Ferrata Pizzo del Becco

Overview

The Ferrata al Pizzo del Becco is an itinerary defined by a sharp contrast between its equipped section and the overall route. The stretch with cables and chains is short and technically modest, classifiable as easy. However, it is embedded within a long and physically demanding hiking trail. Before and after the ferrata, the route features several exposed scrambling sections on rock that must be tackled free, without fixed protection. This characteristic makes the excursion suitable for those with a steady foot and confidence moving on rough terrain, even outside the equipped sections.

Approach

Access to the route is from the Rifugio Laghi Gemelli, a hiking destination not reachable by car. The most direct approach starts from the Baite di Mezzeno, a locality near Roncobello in the Val Brembana (Bergamo). From Roncobello, follow a road that, after a paved section, becomes a dirt track, ending right at the huts where parking is available.

From here, take Sentiero 215. The trail climbs decisively through a dense conifer forest, characterized by a compact surface and exposed roots. Once past the forested belt, the landscape opens into wide, rolling pastures, offering the first views of the surrounding peaks. At a junction, keep right toward the refuge. The trail resumes climbing with a sustained gradient, scrambling up a detrital ridge to the Passo di Mezzeno (2140 m), a broad and windy pass. Beyond the pass, the path softens considerably, winding between moraines and rocky outcrops, leading in about half an hour to the Rifugio Laghi Gemelli (reachable in about 2 hours from the parking lot).

From the refuge, the route crosses the dam of the artificial lake, moving to the opposite side. Continue on a wide, unpaved mule track that skirts the lake, quickly reaching Lago Colombo, which is crossed via a second dam. Proceeding on the main trail, you encounter a red-painted sign indicating to keep left. This brings you closer to the imposing, dark walls of the Pizzo del Becco, first following an obvious track on grassy terrain and then the white-red trail markers that guide you over easy slabs and rock steps. This final approach section, though not equipped, already requires some effort due to its exposure and the need to use your hands. You finally reach the chain marking the start of the via ferrata (about 1 hour and 15 minutes from the refuge; 3 hours and 15 minutes total).

Via Ferrata

The equipped section covers a modest elevation gain, under 100 meters, and essentially unfolds over two short vertical stretches. The route runs on solid limestone-dolomite rock, characterized by cracks and generous holds. The start is located inside a dihedral well supplied with spikes and pockets, which you climb in a few meters to overcome a first step. The pace is sustained but not rushed, thanks to the continuity of holds. You then turn left, overcoming some unequipped rock steps to reach a small terrace, which offers a splendid panorama plunging down to Lago Colombo below.

The technical heart of the ferrata is the second vertical wall, a compact slab rich in excellent hand and foot holds. The progression is linear and pleasantly athletic. The chain ends in a crack from which you exit the rock structure, emerging onto a more open ledge. From here, the technical difficulties are over. You ascend a sloping wall, where the cable now primarily serves as an aid for balance and psychological reassurance, without presenting challenging passages, until you reach the end of the equipment (about 20 minutes from the start; 3 hours and 40 minutes total).

Once the via ferrata is finished, the route does not lose its character. Continue climbing along an obvious track that overcomes easy but exposed rock, requiring constant use of your hands and attention to the drop-off to the side. You thus reach the Forcella del Valico, a sharp notch in the ridge. From here, if desired, you could descend to the right via the normal route. For the summit, instead, take the final ridge section, a succession of boulders to climb and overcome, with a short passage protected by a metal cable, before finally stepping onto the summit cross of Pizzo del Becco (about 20 minutes from the end of the ferrata; 4 hours total). The route maintains a predominantly vertical and airy character right to the end.

Descent

From the summit cross, descend back along the ridge to the Forcella del Valico. At this crucial junction, you have a choice: return by retracing the ferrata of the ascent (in this case, maximum attention is required to avoid dislodging stones, due to the risk of hitting other hikers below; about 40 minutes from the summit), or continue straight following the trail markers toward the Passo di Sardegnana. Both options, via different slopes, lead back to Lago Colombo (about 1 hour and 15 minutes from the summit).

From here, all that remains is to retrace, at a more relaxed pace but still on a steep trail in the final part, the approach route back to the parking lot at Baite di Mezzeno (about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Lago Colombo; approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes total).

Useful Notes

The itinerary unfolds in a landscape context of great beauty, in one of the most rugged and evocative stretches of the Orobie Bergamasche. The route winds between alpine lakes, high walls, and sharp ridges, offering a continuous panoramic experience. Despite the relative proximity to support points like the refuge, the area conveys a pleasant sense of isolation and wilderness, accentuated by the frequent presence of alpine wildlife, such as chamois and golden eagles.

The cable of the ferrata is not particularly taut, but the modest difficulty does not require its continuous use. The itinerary has a variable rhythm: sustained effort on the approach, brief technical intensity on the ferrata, and then constant exposure all the way to the summit. It is essential to pay attention to residual moisture on the rock steps to be traversed free, especially after recent rains or in the shade, where the surface can become slippery. The Ferrata al Pizzo del Becco is a demanding full-day outing that leaves little energy for other activities. However, the Orobie and the province of Bergamo offer numerous other interesting via ferratas of varying difficulty, ideal for combining into a weekend or a longer stay.