Monte Aiona e i Carrelli

Departure from Rifugio Casermette del Penna where on comfortable dirt road we reach Passo Incisa. Now bike mostly pushing on trail until you reach the meadows between Monte Nero and Monte Cantomoro, then descent to Passo della Spingarda. If you don't want to struggle there is the classic dirt road that goes past the Sawmill, Re di Coppe and Moglia Negretta bivouac climbs left to Passo della Spingarda (recommended stretch!). From Passo della Spingarda you climb Mount Aiona pedaling on a trail created for bikes with a last non-bikeable section for rocks. From the summit excellent views of the Ligurian coast and all the surrounding peaks are to the Maritime Alps and Monviso.

Putting on the protections we descend; the first part of the trail is not easy due to the presence of several rocks, but then arrived on the pastures it becomes easier until Cian de Pomme and the next Passo Pre de Lame. At the Pass we take a very enjoyable path to the left that takes us down to the dirt road below. On the dirt road we first descend and then on the level we arrive at the junction with the road that goes up to the Pietra Borghese and the Monte Aiona Refuge. We climb without reaching the Pietra Borghese until we take the initially flowing and then in some sections very steep and wild trail on the right that descends (the most technical section of the tour).

We join the scenic trail called the Carrelli trail with beautiful views of the valleys below and the Giacopiane Lakes (pay attention to the rosehip bushes). The Carrelli trail ends on the dirt road that rejoins the one made earlier but this time we follow it in reverse until we reach the beginning of the beautiful trail that, still in the beech forest, takes us to Passo del Cerighetto on the north side of Mount Aiona. The trail is not difficult but it is exposed and after heavy rains it could be interrupted due to landslides (as of 04/25/2025 it is passable with a bit of attention and suitable shoes). Now descent on dirt road, we pass the Bivacco Moglia Negretta and Re di Coppe bivouacs and on the left starts the nice very flowing path called Pallino Verde. Pallino Verde takes us back to Rifugio Casermette del Monte Penna and the car.

Some extra facts and advice: the stretch on asphalt is only 300 linear meters at the beginning, all the rest is on trail and dirt roads. Do this route only in stable weather. Except that you wouldn't see anything but being on the Aiona under a thunderstorm or in low clouds I assure you is not pleasant. Some parts of the route (few fortunately) are frequented by hikers, moderate your speed in their presence accordingly.

Please refer to the photoreport for more information.