Rifugio Rosalba & Grignetta Summit Trail
Above Mandello del Lario, the jagged limestone spires of the Grigna massif rise to nearly 2,200 metres, and the trail to Rifugio Rosalba rewards hikers with one of the most dramatic bird's-eye views over the entire central lake. On a clear morning, the blue water below looks almost unreal.
The Ascent from Mandello
The classic route starts from the Piani Resinelli plateau, reachable by car or by a steep trail directly from the Mandello waterfront. From Resinelli the well-marked CAI path 25 climbs through beech forest and then bare limestone karst to Rifugio Rosalba at 1,730 m, typically a 1.5–2 hour walk.
The rifugio itself, run by the CAI Lecco section, serves hot polenta, local cheese and cold beer on a terrace that hangs over a vertical drop — it is one of those lunches you remember for years. From here, confident scramblers can push on to the Cima Piccola di Grigna (Grignetta) at 2,184 m for a 360-degree panorama.
What You'll See
From the upper ridgeline, Lake Como's three arms spread out below like a blue Y, with Bellagio's green promontory visible to the north and the Lecco branch glittering to the south. On exceptional days the Po Plain and even the Apennines are visible beyond the haze.
The rock walls around Rosalba are a training ground for Lecco's famous climbers — you'll often see roped parties on the grey limestone faces, adding a kinetic drama to the already spectacular scenery.
More of Mandello del Lario
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Mandello del Lario →
