Bivacco Barenghi and Lac Des Neuf Couleurs – loop hike

Nice loop around the Gippiera pass, Barenghi bivouac. And Colle d'Infernetto.☺️👍

Long and tiring tour. We saw lots of golden eagles. The detour to Lac des neuf Couleurs is not worth it. Descent from Rif. Stroppa very tough.

The most beautiful and challenging route of recent times. Departure at 7:00 a.m. from the parking lot below the Provenzale. We follow the dirt road to a fork and join the "Dino Icardi" trail (marked with yellow-blue markings). We enter the Infernetto valley until we reach the hill of the same name. The climb to the hill is very steep and prone to landslides, with fixed ropes in some sections. From here we head towards the Barenghi bivouac after a series of ups and downs. We arrive at the bivouac, impossible to miss due to its bright yellow-blue color, and we chat with a couple of guys who spent the night there. We set off again at 10:00 and, after passing the "du Vallonasso" lake (with its fantastic colors), we reach the "Colle della Gypiere". Afterwards we climb towards the "Tête de la Frema" peak. The climb is not steep; the Infernetto is more difficult in comparison, but it is still noticeable. We reach the top with 10.5km under our belts, and shortly afterward, a French family arrives. We descend, wearing shells because of the strong wind, and stop for lunch. We set off again at 12:00 and take the "Dino Icardi" trail and, in parts, the "Roberto Cavallero" trail (red and blue markings) until we reach a fork that leads to Lake Niera. Finally, we descend from the Stroppia waterfalls (completely dry). A wonderful hike. Val Maira remains, for me, the best.

Departure from the Chiappera Base Camp campsite. Gorgeous, long and tiring ring, but really worth it!! You will come across many lakes and ponds. At Lago della Finestra we tried to eat, but on the hill there was a herd of unattended sheep and goats, watched by a Maremma man. He came down the hill barking and came very close to us. We didn't understand if he wanted to kick us out or if he wanted our sandwiches (he was quite thin). He barked and came closer insistently, but he didn't seem bad. When in doubt, we had lunch at Lago dell'Infernetto. Long path, but without difficulty. Exposed and landslide points up to the Stroppia waterfalls and then from Lago della Finestra to Lago dell'Infernetto. Be very careful and avoid the ring if you are not experienced enough. Ropes and chains very exposed in the Colle dell'Infernetto. On the Tête de La Frema tie up the dogs. Superb panorama! Ps. I dedicate the "Cima della Donna" to all the breast sisters who, after mastectomy, had the courage not to reconstruct their breasts. From now on for me this mountain will be called Nontett de La Frema 😂!! Fuck cancer 🖕!!