Grigna Hiking Guide – Part 2

High-Exposure Trails: Via Ferrata and Technical Ascents on the Grigne

Rifugio Bietti – 1,719 m (5,640 ft) to Grignone Summit – 2,409 m (7,903 ft)

Route: Sasso dei Carbonari Via Ferrata | Estimated Time: 2h 30m – 3h 00m
This is a spectacular, high-exposure panoramic route. SAFETY ALERT: A complete Via Ferrata kit (harness, helmet, and lanyard with shock absorber and two locking carabiners) is mandatory. Following the trail, pass the junction for Rifugio Elisa and turn right at the next crossroad. Upon reaching the ridge, a vertical ladder marks the start of the Via Ferrata. You will traverse the entire Cresta del Sasso dei Carbonari, navigating around major obstacles until you reach Bocchetta di Releccio. From there, Trail #33 leads you to the nearby summit.

Rongio – 409 m (1,342 ft) to Rifugio Rosalba – 1,730 m (5,676 ft)

Estimated Time: 3h 30m – 4h 30m
Starting from the small piazza in Rongio, follow the mule track up to Cappella del Signore. The path narrows significantly past the rocky Canalino della Valletta, climbing steeply through meadows toward the Colonne del Pescée. You will navigate around these towering limestone spires to the left before reaching the ridge where the refuge is located. Warning: This itinerary is physically demanding and technically challenging, set in an environment of rugged, wild beauty.

Rifugio Rosalba – 1,730 m (5,676 ft) to Grignetta Summit – 2,184 m (7,165 ft)

Route: "Cecilia" Trail | Estimated Time: 1h 30m – 2h 00m
Take Trail #8A toward Colle Garibaldi, then continue straight where the path to Piani Resinelli breaks off to the right. This route involves technical scrambling with several passages secured by fixed steel cables. After reaching Colle Valsecchi, follow the red trail markers through various rocky sections. You will eventually merge with the Alta Via coming from the right. The final ascent climbs a steep, rocky slope that joins the Cresta Cermenati (Trail #7) for the last stretch to the summit.