The Southern Grigna (but known to most as Grignetta) at 2,184m asl is one of Lecco’s main mountains. Together with Grignone (Grigna Settentrionale) it forms the Grigne group, which divides Lake Como from Valsassina, in the province of Lecco. These mountains are characterized by a multitude of environments, from meadows to rock faces. It is no coincidence that the famous mountaineer Riccardo Cassin had said that “the Grigna is not a peak but it is a world.” Thus, the Grigne are furrowed by itineraries of different difficulties: from simple treks to challenging mountaineering routes. In this article we present the “classic” path to reach the summit of the Grignetta from Piani Resinelli, along the steep Cresta Cermenati.
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Grignetta from Piani Resinelli to Cresta Cermenati: data sheet
The Cresta Cermenati constitutes the southern edge of the Grignetta, starts from the Piani Resinelli and leads directly to the summit of the mountain. A path (marked with number 7) runs along the ridge line that is very steep but, except for the fatigue from the substantial elevation gain, presents no particular technical difficulties. The trail is classified as E difficulty, although in the last section it runs on rock and in some places requires the use of hands for added safety. At the summit of the Grignetta is also the Bivacco Ferrario, with its characteristic “spaceship” shape. Hiking shoes or boots are essential.
- Departure: Piani Resinelli (1,278m asl)
- Arrival: Southern Grigna (2,184m asl)
- Trail: 7 – Cresta Cermenati
- Duration: 2 hours
- Height difference: 906m
- Difficulty: Challenging
Last update: November 20, 2022
The itinerary
Trail 7 – Cresta Cermenati to reach the summit of the Grignetta starts from the Carlo Porta refuge, at Piani Resinelli. The refuge is easily reached on foot (about 10 to 15 minutes) by climbing from Via Carlo Mauri, on the right of the main square of Piani Resinelli and following the signs. At the back of the refuge are some signs with directions to the Southern Grigna trails, including ours.
The first section takes place in the woods for about ten minutes. Coming out of the trees, continue for a few meters uphill until you reach a junction: on the left is path 8 (“Direttissima”) for the Rosalba refuge (difficulty EEA), while straight ahead you continue to the Grignetta along the Cresta Cermenati. The path, which climbs in steep, narrow hairpin bends among the meadows on the ridge line, is always well marked, so there is no risk of getting lost. Although it often splits at forks, then the branches always rejoin shortly thereafter.
After about 50 minutes of steep no-stop ascent from the start, a detour to the Magnaghi Towers and Cigar Dones comes off to the right. You must ignore it and continue straight uphill.
We continue climbing until at a certain point we find ourselves on a short flat stretch. To our right we can admire the imposing Torrioni Magnaghi and the peculiar Sigaro Dones, a climbers’ paradise, while in front of us the rocky profile of the Grignetta peak stands out.
The ascent resumes with very steep slopes until you reach a beautiful viewpoint, where you join the Cecilia trail (No. 10) coming from the Rosalba refuge. The summit is close, but now the most challenging part begins: the path disappears among the small rocks and in some places you have to help yourself with your hands.
After about 15 minutes, we find some useful chains to climb up the last rocks leading to the Grignetta’s anticima. From there, the summit cross and the nearby Bivacco Ferrario can be reached in a few steps.
On the summit of the Grignetta
In total, to reach the summit of Grignetta from Piani Resinelli via the Cresta Cermenati takes about two hours (1 hour 45 minutes from the Carlo Porta refuge). From the top of the mountain you have a very nice panorama indeed: on one side, over the city of Lecco, Resegone, Piani Resinelli and Monte Due Mani. On the other, over a slice of Lake Como (you can glimpse the promontory of Bellagio in the distance), Monte Rosa and the nearby Grignone. From the top of the Grignetta then Trail 7 continues to arrive right at the top of the Northern Grigna. This is the “Traversata alta delle Grigne,” a fairly long and difficult but definitely beautiful trail.
Photos and text by Michele Castelnovo
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