> Loop through the wildest corner of the Dolomites in 4 days
> Sleep in three remote rifugi: Giaf, Pordenone and Padova
> Feeling strong? Take the advanced route over Forcella del Cason
Early morning at Rifugio Pordenone, coffee in hand, while the pale rock walls around Val Meluzzo catch the first light. No crowds, just you, the mountains and the next pass waiting.
This four-day loop is the compact version of the Anello delle Dolomiti Friulane, with three nights in remote mountain huts in the Dolomiti Friulane Natural Park, half board included. From the train station in Calalzo di Cadore you climb to Rifugio Giaf, below the Cridola and Monfalconi groups. On day two you can either cross a high saddle to Rifugio Pordenone in Val Meluzzo or, if you are feeling adventurous, take the steep advanced route over Forcella del Cason. Day three is the big one, over Forcella del Leone and Forcella Monfalcone di Forni to Rifugio Padova. On the last day you take the long way back, past Casera Vedorcia below the sharp peaks of the Spalti di Toro, before a steady descent to Lago di Cadore and Calalzo.
This is an intermediate trek for fit hikers with some mountain experience. The distances look modest, but the elevation does not: day one climbs about 1,400 metres, and day three goes more than 1,100 metres up and down, with a steep descent over loose scree towards Rifugio Padova. The trails are marked, but the area is remote and quiet. Sure feet, good boots and solid fitness are a must. The advanced option on day two adds T4 terrain and is only for experienced mountain hikers.
Start in Calalzo di Cadore and follow Via Piduel along the edge of town. Cross the Lago di Cadore Bridge and continue on Via Piduel until the intersection with path no. VA-B18. Turn left and begin the gradual ascent into the forested landscape of the Dolomites.
After around 3 hours of gentle climbing, reach Rifugio Padova, an idyllic mountain hut with excellent food and panoramic views. It is a good place to take a break before continuing the Friulian trekking tour.
From the Rifugio, follow path no. VA-B17. The trail becomes steeper as it climbs toward Forcella Scodavacca. After 3 kilometers of ascent, reach the highest point of the day. From this saddle, there is the option to climb Monte Cridola, though the route is rocky and requires care.
Descend from Forcella Scodavacca for another 4 kilometers. The trail leads through alpine terrain with open views of the pass behind you. Continue on the path until Rifugio Giaf, where the first stage of the trek ends.
This one starts gently enough at Rifugio Giaf, but soon pulls you into bigger mountain country. The trail climbs through quiet forest and open slopes to a high saddle beneath the jagged walls of the Monfalconi and Cridola groups, with Cima Monfalcon di Montanaia (2548 m), Croda Cimoliana (2406 m) and Cima Toro (2369 m) stealing the scene. After that, the mood shifts. The route settles into a long, scenic descent toward the wide valley floor.
From the hut, the path rises steadily on good mountain trails, gaining height with a few sharper ramps before reaching the stage’s key high point. Up there, the views open wide across stony basins, broken ridgelines and the pale rock faces that make this corner of the Dolomites feel wild and a little untamed. Then the route bends away from the heights and begins a more relaxed traverse, with Val di Brica and the slopes below Pic di Mea (2207 m) unfolding beside you.
The final kilometres are all about easing down into the green openness of Val Meluzzo. The valley broadens, the walking becomes smoother, and the big peaks slowly drift behind you while Col Meluzzo (1685 m) comes into view. Arrival at Rifugio Pordenone feels spacious and calm, a real exhale after the rougher mountain ground above, with meadows, water and rock walls giving the day a fine, quiet finish.
Today’s stage begins with an uphill climb on path 349 towards Forcella del Leone. As you gain altitude, the terrain becomes rougher and more rugged. Continue your ascent towards Forcella Las Busas, where you join path 342.
From here, the route turns westward and leads you to Forcella Monfalcone di Forni, the highest point of the day and the end of your climb. Take a moment to enjoy the mountain scenery before starting the long descent.
You’ll pass through Cadin d’Arade on your way down. The descent is steep and crosses loose scree and rocky terrain, so mind your step and take your time, especially on the steeper sections. As the terrain gradually eases, you continue towards Rifugio Padova, where you can rest after this challenging stage.
You leave Rifugio Padova and right away the trail rolls you through forest and rock, warming up with short climbs and dips. After 4 km, you reach Casera Vedorcia, where the trees open up and the Spalti di Toro steal the show—sharp peaks, raw and wild.
From there, the trail softens. It’s a steady 8 km descent through quiet forests and open stretches, where you catch your first glimpse of Calalzo di Cadore and the shimmering Lago di Cadore below.
A final push takes you across the Lago di Cadore Bridge, with the water glinting beneath your feet, before the last easy kilometers roll you into town. A trek full of contrasts—and one you won’t soon forget.
