Rifugio Maria e Franco: from Lago d'Arno to Passo Dernal

A real alpine hut, where nobody arrives by chance

The Maria e Franco is an alpine hut in the fullest sense: remote, isolated, tucked between the Adamello valleys. Several routes reach it, but all are long and demanding. We start from Isola, a hamlet in Val Saviore, and follow the mule track skirting Lago d'Arno.

The lake is a large reservoir: we walk along it past the Caserma Campellio, a First World War military building still standing where it was. Continuing we reach Passo di Campo, the crossing towards Val di Fumo; we stay on the Camonica side and carry on over demanding trail and scree to Passo Dernal, where the hut stands at 2,574 metres.

It is 25 kilometres and 1,700 metres of ascent over ten hours: the longest day in our calendar. The return passes through the lakeside tunnels, a stretch worth the trip on its own.

Why come

• a remote hut among the Adamello valleys, at 2,574 metres
• Caserma Campellio, a Great War outpost on Lago d'Arno
• the lakeside tunnels on the way back
• Passo di Campo, the gateway to Val di Fumo

Who it suits

This is a hard and very long hike: 25 kilometres, 1,700 metres of ascent, ten hours on the move, with sections on scree. Excellent fitness and a habit of long days are needed. Bring sturdy boots, poles, a head torch and at least two litres of water.

Come with the Guidders: book your place and let's walk up to the Maria e Franco.