Starting at the fountain in Chiaves square, proceed towards Monastero di Lanzo and then turn left onto Strada Fontana Sistina immediately. The route goes through several clusters of houses, such as Cà Maciun and Curchiatto, providing scenic views of Coassolo Torinese. The ascent is fully on paved road, with gradients that never surpass 10%.

After a kilometre and a half, you reach the Fontana Sistina (1,132 m), where there is a wide layby (those wishing to shorten the route can leave their car here).

Ignoring all side turns, continue past the attractive huts of Curdumpero. At a switchback, leave the dirt track of the Marian Apparitions Trail to the right.

The climb continues through mixed woodland with some birch. After another switchback, follow a long traverse halfway along, which is closed to motor vehicles from October to May by a barrier.

The road remains roughly level before becoming a dirt track. With several switchbacks interspersed with short tarmacked sections, climb through mixed woodland that gradually thins. You reach the barely perceptible Colle della Forchetta (1,589 m), the watershed between the Tesso Valley and the lower Lanzo Grande Valley, where parked cars are a common sight. Near the pass, there is a panoramic orientation table: this is indeed a superb natural balcony overlooking the point where the Ala Valley and Lanzo Grande Valley divide. There is also a small memorial to two young partisans killed in action: during the Resistance, these mountains were the scene of fierce fighting between partisans and Nazi-Fascist forces.

The dirt track continues, switching from one side of the ridge to the other between the Tesso Valley and the Lanzo Grande Valley, with partly tarmacked sections and ever-broadening views. The road moves definitively onto the Grande Valley side, offering even more impressive panoramas. Above 1,800 m, it steepens with several switchbacks on an uneven surface, with awkward water channels. The road emerges near the Alpe di Monastero (1,971 m), which was rebuilt to replace the Gias Vej summer pasture, whose ruins are visible just above. This area has a strong and long-standing pastoral tradition.

After about three hundred metres, you reach the striking Monastero Lake (1,993 m), nestled in a green hollow at the foot of Punta Gias Vej. In spring, it becomes a carpet of wildflowers. From here, splendid views open up towards the peaks that dominate the head of the Lanzo Valleys: among the best known are Punta Croce Rossa, Punta d’Arnas, Uja di Ciamarella, and the Levanna. Closer and easily recognisable are the Uja di Bellavarda and Punta Marsè.

It is well worth the extra effort to climb to the nearby Alpe di Coassolo (2,032 m), a small hamlet at the foot of the Cima La Rossa, where a bivouac shelter has been built inside the ultra-modern metallic extension of one of the huts.

To enjoy a relaxed descent, just retrace the outward route. Those seeking a bit of thrill can explore short singletrack sections on the return journey that bypass the switchbacks, which increases the difficulty to Good Ability (BC). The first such section is near 1,600 m, just before reaching the Colle della Forchetta, featuring a slightly technical exit. The second begins right at the pass: head south along the dirt track blocked by a barrier. After about two hundred metres, leave it for a scenic trail veering right through the birches. When it suddenly seems to end, find it again a few metres higher to descend close to the picturesque huts of Alpe San Barbara (1,504 m, fountain). Continue on the grassy path downhill to the Colle di San Giacomo (1,460 m), where you will join a dirt track. Briefly follow it left to access one final singletrack, again on the left, providing great fun with a slightly technical exit. Once back on the road, simply follow it in reverse to reach your vehicle.