Intermediate Monviso Trek North

Rifugio Battaglione Alpini Monte Granero sits in a stark, rocky world, and the route sets off straight into this rough terrain. The track threads its way between blocks of stone and patches of hardy mountain plants, giving the first section a distinctly wild feel. Although the surroundings appear rugged, the markings are clear and the descent begins gradually.

Once you move away from the hut, the landscape starts to soften. Stony ground slowly transitions into shorter grass and smoother slopes. The valley ahead becomes more visible, and the path follows a natural line through a wide, open basin where small water channels wind through the meadows.

Further down, the character of the mountains shifts noticeably. The harsh rock gives way to gentler hillsides, and isolated larch trees start to appear. The terrain underfoot becomes easier as the trail alternates between grassy stretches and compact soil. With each step, the setting feels less alpine and more like the threshold of a broad valley.

As the descent continues, the scenery opens into a spacious valley floor dotted with scattered stone buildings and old pastures. The route leads across wide grassy fields and mild slopes, crossing the occasional stream. This middle section of the stage feels open and calm, a strong contrast to the rocky altitude where the day began.

Beyond these pastures, the path continues through more gentle terrain. Clusters of larch trees gather along the hillsides, and the mountains around you take on a softer outline. The route follows a steady course across these lower meadows, offering unbroken views of the surrounding ridges and the gradually widening valley.

In the final part of the walk, the trail becomes broader and the ground more level as you approach the first houses of Pian della Regina. The sound of water from nearby streams accompanies you across open fields. The landscape here is peaceful, with wide grassy flats marking the entrance to the valley.

Reaching Pian della Regina completes the transition from high, barren slopes to gentle pastures. This stage moves steadily from rugged alpine rock to welcoming valley landscapes, creating a natural and relaxing finish to the journey.