This trail leads to two beautiful alpine lakes in the mountains near St Moritz. The path is mostly in the forest, with frequent mountain views peeking through. The first lake, Lägh da Cavloc, is a popular place for picnics and perhaps a brief jump in the chilly water. The second lake, Lägh da Bitabergh, is more remote and quiet, a little hidden treasure.
The first half of the trail to Lake Cavloc is a service road, possible with strollers though a little steep at times. The second half is narrow lumpy footpath, more interesting and less crowded. This hike is particularly nice in mid to late October, when the golden larch trees are bright yellow. But note that the shadows are long and trail can get icy, so bundle up and use caution.
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Quick info
| Location: | Engadin, Southeastern Switzerland |
| By car: | Parking Maloja Val Orden Parking GPS: 46°23’38.0″N 9°41’35.3″E 20 mins from St. Moritz, 3hr from Zürich |
| By transport: | Bus stop: Maloja, Cad’Maté 35 mins from St. Moritz, 3hr50 from Zürich |
| Trail: | 7.2 km loop, about 2hr30 |
| Elevation: | 300m up/down, highest point 1944 m |
| Condition: | paved service road to first lake (strollers ok), narrow lumpy footpath to second lake |
| Difficulty: | moderate (3 of 5) |
| Open: | late June to October |
| Cost: | free |
| Services: | restaurant and fire pits at Lägh da Calvoc, toilet at parking |
| More info: | engadin.ch • Maloja webcam |
Gallery
Hiking map
I’ve mapped out a circular route that starts and ends at the Maloja Orden parking. If you are coming by bus, you’ll need to walk a bit further to reach the trail (see suggested route with arrival by bus).
My route below starts on the semi-paved road that leads to Lägh da Cavloc. This path is suitable for all-terrain strollers. At the lake, you’ll find a restaurant and lots of picnic areas with fire pits. There is a footpath around the lakeshore, so take your time to explore.
When you leave the lake, follow the signs to Lägh da Bitabergh, which is a narrow lumpy footpath with stairs and rocks. You may want hiking sticks on this portion. After visiting the second lake, the trail descends to the dam and ends at the parking. If you are with small children and/or with a stroller, you can simply return the way you came on the service road.
See trail map on Komoot • SchweizMobil • OutdoorActive
On my last visit, we hiked counterclockwise, starting with Lake Bitabergh and then hiking up to Lake Cavloc. I liked this direction because the downhill on the road was a bit easier than on the lumpy terrain in the forest.
Shorter easier option
If you walk to and from the lake on the road, the total distance is about 6km, about 120 up elevation up/down. The walking is easier since you are on more of a smooth surface.
Longer option
For the section between Lägh da Cavloc and Lägh da Bitabergh, you can instead climb up the mountain to Pass dal Caval then down to the second lake. This version is 8.3km with 495m up/down. With this route, you hike more outside the forest so you get the panorama views. I haven’t done this section yet, so I cannot comment on the safety of this section. But it’s marked as a red/white mountain trail with a T2 rating. See trail map.
Bonus climb
On my last visit in Oct 2025, we added a climb to the L’Ala viewpoint. This extra effort was well rewarded with a bird’s eye view over the Cavloc area and eastwards to the Silsersee lake and Silvaplana area. See trail map.
Getting there
Lake Cavloc is located near St. Moritz in southeastern Switzerland. See on Google Maps. Since it’s quite far from other Swiss cities, best to do this hike while staying in the Engadin region. The trail is easily accessible by car or bus; no mountain transport required.
By public transport:
Take a train to St Moritz, then a bus to Maloja, Cad’Maté. The bus drops a short walk from the main trail, so use the bus version of the trail map.
By car:
Drive to Maloja pass and follow signs to the Orden parking 46°23’38.0″N 9°41’35.3″E, which is about 100m after turning off the main road at the pass viewpoint. This large parking lot is free. There is a portable toilet at the parking.
Photo story of the trail
Free parking at the trail head.
Starting the trail on this wide service road.
Follow signs to Lägh da Cavloc.
The trail is easy walking but uphill, gaining about 120m of elevation up to the first lake.
Even though you are in the trees, you get lots of mountain views.
Don’t forget to look behind you.
Almost there.
Arriving at Lägh da Cavloc
When you reach the lake, there is a little footpath down to this picnic area. Or you can just keep following the dirt road until it reaches the water.
Now take your time to explore.
Walking around the lake
Restaurant Cavloccio on the lake.
Just keep walking around the lakeshore. There are other trails that head up into the mountains.
Follow signs to Lägh da Bitabergh.
A rocky trail on the west side of the lake.
Many places to settle in away from other people.
The views keeps changing as you circle the lake, so many pretty perspectives.
Trail across to second lake
At the north side of the lake, you leave the water and head into the hills, heading to Lägh da Bitabergh.
At every fork, follow signs to Lägh da Bitabergh.
A short section that has steep slopes down to one side, but not so dangerous.
At this fork, keep following signs to Lägh da Bitabergh.
A bit more forest walk.
Arriving at Lägh a Bitabergh
A small but beautiful little lake. Best on a sunny calm day for those glassy reflections.
There were at least two firepits along the lake shore and room to lounge.
Absolutely gorgeous, what else can I say?
Hike down to parking
Very rocky on the way down. Be careful not to slip.
View from the dam, almost done with the hike.
Looking at the valley where we started the hike.
2 responses
Thanks, very helpful! Is there a campsite near there? Is it possible to wild camp in those lakes?
I don’t think wild camping is allowed near the lakes. There is a nearby mountain hut, which is a better option to protect these fragile environments.