Trekking and Hiking on the Grigna

Trekking and Hiking on the Grigna, a great experience!

The Northern Grigna or Grignone is among the highest peaks of Lake Como. Its mountain group is consists of two main peaks: the Northern Grigna (or Grignone) and the Southern Grigna (or Grignetta).
They are connected by a ridge (known as cresta Federazione) about 3.5 km long. Their proximity to the Po Valley and the lake means that the humid air is attracted by convective motions towards the peaks, where it condenses due to lower temperatures. For this reason, its peaks are often shrouded in clouds, and this makes its fabulous appearance even more fairytale like.
Spires, gullies, ridges and pinnacles majestically dominate this amazing landscape. It is possible to reach the peaks through a large variety of paths, equipped routes and even via ferratas: there is certainly no lack of choice and opportunities to build your own tailor-made adventures. The Grigna is really a piece of paradise with enchanted corners all to be discovered: a mythical mountain full of numerous legends and tales that keep wrapping its peaks in a halo of mystery.
The karst conformation makes it interesting from a geological point of view. In fact, speleologists have always been looking for new caves and sinkholes in this area. From its bowels flows the famous Fiumelatte, the shortest river in Italy, which is only 250 meters long. Also on the Grigna there is the Moncodeno icebox, already visited and mentioned by Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century.

How to reach the Northern Grigna

There are many paths and access routes to the summit. They depart from three main departure points, reachable by car and / or public transport: 
- Mandello
The town is located on the eastern side of Lake Como. There are different departing points from Mandello, which are set in the hamlets of Crebbio, Maggiana, Rongio, Somana or Sonvico.- Esino Lario (loc. Cainallo)
The starting point can be easily reached by going up the SP65 starting from Varenna, on the eastern side of Lake Como. After the small village of Esino Lario, keep driving towards the Cainallo until the end of the paved road where you can find a big parking place. Then, it will be necessary to continue on foot and finally take the well-marked paths. 
- Valsassina
Valsassina is reachable both from Bellano (eastern side of Lake Como) and from Lecco. The most important departing accesses are set in the following localities: Prato San Pietro, Primaluna, Pasturo and Basilio.
The Refuges 
There are numerous refuges on the mount Grigna. Before planning a trip just pay attention to opening times and periods: some refuges are almost always open, others however follow seasonal times and days.
Despite the not prohibitive heights (the highest peak is 2410 asl), the Grigna is a mountain not to be underestimated: the list of victims who died on its slopes is sad and quite long.
Its special shape makes the mountain devoid of water on the surface, so it is essential to provide a good supply of liquid in your backpack.
In winter and in the presence of snow we strongly recommend that you contact expert guides.

Contacts 
Refuge Brioschi -  Northern Grigna or Grignone: 2410 slm
Tel. (refuge): +39.0341910498         Cell. (manager): +39.3288647386
Refuge Bietti - Conca di Reléccio: 1719 slm
Tel. (refuge)+39.0341735741         Cell. (manager): +39.3381309920
Refuge Bogani Al Poiat: 1816 slm
Cell. (owner): +39.3482831436         Cell. (manager): +39.3683527021
Refuge Riva Alpe Piatté: 1050 slm
Tel. (refuge): +39.3288647386         Cell. (manager): +39.3287115705
Refuge Elisa Val Meria: 1515 slm
Tel. (refuge): +39.341735649         Cell. (manager): +39.3342903354
Refuge Pialeral Pialeral: 1400 slm
Tel. (refuge): +39.341955462         Cell. (manager): +39.3383154374