The Ring of Lakes

Lago Colombo sits at the heart of one of the Bergamo Alps' most celebrated walking circuits, known locally as the Giro dei Laghi (Ring of Lakes). This area above 1,800 metres is a remarkable basin containing several lakes—Marcio, Casere, Becco, Gemelli, Colombo, and smaller natural tarns—that seem scattered across the landscape like pieces of a puzzle. The entire amphitheatre is enclosed by a ring of summits: Pizzo Farno at 2,506 metres, Pizzo del Becco, Monte Corte, and Monte Spondone, giving the whole area a feeling of standing inside a great natural colosseum.↗↗

Getting There

The classic approach to Lago Colombo begins from Carona, a small village reachable by a side road from Branzi in the upper Val Brembana. From Carona, CAI Trail 211 climbs steadily through a dense mixed forest of conifers and beeches, crossing the valley's old Enel cableway line before emerging at Lago Marcio at 1,840 metres. From the Laghi Gemelli Refuge, you cross the dam and follow CAI Trail 250 north to reach the dam of Lago Colombo at 2,050 metres. The full ring route covers roughly 15 km with around 950 metres of elevation gain and takes about six hours.↗↗

Other approaches include starting from Branzi itself via Trail 212 (a longer, more demanding ascent of about three and a half hours), from the Baite di Mezzeno above Roncobello via Trail 215, or from the Val Seriana side by crossing the Passo di Valsanguigno (also called Passo del Farno). AllTrails lists eight distinct routes reaching the lake, ranging from moderate day hikes to challenging multi-lake circuits of 25 to 33 kilometres.↗↗

What You'll See

From the dam at the lake's head, the panorama stretches in two directions: back toward the twin Laghi Gemelli and the sheltering massif of Pizzo Farno, and across toward Passo di Aviasco, where the ridge line drops into neighbouring Val Seriana. The lake itself, viewed from the path along its shore or from higher vantage points like Pizzo del Becco, has the intense colour typical of glacial-fed alpine waters—somewhere between emerald and cobalt depending on the light and the season. In early summer, the melt creates cascades and seasonal rivulets that disappear by August.↗↗

For Mountain Bikers

Lago Colombo is a well-known starting point for downhill mountain biking. The descent via Sentiero 212 back to Branzi begins with easy trail from the dam to the old Guardians' Cabin, then transitions into progressively steeper and rockier terrain. The second half is technically demanding (rated S3 to S4), with sustained steep, root-and-rock sections that reward confident riders with one of the most thrilling descents in the Bergamo Alps. The trail is fully rideable for experienced riders but has no easy bypass once committed.↗

Practical Tips

The best season to visit is July through September, when snow has cleared and the Rifugio Laghi Gemelli (at 1,968 metres, just below the lake) is open for food and overnight stays. Pack layers—the temperature at 2,046 metres can drop sharply even in summer. Hiking boots are essential given the rocky and sometimes exposed trail sections. If you plan to drive to Carona, note that parking is available along Via Lago with a small daily fee. Start early to allow time for the full circuit without hurrying, and bring water and a packed lunch if the refuge is closed.↗↗