Lago Nero

A high-altitude hike in the upper Valle Spluga, climbing from the artificial Lago di Montespluga (1,901 m) up to the dark, glacier-carved Lago Nero (2,310 m), a deep, cold tarn set in a stone amphitheatre where snow patches often survive well into summer. We start from the Stuetta car park (1,870 m) above Montespluga and follow the well-marked trail up the Suretta valley, gaining altitude steadily through alpine pastures and rocky terrain. The trail climbs gently at first and then more decisively, with beautiful views of Pizzo Ferrè and Pizzo Tambò on the far side of the valley, as we approach the lake, which sits hidden in a cirque at the foot of Pizzo Spadolazzo. Snack or lunch stop by the lake (bring your own snacks or lunch), with time to enjoy the silence and the wild high-mountain setting. The descent follows the same trail back down to Stuetta. We'll be back by 1 pm.