> Cross the wildest Dolomites of them all
> Spend the night in mountain huts along the trail
> For true alpine adventurers only
There’s a moment, just before sunrise, when the silence in the Friulian Dolomites is so complete it almost hums. You step out of the hut — pink morning light bouncing off rugged limestone towers, no human in sight. This is the Alta Via delle Dolomiti Friulane: raw, remote, and absolutely unforgettable. While most Alta Vias bring you past rifugios with cappuccinos and warm showers, this expert route strips it down to the essentials. It’s just you, the trail, and the towering solitude of the Dolomiti d’Oltre Piave.
Over four challenging days, you’ll cross scree fields, scale exposed passes, and descend into valleys that see more ibex than humans. With stops at Rifugio Padova, Rifugio Giaf, and Rifugio Flaiban Pacherini, this trek connects the dots through the wild heart of the Carnic and Gailtal Alps. Think T4-T5 level terrain, alpine competence required. But if you’re ready for a proper mountain adventure, far from the crowds, this is the one.
Let’s be clear: this trek is not for beginners. But for seasoned hikers who want a true taste of the untamed Dolomites, the Alta Via delle Dolomiti Friulane will stay with you forever.
The day starts easy, winding out of Calalzo di Cadore through quiet streets and onto the Lago di Cadore Bridge. For the first 3 kilometers, it's all gentle terrain—then the trail shifts. Trees close in, the ground steepens, and the Dolomites make their presence known.
Around 5.75 km in, the hike throws its first real challenge your way: 1.3 kilometers of expert terrain. Narrow paths, loose rock, and sharp inclines—this stretch demands focus, and ideally, hiking poles. It's the kind of section that wakes up your legs and clears your mind.
But it’s not all grit. At 10 km, you’ll reach Rifugio Tita Barba, a welcome rest stop with alpine vibes. Just beyond it lies Panorama sul Lago, a viewpoint that lives up to its name with sweeping views of the lake far below.
From there, the trail begins to ease. A 6 km descent carries you through shady forest and soft light until Rifugio Padova appears at the edge of the cliffs—your finish line for the day. Quiet, sturdy, and tucked into the mountains like it belongs there.
The day begins with no warm-up: a steep 2.5 km climb right out of Rifugio Padova. The final 500 meters to Forcella Giumelli (2,200 m) demand full focus and determination. From the pass, the trail stays technical, following a narrow T4 ridge until you reach a fork. Take the left turn and brace for a steep scree climb toward the striking Campanile di Val Montanaia, a dramatic rock spire rising from the valley. A final effort brings you to Forcella Montanaia, where breathtaking Dolomite views surround you.
Retrace your steps from the spire and begin a long descent past Bivacco Perugini, a small shelter hidden in the rock. The trail eases up, leading to the lowest point of the day after about 3 km. But rest is short—soon you’ll begin a steady climb through silent, rugged alpine landscapes toward the next ridge.
After 4 tough kilometers, you’ll reach Forcella del Leone (2,230 m), followed shortly by the final pass, Forcella dal Cason (2,228 m). From there, it’s all downhill: switchbacks through scree slopes and pine forest lead you toward Rifugio Giaf, where rest awaits—boots off, and a drink in hand as the Dolomites fade quietly behind you.
The day begins without hesitation—straight from Rifugio Giaf, the trail heads into rugged alpine terrain. A steady climb along the Truoi dai Sclops brings you to Forcella Urtisiel, your first summit in just 2 km. From this saddle, steep drops on both sides reveal dramatic views of jagged Dolomite peaks.
The trail then traces along exposed slopes, leading to a spectacular viewpoint over the Cimoliana Valley, where the river winds through a wild, rocky gorge far below.
Around the 5.5 km mark, the harsh landscape softens. You’ll reach Canpuros meadow, an alpine clearing surrounded by cliffs and scattered trees. In summer, it bursts with wildflowers—an unexpected, peaceful pause in the middle of the rugged Dolomites.
The final climb leads to Forcella dell’Inferno, your second pass of the day. From this dramatic saddle, the trail drops sharply through a 600-meter technical descent past Passo del Mus, where sure footing is essential. After this challenge, the path finally relaxes, easing down to Rifugio Flaiban Pacherini, quietly set in a grassy basin—the perfect place to rest after a wild and beautiful stage.
Your final day begins gently. Leaving Rifugio Flaiban Pacherini, you follow a steady uphill through larch forests and rocky terrain toward Passo di Suola. It’s a short climb—just under 2 km—but enough to get the legs moving and open up wide mountain views.
At the pass, the trail turns downhill. A steady descent follows, offering peaceful rhythm and stunning alpine scenery. After about 4.5 km, the sound of rushing water signals a hidden gem: a waterfall spilling down the hillside—a perfect spot to pause and take it in.
The landscape shifts again as you cross the dry, stony bed of the Rovadia creek, followed by a shallow crossing at the Secondo guado del Tagliamento river. From here, the valley floor draws closer.
The final stretch follows the Tagliamento River, leading you into the quiet green of Parco dei Laghetti, where small lakes and soft grass welcome you to Forni di Sopra.
