About
Rifugio Semaforo Vecchio sits at 1,706m on the ridge between Monte Settepani and Monte Saccarello in the Ligurian Alps, on the French border. Reach it from Monesi di Triora in 3.5 hours via the Passo del Cappelletto, a steep and rocky approach. The trail climbs relentlessly through larch forest before breaking onto open ridge terrain. Most hikers arrive from the south; the hut also marks a crossing point on long ridgeline traverses heading toward the Col di Tenda.
The rifugio is tiny—ten beds only—housed in a restored stone building. Half-board is the standard arrangement: expect hearty mountain fare and reliable water from a spring. There is no electricity or heating beyond the kitchen stove, so nights can be cold even in summer. The hut opens June through September, weather permitting. Toilets are basic but functional. This is a working mountain hut, not a resort. The location makes it ideal for scrambling routes to Saccarello (2,201m) and for accessing the high ridges toward France.
Book directly with the keeper well ahead, especially for July and August weekends. Contact details are limited—email or phone calls through local tourism offices in Triora work best. The hut fills quickly in summer. Plan for cash payment. Access is on foot only; there is no mule track or vehicle route. Come prepared for sudden weather changes and bring a headtorch—sunset comes early on this north-facing slope.
The rifugio is tiny—ten beds only—housed in a restored stone building. Half-board is the standard arrangement: expect hearty mountain fare and reliable water from a spring. There is no electricity or heating beyond the kitchen stove, so nights can be cold even in summer. The hut opens June through September, weather permitting. Toilets are basic but functional. This is a working mountain hut, not a resort. The location makes it ideal for scrambling routes to Saccarello (2,201m) and for accessing the high ridges toward France.
Book directly with the keeper well ahead, especially for July and August weekends. Contact details are limited—email or phone calls through local tourism offices in Triora work best. The hut fills quickly in summer. Plan for cash payment. Access is on foot only; there is no mule track or vehicle route. Come prepared for sudden weather changes and bring a headtorch—sunset comes early on this north-facing slope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead during July and August, as the hut has only 10 beds and fills quickly. Call ahead to reserve; check rifugio.net or contact the hut directly for the phone number.
The hut is staffed during summer months (roughly June–September), though exact opening dates vary by year. Contact the hut before your trip to confirm current staffing.
Start from Monesi di Triora and climb 3.5 hours via Passo del Cappelletto—a steep, rocky route through larch forest that gains significant elevation before reaching open ridge at 1,706m. This is a serious alpine approach, not a casual walk.
The rifugio has 10 beds, serves meals, and is a basic alpine hut—expect mountain shelter rather than comfort. Confirm water and shower availability when you book.
No—the steep, rocky approach via Passo del Cappelletto requires solid hill fitness and scrambling skills. This is for experienced hikers and mountaineers, not families or newcomers to alpine hiking.
Location
44.3269, 9.1686
HutLists Score
3.9
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Total
- 10
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Website
- https://www.parchicloud.it/rifugio-semaforo-vecchio/
Activities
Featured In
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