Pedena Pass, from Biorca

Introduction

The Pedena Pass, a wide opening between Monte Fioraro (or Azzarini) 2431 m and Pizzo Pedena 2399 m, is the only possible crossing point between the Tartano valley and the Bitto valley of Albaredo: both sides are rich in pastureland and the numerous alps are still loaded in summer. We are also on the route of the "Gran Via delle Orobie", a splendid trek that is little frequented in its entirety due to the scarcity of logistical support and the now deteriorated signposting on the ground.

Description

From the car park at contrada Biorca 1140 m, walk at length along the forest track that runs along the Val Corta at the bottom of the valley as far as the crossroads at contrada Barbera 1298 m: having left the track that crosses the stream heading for Val di Lemma, take the Val Bùdria mule track that continues with a few short, abrupt ascents to the water's edge. Alternating between crossing some landslide and alluvial side valleys and pastures dotted with the piles of stones from the "spietramento", you reach the buildings of the Casera di Val Bùdria 1488 m. From here, the track becomes less evident in the marshy pastureland, but as you approach the rocky barrier at the bottom of the valley, to the right of a waterfall, you will find the path again: the trail soon becomes a beautiful mule track with paved steps, in places carved into artificial ledges with protections downstream for the safety of livestock. When you reach the upper terraces of the valley, you reach the Alpe Saroden, two huts and a baitone (a long porch used as a stable for bad weather) with large dry-stone wall fences. Climbing up right behind the baitone, one ascends an abundantly rocky shoulder that brings one within sight of the pass; a traverse to the right allows one to avoid unnecessarily steep terrain until touching the basal rocks of an antecedent of Pizzo Pedena. From here, an oblique traverse to the left takes you to the vast area of the Passo Pedena 2234 m.
The view towards the Pizzo dei Tre Signori group is beautiful and the view of the Masino - Disgrazia - Bernina peaks behind is grandiose.
Return along the outward route.