About
Bivacco Giovarello stands at 2,152m on the ridge between Punta Giovarello and Punta Marguareis in the Ligurian Alps, 15km inland from the Riviera coast. Reach it from Rifugio Pian delle Gorre in 2.5 hours via the CAI trail, climbing steeply through limestone terrain. The approach is exposed in places; scrambling ability helps but ropes are not essential. From here you can traverse the Marguareis plateau or descend to the Tanaro valley in a day.
This is a basic mountain shelter, not a staffed rifugio. The bivouac sleeps 8–10 on wooden bunks in a single unheated stone hut. Water is scarce; collect it from snowmelt or carry enough. There are no meals, electricity, or heating. Bring a sleeping bag rated for 2,000m+ conditions even in summer—nights are cold. The shelter is usually accessible May through October, though winter snow may block access.
Arrive early and self-register in the logbook. The hut is free but unstaffed; respect the shelter and leave it clean. Carry all supplies including food, fuel, and a headtorch. In poor weather or if you find the hut full, descend immediately to Rifugio Pian delle Gorre (1,550m, staffed). Do not attempt the ridge in thunderstorms; lightning risk is serious here.
This is a basic mountain shelter, not a staffed rifugio. The bivouac sleeps 8–10 on wooden bunks in a single unheated stone hut. Water is scarce; collect it from snowmelt or carry enough. There are no meals, electricity, or heating. Bring a sleeping bag rated for 2,000m+ conditions even in summer—nights are cold. The shelter is usually accessible May through October, though winter snow may block access.
Arrive early and self-register in the logbook. The hut is free but unstaffed; respect the shelter and leave it clean. Carry all supplies including food, fuel, and a headtorch. In poor weather or if you find the hut full, descend immediately to Rifugio Pian delle Gorre (1,550m, staffed). Do not attempt the ridge in thunderstorms; lightning risk is serious here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bivacco Giovarello is an unstaffed shelter, so no booking is needed—it operates on a first-come, first-served basis year-round. Check conditions on cai.it before heading up, as weather and snow can affect access.
It's open year-round as an unstaffed bivacco, though winter access requires winter mountaineering skills and equipment. Most reliable visits are June through September.
Start from Rifugio Pian delle Gorre and follow the CAI trail for 2.5 hours, gaining elevation steeply through limestone with some exposed sections. Basic scrambling ability is useful but ropes aren't essential.
Expect a basic unstaffed shelter with sleeping platforms and a roof—no meals, water, or services. Bring your own food, water, stove, and sleeping bag; there's no staffed caretaker.
Not ideal for beginners—the exposed scrambling and high altitude (2,152m) require solid mountain sense and fitness. It's better for experienced hikers and mountaineers doing ridge traverses or plateau exploration.
Location
44.3501, 10.0782
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