Circular hike to Lake Nero, 2246 m – Maira Valley

Black Lake Ring – Canosio A circular route that captivates with its open views and the discovery of one of the most evocative alpine lakes in the Maritime Alps: Lago Nero, a silent mirror nestled between high-altitude rocks. The route The starting point is at Grange Selvest, in the municipality of Canosio. After crossing a wooden bridge over the stream, the trail winds through a larch forest that gently accompanies the climb to Grange Culausa: a panoramic location from which the imposing silhouette of Rocca la Meja looms on the horizon. Continuing upwards, you reach the pass at 2,304 m above sea level, the gateway to the basin that hosts Lago Nero. Here, the landscape changes: the lake opens like a natural balcony overlooking the Preit di Canosio valley, with that suspended and silent atmosphere that only high mountain locations can offer. The Descent: Following the right bank of the lake, the trail descends towards Grange Chiacarloso (2,080 m) and then further towards Grange Colombero Sottano. Those wishing to add a historically significant stop can make a short detour to the Lapide degli Alpini (Alpine Memorial), located at the site where twenty-three soldiers from the Dronero Brigade lost their lives on January 30, 1937, when they were swept away by an avalanche during a winter exercise. The return journey takes place on a dirt road, which leads easily back to Grange Selvest and the rest area.