5.0
(11)
53
hikers
Monte Bersaio Loop Trail
09:34
23.4km
1,380m
Hiking
Hike the difficult 14.5-mile Monte Bersaio loop in Valle Stura, gaining 4531 feet for panoramic views and alpine wildflowers.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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1.78 km
Ruins of Serre Bouisoun
Highlight • Historical Site
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2.60 km
Goulassi Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
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8.88 km
Monte Bersaio Summit
Highlight • Summit
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19.6 km
San Lorenzo Church in Moriglione
Highlight • Religious Site
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20.3 km
Moriglione di Fondo
Highlight • Settlement
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22.9 km
Sambuco Village
Highlight • Settlement
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23.4 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
11.5 km
7.31 km
3.72 km
786 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
11.6 km
6.26 km
4.59 km
845 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Tuesday 2 June
19°C
4°C
0 %
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Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Monte Bersaio loop tour start, and where can I park?
The Monte Bersaio loop tour begins and ends in the picturesque village of Sambuco. You can find parking available within the village, which serves as a convenient base for starting your hike.
Is the Monte Bersaio loop tour suitable for beginners or families?
No, this is considered a difficult hike, requiring a good level of fitness and preparation. It involves significant elevation gain and varied, sometimes technical, terrain. It is generally not recommended for beginners or families with young children.
What is the best time of year to hike the Monte Bersaio loop tour?
The best time to hike is typically in late June or early July to witness the profusion of wildflowers, including Edelweiss, in the alpine meadows. Autumn also offers beautiful colors. Always check weather conditions before you go, as high-mountain routes can be unpredictable.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for this hike?
No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the Monte Bersaio loop tour.
Is the Monte Bersaio loop tour dog-friendly?
While dogs are generally allowed on trails in this region, given the challenging nature of this particular route, including steep sections and varied terrain, ensure your dog is fit for such an endeavor. Always keep your dog under control, and be mindful of local wildlife and other hikers.
What is the terrain like on the Monte Bersaio loop tour?
The terrain is highly varied. It starts with paved lanes from Sambuco, quickly transitioning to gravel tracks and steeper paths. You'll encounter sections with tree cover, steep alpine meadows, gravel roads, old military roads, and technical singletracks that can be uneven. There may also be river crossings and exposed sections with steep drops, some equipped with steel railings.
What can I see along the Monte Bersaio loop tour?
The tour offers breathtaking high-mountain views and passes several notable points. You'll see the Ruins of Serre Bouisoun and Goulassi Ruins, the Monte Bersaio Summit with its stunning panoramic views, and the San Lorenzo Church in Moriglione. The route also goes through the charming villages of Moriglione di Fondo and Sambuco Village.
Does the Monte Bersaio loop tour connect with other trails?
Yes, the route intersects with several other well-known paths. You'll find sections that are part of the SICAI Ciclo, Sentiero Italia - Tappa E15, Sentiero Italia - Tappa E14, Sentiero delle Nove Borgate, and Lou Calatà.
How long does it typically take to complete this loop tour?
The estimated average duration for this difficult loop tour is around 8 hours and 50 minutes. However, moving time can be closer to 5 hours and 30 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views.
What kind of views and scenery can I expect on the hike?
You can expect spectacular alpine scenery with breathtaking high-mountain ring route views. Highlights include panoramic vistas towards the French border, the Mercantour/Parco Alpi Maritime, and Rocca la Meja. The trail traverses alpine meadows, passes rivers and waterfalls, and offers unique rock formations, especially from the Monte Bersaio Summit overlooking Sambuco.
Are there any facilities or places to eat near the trailhead in Sambuco?
The village of Sambuco, where the tour starts and ends, is a charming base. While specific details on cafes, pubs, or accommodation are not provided, as a village, it is likely to offer some basic amenities for hikers.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
From Sanbuco we went up the valley from Madonna then descended to Moriglione San Lorenzo. A trip to the Rio Bianco waterfall, the path is a bit exposed but there are ropes.👍
Departure from the church of Sambuco. The first stretch is for Bersaio, but on the hill you turn right. The path for Piconiera does not exist: you go up to geography, on a steep climb (steep and tiring), almost all through meadows and debris and rocks near the top. There are no technical difficulties. Descent from the same path to the hill. To make the loop, take the steep descent to the right to reach the opposite side, towards Moriglione. You wade quite well across the rushing torrent and go up the very long stretch halfway up the hill, which at a certain point has collapsed and becomes exposed. Be very careful! Tie up the dog here. From the woods there are no more problems, except for the eternal length of the remaining path. Numerous herds of ibex. Priceless views of Rocca La Meja and Bersaio. Worth all the effort!! PS: avoid the loop if it rains or is foggy.