The Val Fredda canyon is a short and very easy route, but aesthetically beautiful. Recommended during rainy periods.

The Val Fredda canyon is a short and very easy route, but aesthetically beautiful. Recommended during rainy periods.

Coming from Varese, take the SS233 Valganna road up to the Valganna Caves, where parking is available (45°51'19"N 8°49'22"E). If there are only a few cars, you can continue along the road, pass through the tunnel, and shortly after you will see on the left the end of the final canyon section. About 100 meters further, there is a parking area on the left (45°51'36.5"N 8°49'39.6"E), at the point where the trail starts.

From the parking area, take the trail that enters the forest and begins to climb. Shortly after, you reach a fork—stay to the right, crossing the slope beneath the high-voltage power lines. When the trail re-enters the forest, climb a few more meters and take the level trail that leads to the Alabaster Cave. Just before the cave, a clearly visible path on the left allows an easy descent to the streambed near the rock arch (45°51'46.7"N 8°49'38.4"E). About 15 minutes for 60 m of elevation gain.

01- C4 (1 sx) 02- C5 (1 dx) 03- C14 (2 sx) 04- C6 (1 sx)

The final canyon section ends right by the road, where you can re-enter on the right bank. From there, it takes about two minutes to return to the cars.

Flow assessment: at the end of the route, where the stream passes under the road.