Passo del Demignone (2485 m) - Passo del Venerocolo (2314 m)

From Ponte Frera (1373 m) continue along the switchback dirt road that overcomes the dam's elevation until it reaches the level of the artificial reservoir. After passing the guardians' house, skirt the large basin, the largest of all the Orobie, enjoying splendid views of the lake and the surrounding woods. After surpassing a beautiful foaming waterfall by some tens of meters, take a partly paved track to the left, following the signs for Passo Demignone. With some hairpin bends, reach a short flat stretch at the end of which, at a new junction, turn right. The steep path (trail no. 311) quickly gains height through conifer woods to emerge into the sunny basin of Malga Demignone (1904 m). Following the hiking signs for Passo Demignone, take the 'chamois path' (white-red markers of the G.V.O.), which by its name anticipates the very probable encounter with these ungulates, which move in large herds in the area. Indeed, the Belviso, Caronnella, Bondone, and Malgina valleys, along with the Lago del Barbellino area, are part of a private wildlife reserve where all typical alpine fauna specimens are present and more: since 1971 mouflons have also been introduced here, now mostly resident in Val Belviso. From the huts, the trail gains altitude across pastures on the valley's left flank, crosses a rhododendron thicket, and continues toward the basin at the valley head. With numerous hairpins among debris (and arduously along the last meters of unstable terrain), reach the eastern Passo Demignone saddle (2485 m), also reached by a flat military track from Rifugio Tagliaferri. Excellent views of the lower Laghetti del Venerocolo, of clear glacial origin, and of the limestone peaks of Cimon della Bagozza form the backdrop. The trail, which will guide us directly toward the lakes, makes a long traverse eastward to cross a rocky small valley where passage is eased by a chain and some footholds. Then it descends with steep hairpins toward the larger lake, also known as Lago Bianco, near which the path was carved directly into the rock (some handrail chains). The area is truly evocative, with these dark, deep lakes, rounded rocks surrounding them, and a perfectly flat mule track winding here, coming from the bottom of Valle di Scalve. All mule tracks in the Valle di Scalve-Val Belviso area were built during World War I as a second defensive line in case the Austrians succeeded in 'breaking through' on the Ortles or Adamello fronts, spreading into Valtellina or Valcamonica. However, a good mule track likely existed earlier, used by Bergamasque shepherds during their seasonal migrations with flocks to and from Switzerland, as well as hunters, smugglers, and traders. From the lake, within a few dozen meters, reach Passo del Venerocolo (2314 m). Facing the northern side, from which the Valle di Campo originates, leave to the right the mule track to Malga Magnolta and Aprica, taking the path (trail no. 332) that descends directly toward the valley floor. With a slight detour to the left, avoid a rocky strip and, after an alder grove, enter pastures. Passing a rounded hill, encounter the first larches, alternating with swampy areas along which you approach the edge of the wide Malga di Campo (1822 m). However, the stream remains to be crossed, sometimes a difficult obstacle. Finally, follow the trail through the meadows that reaches the alpine huts. A recently built dirt road leaves the malga and plunges steeply northwest into the woods. After numerous hairpins near the rocky mountain flank, pass the start of a cableway reaching some huts (1602 m). From here you can continue along the dirt road, crossing the stream to rejoin the ascent route, or proceed on the right side of the stream itself, by path, descending a bit faster to Lago Belviso.