A short alpine canyon near Macugnaga.

A short alpine canyon near Macugnaga.

Leave the A26 motorway at Piedimulera and follow the road towards Macugnaga, continuing up the Anzasca Valley to the hamlet of Borca (Municipality of Macugnaga). Shortly after two hairpin bends, turn left towards the Guia Gold Mine and cross the Anza River. Park a little further on wherever possible near the mine (note that the mine’s car park is private and is closed outside opening hours; ask for permission if you wish to leave your vehicle there).

A marked trail to Val Quarazza starts from the mine parking area. After a steep climb, from which the canyon can be seen, the trail reaches a gravel road that quickly leads to the dam. Cross the bridge and, a little further on, descend through the forest where possible to reach the streambed. Note: descending via the dam’s service facilities is prohibited. Approaching through the forest allows you to avoid both the first rappel and the displeasure of the caretaker.

The canyon ends near the parking area.

The flow is usually significant and should be checked downstream. Almost all rappels are either equipped outside the main flow or can be bypassed. The water is glacial in origin and therefore turbid. The stream begins just below a dam, but it is fed by a side flow coming from the Anza River. The discharge can vary significantly, making the canyon impassable during the snowmelt season or when maintenance work is being carried out on the hydroelectric facilities.