From San Simone to Passo Tartano and Laghetti di Porcile

The first thought I had at the end of this beautiful hike was: "Now how am I going to tell my friends I've been to a summit?" 😜😂. For those who don't know me, it's not easy to understand the reason for this joke. For years, jokingly of course and without taking myself seriously, I've always maintained that climbing to summits was always and only a waste of time. This provocative statement, however, stems from my way of being and approaching my adventures. I've always hiked in search of fauna, flora, and natural habitats of great interest. Living immersed in nature, traversing the path and somehow becoming a silent and almost invisible "part" of it, has always attracted me more than conquering a summit. The mountains, at any altitude, always offer you landscapes and horizons that, in some cases, can even be better than those of the peaks. An almost banal example might be the view of Lake Iseo from Punta Caravina. Definitely more evocative (an opinion shared by many) than the one from the summit of Monte Guglielmo. Personal philosophy aside, it was a gorgeous day: sunny, clear, and with very little wind. This loop, like it or not, includes the summit of Cima di Lemma Occidentale, but only after traversing the beautiful and panoramic ridge that starts from the Lemma Pass and reaches the pivotal and highest point of this hike. The ridge is not particularly difficult, but requires caution in some places. There is very little ice on the route, but it happens to be located in the most delicate and relatively dangerous spots. However, nothing impossible for someone with even a modicum of experience. The descent from the summit is very steep and there is snow, but a good, sure-footed approach is all you need. No need for crampons, which in the current conditions can easily be stowed in your backpack. The Tartano Pass is evocative, with its trenches, which deserve a quick visit and some reflection. It's a shame about the view of the Porcile lakes, which are much less striking (and colorful) than in summer, especially on cell phone photos. Since the trail isn't particularly long, I had planned to include the benches, but time is a tyrant these days, and I preferred to take long breaks and enjoy a truly beautiful day.

Easy tour on the crests passing by Cima Lemma, Passo Tartaro, going down to the laghetti del porcile (where I didn't get to due to time issues). Since everything is exposed to the sun I recommend it in spring Autumn winter...but also beautiful in summer :) At the start and on the way back you pass by the Camoscio refuge.

I'm unlocking a memory. I'm returning to San Simone for the first time in 40 years since I used to ski there and 50 years since I used to hike with the kids from Branzi. Maybe it was the clear sky, or maybe it was the unlocking of memories... whatever, it was a fantastic route. And since the plan was to reach the Porcile lakes, but my usual ball and chain 😂😂😂 stopped me... just as well... I'll be back to San Simone soon for the tour of the lakes!

Simple circular tour without difficulties and exposed or dangerous parts. Also suitable for children who are used to walking. The view from up there is incredible.

Classic Thursday loop with friends on a beautiful day. Descent from the summit complicated by abundant and rotten snow that slowed down the walk a lot and caused many slips without consequences. Never used snowshoes but crampons are mandatory.

The name of these lakes has nothing to do with pigs but comes from "purscil," meaning purity... and in fact, just look at the photos! On our tour, we first passed Lago di Sopra, a turquoise-green lake nestled in a rocky basin. Then we descended to Lago Grande, a spectacular sight, I couldn't stop photographing it... and finally to Lago Piccolo, covered in algae and aquatic plants but no less beautiful than the others. I think we were lucky that the sun peeked out from behind the clouds just as we were at the lakes! On the way back, just before the Tartano Pass cross, on the right of the trail there is an unmarked hole (photo 23). If you enter it, it's a short tunnel/trench that opens onto a "balcony" overlooking the Tartano Valley. It's a shame I can't upload the video to Koomot. The trail we followed has a short section that has been off-limits since 2024. The alternative would be to climb to the Lemme Pass, follow the ridges to the eastern Cima Lemma, descend to the Tartano Pass and then to the lakes, and retrace your steps. Alternatively, you could start from Foppolo or Tartano.