Start: Riofreddo valley (Vinadio)

From the car park, continue along the dirt road, which is closed to motor vehicles and winds slightly uphill among birch, larch and fir trees to the right of the Riofreddo.

Ignoring all side roads, proceed a short distance from the river through dense stands of fir trees, beyond which lovely views out towards the majestic Testa del Malinvern Head at the top of the valley can be enjoyed. Along the way, you will cross two streams from lateral valleys. Shortly after the second of these, you will reach the clearing Gias la Grotta (1,707 m) with the remains of a small stone construction.

The road continues partly paved in view of Rifugio Malinvern, which dominates the valley atop a rocky knoll. After passing the inconspicuous Gias della Paur, continue up the steep road, first paved, then cemented and finally dirt, which leads to the alpine shelter. Go around it from below, passing the first road to the right to the Orgials lakes and then the next one for Lake Malinvern. You will soon reach Rifugio Malinvern (1,839 m, fountain), a 1990s structure surrounded by larches and firs and with a large glass extension.

The return trip follows the outward route in reverse.