The Gorge della Reina
An impressive canyon between calcareous rock faces, the Gorge della Reina, is the main attraction on this excursion. There are splendid early blooms in the springtime - including a number of species of wild orchids - thanks to the mild climate.
2 points of interest
La Reino Jano - gianluca.giordano 
History and historical trailLa Réino Jano
The toponym of the Gorge della Reina refers to Queen Giovanna d'Angiò, who ascended the throne of the Kingdom of Naples in 1343 on the death of her uncle Roberto, at the age of only 16. Her life, decidedly adventurous but not excessively lucky, brought her only sporadically
to take refuge in search of rest and tranquility in the lands of the Cuneo area; however, this was enough to make her enter into myths and legends with the decidedly more popular name of "Rèino Jano".
L'ingresso delle Gorge della Reina - R 
GeologyLe Gorge della Reina
Tradition has it that Queen Giovanna (the Reino Jano, hence the toponym of the gorges) refused to marry the son of the King of France. The latter, angry at her refusal, moved to meet her with her army. The Queen then took refuge in Roaschia, awaiting the events. The troops of the son of the King of France, who lined up on the top of the mountain to gain a dominant position before launching the attack, were however plunged by divine wrath into the abyss of the gorges, which opened up below them.
Description
Across from the Church of Sant’Antonio in Entracque (922 m), about fifty meters away, take Strada Spianta on the right—a narrow paved road that quickly turns into a mule trail and winds upward through the woods. After a short climb, the mule trail cuts across the hillside and crosses the Rio Costabella via a small stone bridge.
Continue along the same route as the "The Colletto della Lausa loop" trail until you reach the Gorge della Reina (1190 m, 1 hour and 5 minutes from the Church of Sant’Antonio).
When the snow that piles up in the gorge has melted, hikers can walk to the very end of the canyon, where there is a small but high waterfall. The path may be slippery and caution is advised. Rocks may also fall from the canyon walls.
Backtracking once again to the main trail, the route climbs steeply up to the grassy pastures and the ruins of Tetti Stramondin (1228 m, 20 minutes from the Gorge della Reina).
Descending on the opposite slope, the route immediately passes by the turnoff on the right for Colletto della Lausa and instead continues straight on. The route descends the Vallone di Costabella, remaining in the woods, with a few switchbacks and some traverses leading to a clearing. Here the route stays to the right, ignoring a turnoff to the left, and a few meters further downvalley it meets up with an old, rough mule track. The route follows this to the left, beside the Rio Costabella, until it returns to the stone bridge crossed at the beginning of the excursion. The route then follows the path backward to Entracque (922 m, 30 minutes from Tetti Stramondin).
- Departure : Entracque, Chapel of Sant'Antonio (922 m)
- Arrival : Entracque, Chapel of Sant'Antonio (922 m)
- Towns crossed : Entracque
Altimetric profile
Access and parking
From Borgo San Dalmazzo drive up the Valle Gesso. After passing Valdieri, turn left for Entracque. At the entry to Entracque, follow the signs and turn left for Trinità until you reach the Chapel of Sant'Antonio. Parking is available for a few cars.
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Close by1
- Accommodation
Accommodation
Campeggio Il bosco
The small campsite is located in a quiet and panoramic position about 2 km from the center of Entracque. Il Bosco has 50 grass pitches (23 occupied by permanent guests) and provides toilets and showers with free hot water, bar service. The campsite is the ideal place to stop for access to the via ferrata, mtb routes and walks.
