From the Crotto Dangri car park, in the municipality of Livo, a long mountain trail climbs into Val Darengo to one of the most remote alpine lakes in Alto Lario, with the oldest refuge of the Como CAI section as the final base. It is not a loop: it is an out-and-back route, demanding in length and elevation gain, suited to hikers with mountain experience looking for a full day away from the lake.
From the Sanctuary of Sant’Anna to the Baggio pastures
The mule track climbs from Crotto Dangri past the Sanctuary of Sant’Anna, at 742 metres — also known as Madonna di Mezza Cresta or Madonna di Livo, one of the best-known Marian sanctuaries in Alto Lario. From there the trail follows the Darengo stream to the Baggio pastures and the Borgo huts, before entering the steeper stretch of the valley towards Rifugio Pianezza and Alpe Darengo.
To Lake Darengo and Capanna Como
Past Alpe Darengo, a final, more demanding stretch — with some iron-cable sections, useful when late-season snow is present — leads to the glacial basin where Lake Darengo lies, at about 1,780 metres: a natural amphitheatre ringed by rocky peaks. On a knoll close to the shore stands Capanna Como, opened in 1892 and still self-managed today by the Como CAI section, with access by online booking. The lake is also a stage on the Alta Via del Lario, the multi-day trekking route that crosses the mountains above Lake Como.
Practical information
- Elevation gain: 1,140-1,150 metres (official Lombardy Region figures); about 4 hours climbing, 8 hours total there and back.
- Difficulty: EE (Escursionistico Esperti, for experienced hikers) — not suited to beginners.
- Best season: summer months, given the altitude and length of the route.
- No shelter along the way except Capanna Como at the lake, open by online booking (standard usage window June to September per official sources).
- Out-and-back route along the same trail: plan the day around the roughly 8 hours of total walking time.