Dirinella

Zella Last Update: 28.08.2025 by Daniel Sturm
Subregion: Distretto di Locarno
Town: Gambarogno
v3 a2 II
3h10
1h10
1h30
30min
650m
450m
200m
x
45m
2x 50m
6
300m
on Foot
Rating:
★★★★★
0 ()
Info:
★★★
0 ()
Belay:
★★★
0 ()
Summary:
Short but well-carved canyon, unfortunately penalized by the long approach and exit.
January - December
10-16 o'clock
Northwest
Gneiss
0.60km²
First descent: 06.06.2021 by Rospi GSV
Summary:
Short but well-carved canyon, unfortunately penalized by the long approach and exit.
Access:
From Caviano (CH), reach the hamlet of Scaiano and park in the obvious parking area at the end of the road (in front of the historic center) (46°06'11.7"N 8°45'41.5"E).
Approach (1 h 10):
From the parking area, enter the historic center following signs for Monti di Caviano. Climb between the houses until reaching the paved road at a helicopter landing pad; at the barrier closing the dirt road, the trail to Monti di Caviano (Sentiero Cento Campi) starts on the right. While ascending, near a small chapel, locate on the right the trail descending to the streambed, which will be used for the exit. The trail later rejoins the road, leaving it shortly after to reach a panoramic viewpoint (small chapel) and Monti di Caviano. Upon entering the alpine pasture, keep right and identify the flat trail toward Monti di Pino. The trail enters the valley and soon reaches the Dirinella Stream. Descend on the left bank alongside the stream to reach the canyon entry point (46°05'58"N 8°46'12"E). Approximately 1 h 10 min for 375 m of ascent (D+).
Tour (1 h 30):
01- C7 (nat dx) 02- C31 (nat dx) 03- C14 (1 dx) 04- C29 (nat dx) 05- C15 (1 dx) 06- C45 (2 dx)
Return (30 min):
After the last 45 m rappel, continue along the streambed for about 400 m, paying attention to locate the trail on the right bank that climbs to the small chapel seen during the approach. It may be helpful to descend during the approach to memorize the exit point. Then follow the approach trail in reverse (approximately 30 min for 200 m of descent, D-).

Coordinates:

Canyon End
46.100467°, 8.767336°
DMS: 46° 6" 1.68', 8° 46" 2.41'

DM: 46° 6.028", 8° 46.04"

Google Maps

SwissTopo
Canyon Start
46.099644°, 8.770143°
DMS: 46° 5" 58.72', 8° 46" 12.51'

DM: 46° 5.979", 8° 46.209"

Google Maps

SwissTopo
Parking Entry and Exit
46.103322°, 8.761532°
DMS: 46° 6" 11.96', 8° 45" 41.52'

DM: 46° 6.199", 8° 45.692"

Google Maps

SwissTopo
Hydrology:
Flow assessment: In the village of Dirinella, from the bridge before the Zenna customs.