From Rifugio Ca’ San Marco (1,829 m), you ascend to Passo San Marco (1,992 m) by following the ancient mule track of the historic Via Priula, an extraordinary testament to alpine engineering and commercial history. Once you reach the pass, you briefly descend on the Valtellina side along the carriage road in the direction of Morbegno for about 150 meters, before resuming the trail.
The path branches off to the right and crosses the northern slope of Pizzo delle Segade, offering open views and a stark yet fascinating environment. You then reach a short ridge section, interrupted by the narrow Bocchetta d’Orta (2,065 m), a panoramic passage that marks the return to the Bergamo side. From here, the trail leaves the ridge and descends through a short grassy gully, with a varied and never monotonous track.
With some ups and downs, you'll pass the Colomber hut and a wide grassy basin, to reach the Porta Pass (2,023 m). The path then continues on a pleasant level stretch to the Zamboni Bivouac (1,955 m). A little further down, you'll find the Balicco Hut, managed by the CAI of Piazza Brembana and open during the summer months, ideal as a stopover or a refreshing break on one of the most picturesque sections of the high Orobie traverse.
