Monte Alben

From the summit cross one can enjoy a magnificent panorama, ranging from the nearby Arera, Menna and Grem mounts, to the main peaks of the Bergamasque Alps and Prealps arc (including Resegone, Grigna, Pizzo Tre Signori, Pizzo del Diavolo, Redorta, Coca, Presolana), to the more distant Rosa, Disgrazia and Adamello groups.

Once out of the trees, it zigzags up a gully leading to the Brassamonti pass, and continues with gentler slopes to the junction for the nearby Nembrini Bivouac.

It then proceeds alternating between a few rock jumps (grade I climbing) and sections of gravel path, and reaches the summit cross after about 2.30 hours from the start.

At the end of the long stretch through the trees, it comes out into a wide pasture (Pian delle Casere) that extends to the foot of the Alben ridge, where there are also a couple of huts and a puddle that holds rainwater used for watering livestock.

From the municipality of Vertova (400 m) it follows in its entirety the CAI 530 trail, which climbs by a dirt track to the Cavlera alpine hut, and from there to the Bliben Pass.

Once at the pass, one continues northward along trail 525, which, after a traverse in a scenic and severe environment under the wide pastures of Cascina Foppi, reaches a junction.

One climbs to Mount Poieto (1360 m), follows trail 519, which passes by the Forca di Aviatico, and reaches Suchello (1541 m) after long ups and downs through meadows and woods.

Cima la Croce (right) and the subpeak (left), on which the Maurizio via ferrata runs.
The northeast slope as seen from the Seriana valley