Italy’s ‘Little Yosemite’ Is A Picturesque Nature Reserve Perfect For Climbing Enthusiasts

There’s a truly spectacular array of reasons to visit Italy as a tourist. It boasts incredibly beautiful historic villages and fortified hill towns, stunning ancient archaeological sites, and beautiful medieval and Renaissance art and architecture. Italy is a foodie heaven filled with must-try dishes, and boasts some of the most beautiful beaches and seaside destinations in Europe. While there are plenty of tourist traps to avoid, it’s hard to argue with the idea that Italy might be one of the best places in the world to explore.

But where Italy still flies a little under the radar is as a destination for outdoor adventurers. With the Dolomites, the Italian Alps, and volcano trekking on Mount Etna in Sicily, there are plenty of opportunities for backcountry enthusiasts to strap on their boots and take to the trails. And if you love rock-climbing, there’s one spot that should be on every Italian itinerary: the picturesque nature reserve of Val di Mello.

The protected area of Val di Mello is located in Lombardy, nestled up against the border of Switzerland, about 55 miles northeast of Milan and 12 miles northwest of Sondrio. The nearest international airport is Il Caravaggio in Bergamo, about 70 miles away, while Milan Malpensa is around 85 miles away. Restrictions on cars entering the reserve are extremely strict, so the best way to reach the reserve is with a gentle 25-minute hike from the nearby town of San Martino.

Read more: Why Tourists Need To Be Cautious Of The Clothing They Pack On A Trip To Europe

Big walls and boulder gardens

Thanks to its deep forests, vast boulders, and sheer granite walls, Val di Mello is known as Italy’s ‘Little Yosemite’, and it more than lives up to its name. Surrounded by calming pine forests, this garden of boulders is as peaceful as it’s visually stunning, but it’s the rock climbing possibilities rather than the gorgeous views that call travelers to these hidden valleys.

While commonly known as Val di Mello, the reserve is actually three separate valleys, Val Masino, Valle dei Bagni, and Val di Mello. Val Masino is the largest, and offers accommodation and places to eat and shop, as well as plenty of spots for trad climbing and bouldering. The side valley of Valle dei Bagni offers more amazing bouldering, as well as more accessible hiking trails. Finally, Val di Mello is where the best climbing can be found, from hard sport-climbing to big walling.

Val di Mello has received international fame and attention thanks to the Melloblocco Festival, the largest bouldering meeting in the world. But it’s a wonderful place for enthusiasts throughout the year, with over 300 sport-climbing routes, amazing bouldering spots like L’Arco del Tetto, Oscurita, and Spigolo Della Carrozza Di Rame, and stunning trad climbing and big walls including Il Lamone e sue Placche, Oceano Irrazionale, and Luna Nascente.

How to get the most out of a trip to Val di Mello

There’s decent climbing in Val di Mello at almost any time of the year, even in the wintry sub-Alpine climate, but the official season runs from May to September, kicked off with the Melloblocco in early-May. It’s worth noting, however, that nights can be pretty chilly in May and September, and days can be sweaty in the heat of summer, making big walls and trad climbs something of an ordeal. It’s worth being ready for pretty much anything, whenever you go, as the weather can often change year-round.

There isn’t much in the valley beyond B&Bs, restaurants, and a few gear shops, so it’s worth bringing most of what you need with you. Doing a shop before you set off into the valley, particularly if you’re in self-catering accommodations, will make a big difference to your trip and to your bank balance!

Val di Mello isn’t just rock climbing — it’s a nature reserve, after all! So it’s worth setting time aside for a little exploration that doesn’t involve handholds, ropes, and chalk. The Bidet Della Contessa, for example, is a gorgeous, turquoise lake that’s well worth a hike to find, and the Qualido Lake is famous for its totally transparent water (and stunning mountain views). Don’t miss the charming Cascina Piana, a grouping of mountain huts tucked away in a narrow valley, which offers a wonderful option for an overnight stay if you’re planning a multi-day hike.

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Read the original article on Explore.