo South Gorge, which you can walk through on a flat, dry bottom, navigating between impressive rock formations. The Maggia Gorge and Waterfalls are also popular for their clear waters and natural bathtubs.
Yes, several canyons are suitable for families. The Giant's Kettles of the Toce offer an easy and panoramic excursion. The Uriezzo South Gorge is also considered family-friendly, allowing visitors to walk easily on a flat, dry bottom, with metal ladders in place to aid exploration through some sections.
The canyons around Campo (Vallemaggia) are rich in geological wonders. The Giant's Kettles of the Toce showcase rocky banks sculpted by swirling subglacial currents into semicircular, sinuous, and smooth shapes. This site also uniquely exposes the "zero unit," the oldest geological formation in the Alps. The Maggia Gorge features impressive rock formations and natural bathtubs carved by the river.
Beyond canyoning, the Vallemaggia region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous cycling routes, including the Lago del Sambuco and Lago del Narèt Climb or the Roman Bridge of Maggia – Foroglio Waterfall loop. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are trails like Da Cevio a San Carlo. Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as the Valle Maggia Cycle Route.
The best time to visit the canyons in Vallemaggia generally aligns with the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn. This period offers pleasant weather for exploring, hiking, and enjoying water activities like swimming in the natural pools. The Maggia Gorge and Waterfalls, for instance, are well-attended by locals during the bathing season.
Yes, for stunning views, consider visiting the Balmasurda Bridge. This bridge, located over the Toce river in the Orridi di Uriezzo area, is 50 meters high and allows you to admire the Glacial Pots from above, offering a unique perspective of the geological formations.
For exploring the canyons, especially those with walking paths like the Uriezzo South Gorge, comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential. If you plan to swim or engage in water activities at spots like the Maggia Gorge, bring swimwear and a towel. Layers of clothing are advisable as temperatures can vary between sunny areas and the cooler, shaded depths of the gorges.
Yes, you can find dining options in the vicinity. For example, the Grotto La Froda is a rustic restaurant located right next to a bridge over the Calnegia river bed. It offers a wonderful ambiance in a setting of stones, water, and wood, serving traditional dishes.
The Maggia Gorge and Waterfalls are popular due to their impressive rock formations, clear water, and natural bathtubs. It's a favored spot for locals during the bathing season. For the adventurous, it even features a bounce plateau with jumps up to 22 meters.
Walking through the Uriezzo South Gorge offers a unique experience of abrupt detachment from the sunny landscape. You transition into a shadowy space where sunlight struggles to penetrate, creating a cool, humid environment. Visitors can walk easily on a flat, dry bottom, navigating between large, irregularly rounded cavities and narrow passages, with metal ladders assisting in climbing through sections where the dizzying walls almost meet overhead.
Yes, for those seeking more advanced canyoning experiences, the Vallemaggia region offers challenging options. Val Grande provides a mix of accessible and challenging passages, including the opportunity to abseil directly down a waterfall from approximately 24 meters. Val Guimaglio is another option, characterized by abseiling heights of up to 35 meters and sparkling pools, ideal for more experienced canyoning enthusiasts.
While specific parking details for each canyon vary, the Vallemaggia region generally provides parking facilities near popular trailheads and attractions. For areas like the Orridi di Uriezzo, where the Giant's Kettles of the Toce and Uriezzo South Gorge are located, designated parking areas are available to facilitate visitor access.


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