The Grigne Mountains (Grigna group) are a dramatic limestone massif in the Prealps near Lecco, Lombardy, northern Italy. Rising sharply above the eastern branch of Lake Como (Ramo di Lecco), they offer stunning alpine scenery with jagged peaks, deep karst caves, meadows, and panoramic views over the lake, Valsassina valley, the Alps, and even Milan on clear days.
The group features two main summits: Grignone (Grigna Settentrionale, 2,410 m / 7,907 ft) and Grignetta (Grigna Meridionale, 2,177–2,184 m / ~7,142 ft), connected by a long ridge. Often called the “Dolomites of Lecco” for their rugged calcareous rock, they’re a cradle of Italian mountaineering (home to legends like Riccardo Cassin and Walter Bonatti) and part of the Parco Regionale della Grigna Settentrionale.
The area suits a range of hikers: easy valley walks, moderate day hikes to rifugios (mountain huts), challenging ascents with via ferrata sections (equipped trails with chains/cables), and multi-day traverses. Expect steep terrain, exposure in places, and variable weather—good fitness, sure-footedness, and no vertigo are key. Best season is late spring to early fall (June–October) for dry paths and wildflowers; check forecasts and bring layers, sturdy boots, water, and possibly a via ferrata kit for harder routes.
Summit of Grignone (Grigna Settentrionale) via Colle Balisio or Pasturo (Classic eastern ascent)
Start from Colle Balisio (~720 m) or Pasturo (Valsassina side). Follow CAI trail 31 to Rifugio Antonietta al Pialeral (~1,365 m), then trail 33 up wooded slopes and open grasslands to Bocchetta di Releccio and Rifugio Brioschi (2,403 m) on the summit. ~3.5–5 hours up, 1,600–1,700 m elevation gain, E (excursionist) difficulty—steep but no technical sections. Stunning 360° views; stay overnight at Rifugio Brioschi for sunset/sunrise magic.
Grignone via Vò di Moncodeno / Cresta di Piancaformia (Northern approach, more scenic/challenging)
From Cainallo/Esino Lario to Vò di Moncodeno parking, ascend via Bocchetta di Prada, past deep caves (like Abisso Paolo Trentinaglia), to Cima di Piancaformia (2,106 m), then ridge to summit/Rifugio Brioschi. Challenging with exposure and views over Lake Lecco; 4–6 hours up, great for experienced hikers.
Grignetta (Grigna Meridionale) via Cresta Cermenati (Southern classic)
From Pian dei Resinelli (accessible by bus from Lecco), hike to Rifugio Porta or Rosalba, then follow the equipped south ridge (Cresta Cermenati) to the summit. Moderate with chains in spots; 3–5 hours, rewarding jagged spires and lake panoramas.
Traversata Alta (High Traverse) (Epic full-day or multi-day linking both summits)
From Pian dei Resinelli to Grignetta summit, down to Buco di Grigna (a dramatic rocky hole), across the ridge (with “scudi” minor peaks and via ferrata elements), to Grignone and Rifugio Brioschi. Demanding (10–12+ hours, vertigo exposure, some equipped sections)—a true highlight for fit hikers, often with overnight at a rifugio.
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