The Dorsale del Triangolo Lariano: Monte Boletto and Monte Bolettone

Lake Como is famous throughout the world for its romantic charm and the elegance of its prestigious villas, which attract an increasing number of tourists every year.

In addition to the beautiful villages that rise along its shores, Lake Como offers much more: a unique natural landscape nestled between the lake and mountains, which can be discovered and admired thanks to the many walks.

The mountains of Lake Como all enjoy an impeccable panoramic view that can leave even those who live in this extraordinary scenery speechless. In this article, we're going to talk to you about a well-known and family-friendly itinerary, the one that leads from Brunate to Monte Boletto and Bolettone, offering splendid panoramic views of the lake, the surrounding peaks and the Po Valley.

This route is part of the first part of the well-known Dorsale del Triangolo Lariano, one of the most famous mountain paths that starts from Como and arrives at Bellagio, crossing the entire Triangolo Lariano, that is, that portion of the Lombardy Prealps between the two branches of Lake Como.

Trail from Brunate to Boletto and Bolettone

The trail begins in Brunate, a town located above the city of Como known for being the "Balcony of the Alps" and the home of many Art Nouveau homes, reachable either by car or by a convenient funicular.

We leave the car in the parking lot near the Rifugio CAO, thus starting from an altitude of 980 meters.

On holidays and pre-holidays there is a bus service that transports tourists from the top station of the funicular to Piazzale Cao in a few minutes.

From here begins the long but very pleasant mule track, always well signaled, that will lead us to our two peaks of reference. Initially the path enters a wood and is flat on a carriage road suitable for off-road vehicles, passing by several huts, among which we find first Baita Carla and then Baita Bondella and Baita Boletto.

On clear sunny days from the right side of the path you can enjoy a wide view of the plain, Lake Annone, Lake Pusiano and Lake Alserio.

Continuing along the path, the climb becomes more challenging until you reach a junction: on the right you climb to the top of Mount Boletto while on the left you reach Capanna S. Pietro and Bocchetta di Molina.

We turn right, always following the indications for the path to the crest, and after 10 minutes of rather steep ascent we reach the peak of Mount Boletto (m 1236 and 50 minutes from the CAO Hut). A table with wooden benches awaits us, perfect for a short break after the climb, and the incredible 360 degree view of Lake Como, the surrounding mountains and the plain behind us.

We then continue in the direction of our second destination: Mount Bolettone. We always follow the signs to the summit, which indicate 50 minutes to the goal of our trip, always taking the path on the ridge that offers beautiful views of the grassy peaks that slowly overcome in our path.

We descend first to the Bocchetta di Molina (m 1120), and then climb towards the peak of Monte Bolettone (m 1317), characterized by a cross. Once at the summit, another breathtaking panorama awaits us, both over the lake and the plain.

To return to Brunate, it is possible to choose an alternative route that crosses the woods along an internal path.

The two mountains can also be reached starting from Albavilla, in particular from the Alpe del Vicerè through the path that allows, in no more than an hour, to reach the Capanna Mara refuge at 1150 m and then the peaks of Bolettone and Boletto.

Possibility of parking at Capanna CAO in Brunate.