Rising majestically to an elevation of 2,184 meters above sea level, the Grigna Meridionale, affectionately known as Grignetta, is a prominent jewel in the crown of the Lecco region. It shares its glory with the Grignone, the Northern Grigna, together forming the Grigne mountain group, a natural divide that separates the serene waters of Lake Como from the rugged terrain of Valsassina in the province of Lecco.
These mountains are a tapestry of diverse landscapes, ranging from tranquil meadows to formidable rocky precipices. The Grigne offer a plethora of pathways, catering to every kind of adventurer, from those seeking leisurely hikes to intrepid souls yearning for challenging alpine exploits.
In this instance, our expedition led us to discover the “time-honored” path that guides adventurers to the summit of Grignetta. Our journey commenced at the captivating Piani Resinelli, from where we embarked on the challenging yet gratifying Cresta Cermenati ascent. As we descended, we explored the equally captivating Cecilia Trail.
About the trail
On the ascent, we followed the Cresta Cermenati, which constitutes the southern ridge of Grignetta, starting from Piani Resinelli and leading directly to the mountain’s summit.
A steep trail (marked as number 7) runs along the crest, and despite the substantial elevation gain, it doesn’t pose significant technical difficulties, although the final stretch involves rocky sections where you might need to use your hands for added safety. The trail is classified as difficulty level E, and at the summit of Grignetta, you’ll find the distinctive “spaceship-shaped” Bivacco Ferrario.
For the return journey, we opted to complete a loop by taking the Cecilia Trail, a beautiful route that leads from Grignetta’s summit to Rifugio Rosalba. Of course, you can follow the same path in the opposite direction.
This route includes some technical sections with safety chains. While a via ferrata kit is not mandatory (it’s an EE trail, not EEA), some hikers prefer to carry it for added mental reassurance. Nevertheless, it’s a challenging trail that demands a good level of experience and confidence, especially when navigating the more exposed passages.
Some pics
