The mountain is so named because of its resemblance to a saw (Lombard: résega;[2] Latin: serra) as it has eleven summits of similar height.

The highest of these summits, Punta Cermenati, reaches 1,875 m above sea level and towers 1,500m above the valley below.

[3] The mountain is popular with both hikers and climbers[4] with many maintained paths and Via ferratas as well as much opportunity for rock climbing on the south and west walls of the northern summits.

Most routes start from the villages of Morterone, Piani d'Erna and Erve and ascend the various canyons that lie between the different summits.

The first person to reach the summit using only his hands and without any protections was Sergio "Gigi" Sala from Casatenovo in 1985.