Sentiero Attrezzato dei Morti

Overview

The Sentiero Attrezzato dei Morti offers a more direct and challenging alternative to the classic Foppe route for ascending to Rifugio Rosalba from Piani Resinelli. This trail stands out for its steeper gradient and exposed sections, making it overall faster. Fixed metal cables are present only on a single diagonal traverse, which represents the key passage of the route.

Approach

The trail begins at the locality of Piani Resinelli, in the province of Lecco, reachable from Ballabio via a series of switchbacks. Once in the hamlet, park near the former Rifugio Alippi. From here, follow trail marker 9, the Sentiero Attrezzato delle Foppe, for about thirty minutes until you encounter a signpost that, on the right, indicates the turnoff for the Sentiero dei Morti.

Via Ferrata

Past the signpost, the trail begins to climb steeply along a narrow, uneven forest path-a physically demanding section that requires attention to the unstable ground. The surroundings feature sparse woodland that soon gives way to grassy slopes at the foot of the Grignetta, offering spectacular views of the limestone towers, famous rock-climbing venues. The route develops mainly along natural ledges and debris-filled gullies, maintaining a continuous and quite steep pace with constant exposure toward the valley. The heart of the route is the only equipped section: a diagonal, sloping traverse on compact rock but with a surface that is often slippery and partially loose, where the steel cables provide essential support. This passage, though short, demands concentration due to the combination of steepness and exposure. After the traverse, a brief final climb leads to Rifugio Rosalba. The travel time from the turnoff is about one hour, for a total of one hour and thirty minutes from the start.

Descent

From the refuge, two options are possible for the return. The first is to go back along the same trail as the ascent, with a descent of about one hour and fifteen minutes, for a total of two hours and forty-five minutes. Alternatively, you can opt for a gentler descent along the Sentiero Attrezzato delle Foppe: from the refuge, descend ignoring the turnoff for the Sentiero dei Morti and continue on the main trail to the parking area in about one hour and thirty minutes, for a total of three hours.

Useful Notes

The Sentiero Attrezzato dei Morti is a steeper and more exposed variant compared to the Foppe route, but it does not present high technical difficulties. The itinerary is characterized by continuous physical effort on rough terrain, with constant exposure that enhances its alpine character. The fixed equipment is concentrated on the traverse, which resolves the only passage of any delicacy. From Rifugio Rosalba, numerous possibilities open up for continuing toward the summit of Grigna Meridionale, for example via the Sentiero Attrezzato Cecilia, the Direttissima, or the Sentiero Attrezzato della Val Scarettone, allowing you to build loops of varying length and commitment.