Stage 2: Capanna Borgna-Lavertezzo

Following a restful night at the Capanna Borgna, the new day finds you admiring a stunning panorama, then immediately negotiating a stony climb to the Bocchetta di Rognoi. The Val della Porta and Alpe Mognora can be seen from here, plus you have the option of climbing the Pizzo di Vogorno (approx. 1 hr via a red-and-white path not maintained by Ascona-Locarno Tourism).

The descent from the Bocchetta is also very steep and stony. Soon, though, grass appears and the descent to the Alpe Rognoi becomes more pleasant. You come across the occasional ruin, and the path beneath the Alpe Rognoi is exposed in parts. Emerging from the rocks, the path follows the Riale di Carecchio stream with its many small waterfalls.

The Val Carecchio is a long valley, the path passing through dense woodland on its way to Lavertezzo, where the green Verzasca offers some refreshing moments before you catch the bus (Locarno-Tenero-Sonogno route).