Sentiero Attrezzato Bertotti

Overview

The Sentiero Attrezzato Bertotti unfolds along the eastern slopes above Trento, offering a pleasant, introductory itinerary that culminates at the Croce del Chegul. It is an ideal route for a first approach to the discipline, lacking any high technical difficulty and suitable for hikers with limited experience. The final goal guarantees a broad and rewarding panorama over the city and the surrounding mountain chains.

The itinerary is characterized by a predominantly airy development along ledges and short crest sections, with solid, compact rock typical of the local limestone. The progression is rhythmic and continuous, without significant ups and downs, maintaining a moderate exposure that does not compromise accessibility. The character is mainly panoramic and educational, with few well-protected vertical passages.

Approach

The route begins near the Passo del Cimirlo (733 m), east of Trento. Once at the pass, take the road to Maranza on the right, traveling about 1.5 km on a narrow paved road. On the left side, you will find the sign for the Sentiero CAI 418, which indicates the access to the Bertotti. Parking is possible along the edge of the road.

From the signpost (850 m), climb decisively through the woods, tackling a series of switchbacks, natural steps, and boulders at the foot of the Chegul walls. This leads to a rock face, which is bypassed on the right by ascending a slope with switchbacks to a ledge below the main ridge. The trail, with short already-equipped sections, soon leads to the summit register, marked by a plaque that signals the official start of the via ferrata (1115 m). The approach takes about 30 minutes from the parking spot.

The environment is that of a sparse forest on a steep slope, with rocky outcrops that foreshadow the morphology of the ferrata. The climb is continuous but not overly strenuous, gradually preparing you for the activity on the steel cable. The pace is sustained but steady, with no exposed passages.

Via Ferrata

From the register, ascend a wooded gully to a characteristic passage between two rock blocks. You then tackle a vertical wall, made easy by the presence of wide metal stirrups that facilitate progression. After overcoming this section, the route continues easily and without equipment for a few minutes, until you encounter a sequence of small rock steps.

You then arrive at a long metal ladder about 20 meters in length, to be climbed with care. Once the ladder is finished, you traverse some equipped steps without any particular issues, finally reaching the Croce del Chegul (1263 m), with an excellent view of Trento and Monte Bondone. The actual ferrata takes about 30 minutes, bringing the total time from the start to about 1 hour.

The development is predominantly vertical in the two main equipped sections, interspersed with short walking stretches on the trail. The rock is compact and offers natural holds. The exposure is perceptible but never excessive, maintaining a very contained technical character suitable for learning. The pace is broken, with natural pauses between one passage and the next.

Descent

From the summit, it is possible to return by the same route in about 45 minutes, for a total of 1 hour and 45 minutes. However, a more interesting loop itinerary is suggested, which is longer and more varied.

Past the cross, cross a small bridge and climb towards the Spiaz delle Patate or Spiazzo Grande (1310 m), reachable in 10 minutes. From here, continue south on the Sentiero CAI 411 towards Monte La Marzola. The trail, after passing some military positions, becomes a forest road (still marked as 411) and passes a metal barrier. Ignore the junctions for trails 413, 426, and 436, proceeding along the hillside to an important junction at 1541 m (about 1 hour from the end of the ferrata).

At the junction, you have a choice: turn left uphill on the CAI 411A to gain the summit of Marzola (1738 m) in 30 minutes, enjoying the view of Lake Caldonazzo, then descend on the opposite side (45 minutes from the junction); or continue straight on the CAI 411, which later merges into the CAI 412. Both options converge near the Bivacco Bailoni (1632 m), reachable in 1 hour if you went to the summit, or in 20 minutes if you continued on the 411.

From the bivouac, descend steeply west on the CAI 412 to the Rifugio Maranza (1072 m), in about 1 hour. After a possible stop, take the road north, which first coincides with the CAI 426 and then with the CAI 413, returning to the parking area in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The entire loop takes approximately 5 hours total.

The descent loop unfolds on wide, well-marked trails, with a sustained hiking pace and continuous changes of scenery, from the wooded ridge to wide clearings. The character is that of a hike, with moderate but prolonged physical effort, completing the ferrata experience with a long and pleasant walk.

Useful Notes

The Sentiero Attrezzato Bertotti is a non-difficult itinerary, perfect for those taking their first steps in the world of via ferratas. The two most significant vertical sections are made easier by the ladder and metal stirrups. The elevation gain is overcome with equipment only in the most exposed points, maintaining a modest overall difficulty. The route is nevertheless very interesting and offers a beautiful 360-degree panorama.

For cartography, it is recommended to refer to the Alta Valsugana map from the 4Land series. The short itinerary leaves time and energy to combine another ferrata in the area. In the Val d'Adige, you will find the Ferrata Rio Secco and the one at Favogna near Mezzocorona, or the Sentiero Attrezzato al Burrone Giovanelli. Towards Bolzano, there is the Ferrata Mendola. On the eastern side of Lake Caldonazzo, there is the Sentiero Attrezzato Chiesa, while heading south you can opt for the Ferrata Marangoni at Mori. Continuing north in the Val d'Adige, you encounter the Sentiero Attrezzato de le Stel at Aldeno. In the Val di Sarche, towards Riva del Garda, several options are concentrated: the Ferrata Pisetta, the Ferrata Che Guevara, the Ferrata di Casteldrena, and the Ferrata di Preore. Moving towards Andalo, you can traverse the Ferrata delle Aquile on the Paganella. Finally, we note two recent creations: the Ferrata della Val del Rì at Mezzolombardo and the Ferrata della Croce di Fai.