4.8
(290)
1,216
hikers
Lago Arpy and Punta della Croce
04:13
11.6km
500m
Hiking
The Lago Arpy and Punta della Croce trail offers a moderate hiking experience, covering 7.2 miles (11.6 km) with an elevation gain of 1651 feet (503 metres), typically taking about 4 hours and 13 minutes. Your journey begins on a wide dirt track through a dense fir and larch forest, providing a shaded and tranquil path to Lago Arpy. This beautiful lake, nestled at 2,066 meters, reflects surrounding peaks like Mont Colmet and even the Grandes Jorasses. Beyond the lake, the path becomes more challenging, traversing alpine meadows dotted with bilberry and rhododendron bushes as you ascend towards Punta della Croce.
While the initial segment to Lago Arpy is considered easy and suitable for families, the full route to Punta della Croce requires good fitness and sure-footedness. The trail is accessible and recognized as one of the most beautiful lakes in the Aosta Valley. You can enjoy the cool forest shade in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, or even snowshoeing in winter, making it a year-round destination. Plan your visit to allow ample time to enjoy the diverse scenery and panoramic views.
This trail is notable for its spectacular panoramas from Punta della Croce, offering expansive views of the Mont Blanc Massif, including its summit and the Grand Jorasses. You will also find historical elements, such as old trenches, adding another layer to the natural landscape. Lago Arpy itself is ecologically significant, home to trout and the rare Alpine newt. The accessibility of the lake makes it a great option for a leisurely family walk, even if you choose not to complete the full ascent to Punta della Croce.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
356 m
Trail to Lago d'Arpy
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.95 km
Lake Arpy
Highlight • Lake
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Tip by
5.02 km
View of Mont Blanc
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Tip by
5.42 km
Punta della Croce and Ancient Fortifications
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tip by
11.6 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.35 km
4.93 km
247 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
9.79 km
1.74 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Monday 18 May
8°C
-2°C
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This route was planned by komoot.
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Trail Reviews
Round trip starting from the Genzianella refuge, you enter the wood on an easy path, once you reach the Arpy lake the route is a little more demanding and technical. well cared .
Easy walk to Colle della Croce with a view of the La Thuile valley and the Mont Blanc massif. We start from Colle San Carlo and follow path no. 15 (more of a dirt road than a path) to reach the beautiful Arpy lake. It is an easy walk, with little slope: sometimes too “beaten”. From Arpy lake, take path no. 17 that leads to the ruins of the Brunet shelter and the fortifications of Colle della Croce. The view of the Mont Blanc massif is beautiful. For the descent to Colle San Carlo, take path no. 16. In the high season, I recommend starting very early in the morning, to be able to find parking at Colle San Carlo. On the way back, a few dozen meters before reaching Colle San Carlo, we stop to see the bunker from the Second World War. It is not very visible, but you pass over it by following the path (it seems like passing over a bridge). The bunker is an unlit labyrinth.
Worse predictions than what actually happened: just a few drops when we were at the top. The highlights of today's ride were the beautiful Lago d'Arpy and the incredible fortifications dating back to the 27th century. The panorama must be exceptional on Mont Blanc but today all the highest peaks were in the clouds.
July 24. Wonderful day for a memorable tour. Departure from the Genzianella car park following a beautiful path in the woods to find yourself in front of Lake Arpy. Blue and crystalline. From here a challenging climb along a T2 which takes us to the Motto della Croce where a corvaccio acts as guardian. Stunning view of the Bianco and the valley. The descent along a super panoramic route that always has the Bianco protagonist in the background. Some hikers travel counterclockwise to climb to the summit more easily but partially giving up the view. Beautiful. 9
A nice circular hike with a gentle ascent. If you get dizzy very quickly, you may have to overcome yourself a little in the second third of the ascent. But the path is pleasant to walk. And then the plateau begins. From the pass, as well as from the pre-summit and summit, you are rewarded with a beautiful view of La Thuile, Courmayeur, the valley behind La Balme and the Mont Blanc massif. The descent to Lago d´Arpy is a bit difficult because it is rocky. You can walk around the lake and see the mountains reflected in the lake. It is still very quiet during the week at this time of year.
Incredibly beautiful hike with great views in perfect hiking weather. Absolutely recommended ✌️
Easy and quick start and finish. The approach from the crossroads to the lake, however, requires a little more effort even though it is all downhill. The view of the body of water is worth it anyway.