Hike to Lago Ritorto and the 5 Laghi Basin

Madonna di Campiglio enjoys a peculiar geographical position, situated exactly on the fault line separating two diametrically opposed geological worlds. Looking east, the view is captivated by the limestone and dolomite spires of the Brenta Group, light-colored rocks that allow water to sink into the karst subsoil; turning the gaze to the west, the scenery changes radically. Here, the crystalline and magmatic rocks of the Adamello-Presanella massif dominate: the dark tonalite. This compact and impermeable rock retains water on the surface, giving life to peat bogs, streams, and a string of high-altitude alpine lakes.

The itinerary that unfolds in the 5 Laghi basin is a journey through this landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers, a route where the liquid element is the absolute protagonist.

Seasonal notice for autumn 2026

Since we are in the month of October, a logistical clarification is essential. This is a classic summer itinerary that takes advantage of the ski lifts to gain altitude. The summer lifts and cable cars, including the 5 Laghi gondola, closed for the season between September 13 and 20, 2026. Therefore, those wishing to tackle the route during this period must take into account the ascent on foot from the valley floor, which significantly increases the elevation gain and the physical effort required, or save these notes to plan a hike for the next summer season, taking care to check the updated opening dates of the cable cars.

The departure: from Pancugolo towards the first lake

The conventional starting point of this hike is located in the 5 Laghi Area, near Pancugolo. Once at altitude (via the lifts when operational, or on foot during the closing months), you will find yourself on a natural balcony of rare beauty. The trail branches off from the mountain station area and begins to cut across the mountainside.

The first stop on our journey is Lago Ritorto. The path leading to this first basin does not present extreme gradients and proceeds by following the orography of the terrain. Walking towards Ritorto, the advice is to turn around from time to time: behind you stands, like a jagged wall of rock towers, the entire profile of the Brenta Dolomites.

Upon reaching Lago Ritorto, you are faced with a large body of water that fills a deep glacial basin. Its shores alternate granite boulders with small grassy areas, making it an ideal place for a first break. Many hikers choose Ritorto as the final destination of their walk, and then return, enjoying the quiet of the mountain.

Exploring the upper lakes (Optional)

For hikers who wish to venture into the wild heart of the Presanella massif, Lago Ritorto is just the gateway. From here, in fact, the extension towards the upper lakes develops, requiring greater physical effort to overcome the rocky steps left by the retreat of millennial glaciers.

Continuing on the trail, you enter a progressively harsher and typically alpine environment. The vegetation thins out, leaving room for high-altitude meadows and scree. The route touches in succession other water jewels:

• Lago Lambin: Nestled in a narrow valley, with an elongated shape that follows the fissure lines of the bedrock.
• Lago Serodoli: One of the largest basins, surrounded by a severe landscape, where the wind often ripples the dark surface of the water.
• Lago Gelato: The name is an extremely concrete and descriptive detail. Being at a higher altitude, in the shaded areas of this basin it is not uncommon to find ice patches or residual snowfields floating on the water until late in the season.
• Lago Nero: Smaller and more secluded, it owes its name to the dark reflections of the tonalite rock that carpets its seabed and shores, absorbing the sunlight.

Technical Data of the Itinerary

Before undertaking the journey, it is essential to plan the outing based on your own abilities and terrain conditions. Please note that the hiking difficulty classification describes the type of obstacles and terrain, but does not guarantee absolute safety: in the mountains, attention, weather assessment, and the use of appropriate footwear remain the responsibility of the individual.

• Starting point: 5 Laghi Area / Pancugolo.
• Difficulty: Medium (the terrain is typical of high mountains, with the presence of stones and outcropping rocks).
• Recommended season: Summer (subject to checking snowmelt at altitude).
• Logistical access: Seasonal lifts + trail (check in advance the opening of the lifts, currently closed for the autumn/winter season).
• Route stages: 5 Laghi Area -> Lago Ritorto -> Upper lakes (Lambin, Serodoli, Gelato, Nero - optional portion).
• Ascent time: To be verified (timing for individual stages is not officially documented).
• Return time: Return via the same itinerary (time to be calculated separately based on how many stages you have chosen to reach; alternatively, with a topographic map in hand, it is possible to evaluate circular return routes over other valleys).
• Elevation gain: To be verified (not officially documented for the individual proposed segments).

The 5 Laghi area is an ecologically delicate environment, set within the context of the Adamello Brenta Nature Park. Walking at the foot of the Presanella means treading the geological history of our planet, observing how water and ice have shaped a landscape over millennia that demands respect and contemplation.

Note on the 5 lakes: the fifth lake of the classic Giro dei 5 Laghi is Lago Nambino, reached on a separate, lower-altitude itinerary. The Lago Nero described above remains an optional variant in the upper basin.