Monte Tamaro - Mt Lema (TI) Ridge Hike (13km, 900m elev.)

Schweizmobil route 52, stage 2

Hey Guys
This weekend is Ticino weekend, let's catch some sun after the rain and gloom.

This ridge hike from Monte Tamaro to Monte Lema is a classic amongst the Swiss high-altitude hikes. The panoramic views are unbeatable, extending from the Leventina region over the surrounding valleys and up into the Valais Alps to the west and the Graubünden Alps to the east.
This high-altitude hike runs almost exclusively along the ridge close to the Swiss-Italian border.

We take the cable car up from Rivera to - Alpe Foppa on the way to the summit of Monte Tamaro (1532 m asl) and climb up to the summit of Monte Tamaro (1962 m asl). After that we walk all the way along the ridge to Monte Lema. There we descend to Miglieglia base station using the cable car.

Early birds are at an advantage as there is quite some travel involved so we are leaving early and arriving in the evening.
As the time for hike is kind of tight, I don't expect to be able to do longer breaks, count with 30 minutes lunch break and few short stops along the way.
Last cable car at 17:00

To bring:
- Sturdy hiking boots (no sneakers)
- hiking poles recommended
- packed lunch, snacks
- water 2l
- clothing: layers so you can adjust to varying temperatures
- gloves, hat against wind chill
- Wind/Rain/Sun protection
- cheerfulness, smiles

To leave at home:
- your vertigo (ridge hike....)

### Distance

13 km

### Duration

4 h 40 min

### Ascent

873 m

Highest point: Monte Tamaro 1962 m asl

| Technical requirements | Medium (T2) |
| ---------------------- | ----------- |
| Physical requirements | Difficult |

Travel details:
Depart:
7:05 Zürich HB (direction Lugano) to Bellinzona 8:42
8:46 Bellinzona (direction Como S Giovanni) to Giubasco 8:50
8:54 Giubasco to Rivera Bironico 9:04
Cable car to Monte Tamaro / Alpe Foppa (one way, with GA or day pass you pay 10 CHF)

Start Hike: 10:00

Return:
cable car from Monte Lema to Miglieglia:
Last cable car at 17:15. One-way ticket, with GA or day pass you pay 10 CHF
Connections are regular, roughly every 30 mins, total travel time about 3 hrs to Zürich.
Latest return connection based on last cable car:
17:27 Bus 427 Miglieglia Paese to Magliaso, Stazione 17:55
17:59 Magliaso to Lugano FLP 18:20
18:30 Lugano to Zürich HB 20:27

Link
https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/experiences/route/sentiero-in-cresta-monte-lema-monte-tamaro/

https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/routes/etappe-01222.html?nopager

Note: in case of deteriorating weather forecast the hike is going to be canceled.

Disclaimer:

I am not a guide and all hikers are joining at their own authority and own risk. I do not guarantee that the description of the hike is complete or completely correct. All hikers need to take necessary precautions before signing up and have adequate insurance and gear.