Discover San Carlo

Several specific trekking and mountain bike routes are at the heart of the area around San Carlo. The Church of San Carlo is not only a historic landmark, but also the starting point of a trekking route. The landscapes vary considerably: along the Viola stream, comfortable paths pass through a flat, peaceful natural landscape; other sections cross wooded slopes or follow gravel tracks and singletrack. This makes it possible to work out in advance whether you are looking for a peaceful stretch to walk or particular mountain bike sections with gravel or singletrack when choosing a destination.

Church and walking trails

The Church of San Carlo was built in response to a vow made by the residents of Semogo in 1636. The vow was intended to stop the spread of the plague in the Bormio area. The church is therefore associated with a specific historical event. The trekking route to the Church of Presedont also begins at the church and descends to the valley floor. It follows comfortable paths alongside the Viola stream through a flat, peaceful natural landscape dotted with typical mountain huts. The stream, the flat terrain and the mountain huts define this walking option.

The Sentiero del Conte passes through the Bosco del Conte, which lies opposite the village of San Carlo. Its landscape differs from that of the route to the Church of Presedont: here, the focus is on the woodland opposite the village, while the other route follows the Viola stream and descends to the valley floor. From the village of San Carlo, you can walk via Val Lia or Val Cardonè to the area around Cima Piazzi. These trails complement the stretches along the stream and through the Bosco del Conte, offering another way to explore the area on foot.

Trekking between Semogo and San Carlo

The Valle del Foscagno trekking route can also be described in terms of its specific sections. It runs from the Centro Sportivo di Semogo along the paved N185 road to San Carlo, crossing the State Road del Foscagno near the church. It also follows the Strada del Bosco through a densely wooded slope and reaches the Decauville, which connects Arnoga with Cancano. This route is therefore defined both by its villages and roads and by its woodland terrain and the connection between Arnoga and Cancano. Its character differs from that of the flat path along the Viola stream.

Mountain bike routes and shuttle services

The trail surface and route help distinguish between the mountain bike options. The Sentiero Viola - Giro del Foscagno - Decauville route reaches San Carlo via Via Le Ponti. In the final section of Val Vezzola, it crosses the reservoir and then follows a singletrack winding through the woods. On the La Val Viola da San Carlo route, the trail becomes a gravel track at the Altumeira car park; it then climbs towards Lago Viola. One route goes via Via Le Ponti and includes a wooded singletrack, while the other changes to gravel before continuing uphill to Lago Viola. These are specific differences to consider when choosing between the two route descriptions.

Numerous bike shuttles operate in the San Carlo area. As this service information may change, check the latest shuttle service details before planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Bagni, Grosotto, Mazzo Di Valtellina, Oga, Chiavenna, Borgonuovo, Rasura, Delebio

For the regional travel overview: Sondrio.