Gerra

Last Update: 01.09.2025 by Daniel Sturm
Subregion: Bezirk Locarno
Town: Gambarogno
v5 a2 III
4h10
25min
3h
45min
870m
450m
420m
x
60m
2x 70m
14
1700m
Car optional
Rating:
★★★★★
0 ()
Info:
★★★
0 ()
Belay:
★★★
0 ()
Summary:
A very vertical stream, ideal during rainy periods. With a good flow, the two large waterfalls of 50 and 60 meters will provide a good dose of adrenaline.
January - December
10-16 o'clock
Northwest
Gneiss
1.90km²
First descent: 01.01.2022 by apertura Gruppo Speleologico CAI Varese
Summary:
A very vertical stream, ideal during rainy periods. With a good flow, the two large waterfalls of 50 and 60 meters will provide a good dose of adrenaline.
Access:
Downstream: reach the small village of Gerra (Gambarogno) and park at the beach parking area, right next to the stream (46°07'21.4"N 8°47'01.3"E), at a cost of 1 CHF per hour. Upstream: return to Via Cantonale, turn left crossing the bridge, then turn right onto the road that climbs up to Monti di Gerra. At Monti di Gerra there is a large parking area on the hairpin bend just before the barrier (46°07'06.9"N 8°48'03.2"E).
Approach (25 min):
Approach: With shuttle: from the upper parking area, follow the flat path leading towards the alpine pasture, gain altitude with a couple of switchbacks, and exit the pasture in the direction of Monti di Sant’Abbondio. Ignore a couple of tributaries until you reach the main branch of the Gerra stream (46°06'37.9"N 8°47'58.7"E). About 25 minutes for 100 m of elevation gain. Without shuttle: from the lower parking area, first follow the paved road towards Monti di Gerra. At Cheventino, you can then take the trail to cut a few switchbacks. Once at Monti di Gerra, follow the same directions as for the shuttle approach. About 1h 30min for 630 m of elevation gain.
Tour (3 h):
01- C17 (nat dx) 02- C20 (1 dx) 03- C15 (1 dx) 04- C15 (nat dx) 05- C15 (1 dx) 06- C50 (2 sx) 07- C10 (nat central) 08- C8 (2 sx) 09- C60 (2 sx) 010- C25 (1 sx) 011- C30 (nat sx) 012- C10 (1 dx) 013- C15 (1 sx) 014- C10 (nat central)
Return (45 min):
After the last vertical drop, there is a long stretch of walking along the streambed, about 800 m, until reaching a flood-control wall. Here you can enter the tunnel on the right and quickly return to the village and the cars. About 45 minutes for 250 m of elevation loss.

Coordinates:

Canyon Start
46.11068°, 8.79943°
DMS: 46° 6" 38.45', 8° 47" 57.95'

DM: 46° 6.641", 8° 47.966"

Google Maps

SwissTopo
Parking at Entry
46.118544°, 8.800896°
DMS: 46° 7" 6.76', 8° 48" 3.23'

DM: 46° 7.113", 8° 48.054"

Google Maps

SwissTopo
Parking at Exit
46.122645°, 8.783779°
DMS: 46° 7" 21.52', 8° 47" 1.6'

DM: 46° 7.359", 8° 47.027"

Google Maps

SwissTopo
Canyon End
46.115548°, 8.791452°
DMS: 46° 6" 55.97', 8° 47" 29.23'

DM: 46° 6.933", 8° 47.487"

Google Maps

SwissTopo
Hydrology:
Flow assessment: directly at the valley parking area.