GeoAlpina Trail - Stage 1: Personico-Sonogno

Bus transfer from Biasca in the Leventina Valley to Personico, the starting point of this first stage. Climbing up the Val d'Ambra offers a good view over the Leventina Valley, also known thanks to the Gotthard Base Tunnel (AlpTransit). Upon reaching Alpe Gagnone, you immerse yourself in an alpine landscape leaving behind forests and lush meadows. The Gagnone Pass, marking the passage between the Leventina Valley and the Verzasca Valley, hosts several lenses of rock originating from the Earth's mantle. The soapstone abundant in the area was historically used to produce the so-called “laveggi.” Descending towards the Efra Hut, you pass through a charming landscape. The flat surfaces of these natural terraces are due to the geological structures of the region and run parallel to the sides of the large folds crossing the area. At the unattended hut, restored in 2021, you can purchase drinks. Slightly lower, the path passes in front of the eponymous mountain lake. The folds, which also decorate the Val d’Efra, are what remains of the formation of the Alps. After descending to Frasco, the short stretch to Sonogno can be done by postal bus or on foot. Finally, accommodations are available in Sonogno.