Sentiero Attrezzato al Monte Cornetto

Overview

The loop route to the summit of Monte Cornetto (1899 m) starts from Passo Campogrosso, in the Vicentino area. This is a historic itinerary that follows the traces of the Great War, characterized by a succession of numerous tunnels carved into the rock. The route, overall of moderate commitment, features an equipped section of medium difficulty, to be tackled both on the ascent and descent. This description covers the climb via Passo degli Onari (or Unari) and the scenic return along the mid-slope of Passo del Baffelan, forming a loop of great historical and landscape appeal.

Approach

The starting point is Passo Campogrosso, accessible from Recoaro Terme or from Rovereto via Pian delle Fugazze. From the parking area, take the wide and easy Sentiero 170, which heads north toward Malga Boffetal. The trail proceeds at a steady pace, skirting the low wooded slopes of the mountain. Just before the malga, the path curves sharply to the right (west) while maintaining elevation, to meet the junction with Sentiero 176. Keeping right, you begin the ascent on this trail, which has a rocky, steeper surface. After a few minutes, you reach the entrance of the first tunnel, marking the official start of the Sentiero Attrezzato al Monte Cornetto. The environment changes quickly, transitioning from sparse forest to the first rock formations. The time for this approach section is about 45 minutes from the parking area.

Via Ferrata

After passing through the first tunnel (a headlamp is advisable for convenience, but not essential), the route continues on a well-defined path that presents no significant technical obstacles. The itinerary develops diagonally across the southwestern face of Monte Cornetto, a typical limestone structure of the Piccole Dolomiti, crossing a succession of military tunnels. You walk along broad, panoramic ledges offering open views over Val Leogra, until you enter a gorge carved by erosion. Here, a fixed rope assists a short passage where the ledge narrows considerably. Exiting the narrows, the trail climbs decisively toward Passo degli Onari, passing more tunnels that pierce the rocky spurs.

Reaching the pass, take the Sentiero CAI 149 to the left heading north, aiming for the imposing rock mass of the summit. The trail climbs at a sustained pace to the Forcella del Cornetto, where it joins CAI 175. Shortly after, the most challenging equipped section of the entire loop begins: a wall about fifteen meters high equipped with a chain. You climb a rocky gully fitted with a few rungs, tackling a first fairly vertical section before angling to the right. The progression is technically simple, but requires maximum attention: the chain is quite loose and the distance between rungs is wide, making a fall potentially dangerous. After overcoming this key passage, a final stretch of trail, a few easy steps, and a last gully lead to the summit of Monte Cornetto (1899 m). The pace of the ascent is continuous, with increasing exposure as you near the top. The time from the first tunnel to the summit is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, for a total of 2 hours from the start.

After enjoying the wide 360-degree panorama over the surrounding mountain groups, you descend the same way, tackling the vertical equipped section again on the way down, until you return to the junction with Sentiero 176. This point marks the end of the main technical difficulties, although further on you will encounter another short secured section. The descent of the equipped gully requires caution, as the exposure is significant and the footholds are not always optimal. The descent time from the summit to this junction is about 30 minutes, for a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes from the start.

Descent

From the junction with Sentiero 176, continue south, staying on Sentiero 149. The route winds along a pleasant and scenic mid-slope path, running at mid-to-high elevations on the eastern side. The going is easy, with short ups and downs and the crossing of new war tunnels that pierce thin ridges. You encounter a short equipped section in a gorge, which allows you to overcome a fissure (in 2017, a convenient metal walkway was installed). Without further difficulty, you reach Passo del Boffelan. From here, a short climb leads to Forcella Boffelan, then you descend at a steady pace along Sentiero 149 to Passo Campogrosso. An alternative is to take Sentiero 177 and then join the easy Sentiero 170 just before the pass. This return descent is physically pleasant and offers continuous views over the Recoaro basin. The travel time from the junction with Sentiero 176 to the finish is about 2 hours, for a total of 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Useful Notes

The Sentiero Attrezzato al Monte Cornetto is a very enjoyable itinerary, never extreme, offering splendid views despite its modest altitude. Its appeal is enhanced by the historic route of the Great War, of which the numerous tunnels are a living testimony. The floor of the tunnels is often loose and damp: it can be useful to bring a headlamp (though not strictly necessary) and telescopic trekking poles for greater stability. Of the various equipped sections present, only the one near the summit, especially if tackled on the descent, requires caution and attention due to the length of the step and the exposure. The area of Monte Cornetto and the Piccole Dolomiti is rich in other equipped itineraries for all tastes, making it an ideal training ground for via ferrata mountaineering.