From Cainallo to Grigna Settentrionale via the Piancaformia Crest
From Cainallo to Grigna Settentrionale via the Piancaformia Crest
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From Cainallo to Grigna Settentrionale via the Piancaformia Crest
07:08
14.7km
1,170m
Hiking
Embark on a difficult hike from Cainallo to Grigna Settentrionale via the Piancaformia Crest, a challenging route spanning 9.1 miles (14.7 km) with an elevation gain of 3831 feet (1168 metres). This aerial trail takes you through diverse environments, from steep forest climbs to rocky plateaus, offering expansive views of Val d'Era and Lake Como. You will traverse beech and larch forests, which are particularly vibrant in autumn, before reaching higher elevations with karstic sinkholes and exposed sections along the ridge. The journey culminates at the Rifugio Brioschi, where you can enjoy a vast panorama of the Alpine chain.
This demanding route requires very good fitness, sure-footedness, and alpine experience, taking approximately 7 hours and 7 minutes to complete. While it can be hiked in summer by experienced individuals, be prepared for exposed sections and some rocky passages that may have chains to assist your climb. Always wear sturdy shoes and ensure you are comfortable with committing sections of the trail. The research does not provide specific details on trailhead access, parking, or public transport, so plan your logistics carefully before you go.
The Piancaformia Crest is celebrated as one of the most beautiful and panoramic ways to reach Grigna Settentrionale, the highest peak in the Grigne group. Its
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Includes segments that may be dangerous
Parts of this route comprise highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.
After 4.96 km for 1.03 km
After 6.08 km for 696 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
3.67 km
Votive Chapel to the Partisans of the "Cacciatori delle Grigne" Brigade
Highlight • Religious Site
Translated by Google •
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4.01 km
Prada Gate
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
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4.96 km
Piancaformia Ridge
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
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7.16 km
Brioschi Hut (Grigna Settentrionale Summit)
Highlight • Mountain Hut
It was inaugurated in October 1895 with the name "Capanna Grigna Vetta". In 1926 the name was changed to "Luigi Brioschi".
Translated by Google •
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7.21 km
Summit Cross of the Northern Grigna (Grignone)
Highlight • Summit
Translated by Google •
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9.47 km
Arnaldo Bogani Mountain Hut
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Translated by Google •
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14.7 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
9.05 km
2.97 km
1.76 km
564 m
279 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
6.74 km
4.43 km
2.72 km
601 m
154 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Thursday 21 May
26°C
12°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 7.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
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Trail Reviews
Departing from Cainallo, our first stop is the famous Porta di Prada, a rock arch whose sight is certainly impressive. The climb that takes us to the Piancaformia ridge is steep at first and on very slippery terrain. It's not suitable for everyone, as is the ridge route. It's fine if you're fit, enjoy grade II climbing, don't suffer from vertigo, and don't mind having a gap to your right or left. Otherwise, it's best avoided. The final stretch is on the Ganda, but the ridge would continue all the way to below the Brioschi. Return via the Ganda route, passing by the Bogani refuge.
Circular route from Parcheggio Cainallo passing through: - Bocchetta di Prada (1.7 km) - Votive Chapel Brigata Poletti (1.9 km) - Bocchetta di Piancaformia (2.8 km) - Cima di Piancaformia (3.7 km) - Bocchetta del Guzzi (4.0 km) - Grigna Settentrionale (5.5 km) - Rifugio Bogani (8.1 km)
Excursion with friends, slow speed to keep up with the slowest, the Piancaformia ridge was followed until the end of the yellow markers, the last stretch is not marked, in my track you will see a test climb on the ridge where I gave up because of the wet rock that did not guarantee me a good grip. So we continued on the normal route.
The return from Bogani, following path 19, I wouldn't do it again. There is a short but decidedly demanding passage (with a chain but very exposed)
The track was saved shorter (see map point A and B) due to incorrect MULTISPORT registration in reality B ends at the same as point A So the real total ascent is +- 1,091 m and the km are 12.5 AR, Travel times A/R (without stops) from 2- to 3 hours
A classic of the Lecco area, the Via della Ganda on the northern side of the northern Grigna, in these conditions transforms into an authentic adventure in a wild and solitary environment, where the snow combined with the conformation of the land creates plays of light that continuously change depending on of the inclination of the sun. Never difficult, but not trivial either, some traverses to be followed carefully. Brioschi and Bogani refuge are excellent support points.
Very challenging route especially the via Guzzi, I recommend it to people who are well trained. Refuges as always welcoming, I do not recommend bringing the dog.