Hiking - Rifugio Savona and Monte Antoroto

A somewhat strenuous hike due to the elevation gain: after the gentle climb to Rifugio Savona, the trail becomes narrow for the crossing of Passo della Capretta, then very steep on the ascent towards
Colla Bassa and Monte Antoroto.

One of the last Alpine peaks over 2000 meters, reached after crossing beech forests, pastures, and alpine meadows. The summit offers sweeping panoramas, ranging from Liguria and the Mediterranean to the great arc of the Alps.

The route begins in Valdinferno (1205 m), at the foot of the Parish Church. Follow the small concrete road, which ascends at a moderate grade. Ignoring all turn-offs, take the path that branches off to the right at an elevation of about 1280 m (signpost marked "Scorciatoia" and very faded markings painted on the low concrete wall beside the road). The path climbs through the woods to Case Bosso (1366 m, fountain), where it rejoins the concrete road.
Go right, following the road to Case Mulattieri (1407 m, 0:40 hrs from Valdinferno, fountain).
Here, behind the fountain, ignore the first junction on the right for Rifugio Savona. A short distance further, the road becomes a dirt track and you reach a second junction, where you take the right turn for Rifugio Savona (signpost marked "Scorciatoia").
Pass above some houses in the hamlet and you will soon reach a four-way junction where you take the first path on the right. The path enters the beech wood and bears right (north-east); near a ruin, turn left and continue climbing through meadows dotted with patches of beech trees.
Once at Pian Bersi, join a dirt track and follow it to the left.
Ignore several turn-offs to the left (one of which is signposted for Monte Antoroto) and you will arrive at Rifugio Savona (1588 m, 0:35 hrs from Case Mulattieri).
Behind the refuge, take the path on the left for Colla Bassa and Monte Antoroto.
Traverse across sun-drenched pastures, just skirting the beech wood below; the path, which at times blends with livestock tracks, crosses a marshy area, then the small Rio dei Fusi, before climbing more steeply up open slopes to the small rocky ridge branching off from Monte Grosso, where you will find the pass known as Passo della Capretta (1744 m, 0:35 hrs from Rifugio Savona).
Descend the opposite side very steeply on a narrow trail. At the bottom of the valley, climb back up the slopes of Monte Grosso via a long traverse. Upon reaching a small plateau, near a huge, rounded boulder, you will join the direct path coming from Case Mulattieri.
Go right and in a few minutes you will reach Colla Bassa (1851 m, 0:30 hrs from Passo della Capretta), which connects the side valleys of the Valle Tanaro and Valle Casotto.
At the col, take the path on the left that climbs steeply up the northern slope of Monte Antoroto.
The path bends slightly right to traverse the flanks of the mountain: the climb, among low shrubs, is steep and strenuous. Upon reaching the saddle at the base of the summit's western ridge, bear left (east).
The ascent now continues across gentle, grassy slopes with a much more moderate gradient; a final short, flat section along the ridgeline finally leads to the summit of Monte Antoroto (2149 m, 0:50 hrs from Colla Bassa).