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Trail Running recommended route

Cardada-Mergoscia Trail

Trail Running · Ascona-Locarno
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  • Cima della Trosa
    Cima della Trosa
    Photo: Rémy Steinegger, Ticino Turismo
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    Alpine trail from Cardada to the summit of Cima della Trosa, descending to Mergoscia through breathtaking views, forests, and sunny alpine pastures. 
    moderate
    Distance 13.3 km
    3:00 h
    618 m
    1,220 m
    1,862 m
    729 m

    Take the five-minute suspended cable car ride from Orselina to Cardada and find yourself immersed in a striking alpine setting. Follow the short paved path through the pines until the chairlift departure to Cimetta. 

    In Cimetta, at an altitude of 1'670 meters (ideal starting point for this trail), there are an alpine hut and the geological observatory, with a red line that symbolizes the Periadriatic Seam. From here you can enjoy a stunning 360° view of the lake, the Magadino Plain, and the surrounding mountains, including several Alpine peaks.

    Leave Cimetta to ascend until Cima della Trosa on a leisurely path with a steady gradient. After admiring the view, take the same path back to Cimetta and then Cardada. Alternatively, continue the hike down to the beautiful village of Mergoscia, in Valle Verzasca (more than 1'100 meters of altitude gap). Going down the sunny side of Valle di Mergoscia, pass by Alpe di Bietri (known for its fresh cheeses) as well as a few small clusters of stone houses. The last stretch is mostly wooded until you reach the village of Mergoscia, nestled above Lake Vogorno and known for its beautiful church of the Saints Gottardo e Carpoforo.

    From Mergoscia you can take the bus back to Locarno.

    Profile picture of Mariano Berri
    Author
    Mariano Berri 
    Update: June 11, 2025
    Difficulty
    T2 moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Highest point
    1,862 m
    Lowest point
    729 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
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    Jun
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    Track types

    Asphalt 12.07%Forested/wild trail 8.09%Path 79.83%
    Asphalt
    1.6 km
    Forested/wild trail
    1.1 km
    Path
    10.6 km
    Show elevation profile

    Tips and suggestions

    www.cardada.ch

    Public transport

    Public-transport-friendly

    Coordinates

    SwissGrid
    2'703'692E 1'116'387N
    DD
    46.190964, 8.781805
    DMS
    46°11'27.5"N 8°46'54.5"E
    UTM
    32T 483162 5115288
    w3w 
    ///unveils.quilt.chilled
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Equipment

    👕 Clothing:
    • Breathable technical shirt
    • Trail shorts or leggings
    • Sports socks
    • Light wind-/rain jacket
    • Cap or headband
    • Sunglasses with UV protection

    👟 Shoes:

    • Trail running shoes with good grip

    🥤 Hydration:

    • Trail running backpack or waist belt
    • At least 1 liter of water
    • Energy bars, gels or dried fruit

    🧭 Safety:

    • Fully charged mobile phone
    • Map or GPS track of the route
    • Emergency whistle
    • Small first-aid kit
    • Emergency blanket

    ☀️ Other tips:

    • Sunscreen
    • Anti-chafing cream
    • Trail poles (optional)

    Similar routes nearby

    • Ascona-Locarno Golden Trail
    • Locarno Trail
    • Pizzo Leone Trail
    • Contra-Alpe Cardada Trail
    • Valle Verzasca Trail
     These suggestions were generated by our system
    Difficulty
    T2 moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    13.3 km
    Duration
    3:00 h
    Ascent
    618 m
    Descent
    1,220 m
    Highest point
    1,862 m
    Lowest point
    729 m
    Public-transport-friendly Linear route Scenic Refreshment stops available Cableway ascent/descent Summit route

    Weather at the route's trailhead

    10-day forecast

    Statistics

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    Features
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    Distance
    Duration
    Ascent
    Descent
    Elevation profile

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