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Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
819 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
9.8 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
4-5.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical DIFF
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead

Lagarot di Lourousa

Panoramic views from the Lagarot di Lourousa hike in Alpi Marittime National Park, Italy
Measurement:

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Table of contents

As you hike through the larch forest, the trail will switchback an awful lot, although it isn’t steep. The path was built at the end of the nineteenth century to allow King Vittorio Emanuele II to ride on horseback while hunting chamois and ibex.

Route Description for Lagarot di Lourousa

The trail to the Lagarot starts from the parking and then crosses the stream over a little bridge.

From there, it switchbacks through a larch wood, up to 1,800 m. Eventually, you’ll start to see the grasslands and the peaks around you.

The King’s path is soon visible. Bordered with stone walls, the low grade allowed the King to go up comfortably on his horse.

After a little over 1h, the larch forest thins and the rocky plain dominates the landscape. An ancient shepherd’s Rifugio remains as a vestige of past livestock activity, but nowadays you won’t find any sheep pasturing on these slopes.

Eventually you will reach the Lagarot, in the local dialect it means “little lakes”. In front of you is the impressive cliffs of the Corno Stella and the Canale di Lourousa, rich with geological and alpinist history. Their shape is in contrast with the soft landscape of the Lagarot.

The return is on the same path you came in on.

Insider Hints for Lagarot di Lourousa

  • From Lagarot you can continue to the Rifugio Morelli (7713ft), and then to the Colle of Chiapous (8310ft). From that point you can get off to the Chiotas Lake and reach the Rifugio Genova (6591ft).
  • If you arrive from Torino, visit the nice town of Cuneo. There are lots of beautiful buildings in Cuneo. The churches and piazzas are a gorgeous as you would expect.
  • There are two great Rifugio’s in the area, if you’re looking for somewhere to stay, are the Rifugio Morelli or the Rifugio Genova. Rifugio Morelli has a good selection of wines; whereas Rifugio Genova is known for its polenta with sauces.

Getting to the Lagarot di Lourousa Trailhead

Make your way to Valdieri then drive 9.3mi to Terme di Valdieri, in the direction of the French Border. To reach the starting point, park the car in Terme di Valdieri, down to the left of the bridge. The path starts from the parking lot.

Route Information

  • When to do:

    May to end of October

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    Yes, on site or in Terme di Valdieri

  • Toilets:

    Yes, in Terme di Valdieri

  • Family friendly:

    No

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Lagarot di Lourousa Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

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