> Hike the full Palaronda Trek in 5 days
> Stay in legendary rifugios like Pradidali, Cereda and Treviso
> Optional cable car descent on the final day
More Dolomites, more adventure, more time to soak it all in—without biting off more than you can chew. The Mezza Palaronda Trek is your ticket to the wild heart of the Pale di San Martino, the biggest massif in the Dolomites.
This 5-day adventure covers the full southern loop of the legendary Palaronda Trek, with an extra night at Passo Cereda for good measure. You'll hike through dramatic landscapes, sleep in classic rifugios, and take in the raw beauty of the Parco Naturale Paneveggio–Pale di San Martino. The terrain? Rocky ridges, silent valleys, and jaw-dropping views every single day.
And when your legs have had enough? Hop on the Rosetta cable car and glide back down like a Dolomite boss. It’s the perfect trek for hikers who want challenge without chaos—Mezza in name, mighty in experience.
The day begins with a gentle descent from your hut to ease you into the Mezza Palaronda adventure. After reaching Passo di Val di Roda (2,567 m), the rocky trail winds down in a series of long, sweeping zigzags towards the valley floor. Just before reaching the lowest point, you will be treated to a stunning view of the rocky cliffside and valley — the perfect opportunity to pause and take it all in!
As you continue, the path becomes more undulating, winding just below the imposing peak of the Pala di San Martino (2,982 m) on your left. Tucked beneath it is the Glacier della Pala. You will also pass close to Cima Immink (2,862 m), Cima Pradidali (2,731 m) and Torre Pradidali (2,774 m). The dramatic scenery reaches its peak as you approach the short section of switchbacks at Passo di Ball.
Beyond the pass, the route enters a dramatic stony basin — another beautiful valley in the Dolomites. The landscape is surreal, so be sure to stop for some memorable photos. After a little more hiking, your destination comes into view: Rifugio Pradidali. What a place to spend the night!
Your day begins with a descent from Rifugio Pradidali, following the first few kilometres down through rocky terrain and gradually entering more forested slopes. You'll soon reach Pedemonte and arrive at a junction along trail 709, where several alpine shelters meet.
Take the right-hand path here and shortly after, make a small detour left to explore the atmospheric Malga Pradidali ruins, a beautiful and peaceful reminder of the area's alpine past. After soaking in the views, rejoin the main trail and continue your descent.
You'll soon be walking alongside the Rio Pradidali, a stream that adds charm and a touch of cool mountain air to your route. Eventually, you'll cross the stream again and approach a small restaurant,a welcome opportunity to pause and enjoy a quick refreshment. The trail then continues deeper into the Val Canali, with forested scenery unfolding all around. You’re now walking among towering trees and occasional clearings. Nearing the end of the stage, the path turns gently eastward, and after a final stretch you’ll arrive at Rifugio Passo Cereda, your home for the night.
You leave Rifugio Passo Cereda heading north, gradually hiking into the wilder side of the Pale di San Martino. Early on, you’ll pass Bastie and follow forested paths uphill as it zigzags up the southern flanks of the mountain. Soon you swing right, leaving the impressive Cima Regade (2,245 m) to your left. A wide panorama stretches out across the Dolomites, the kind of scene that makes you stop and stare.
The route now levels out and follows a scenic path beneath the serrated ridgelines of Cima Feltraio, Le Rocchette, and Cima d’Oltro. Ahead, Punta Caldrolon rises dramatically. Eventually, you’ll reach the impressive Forcella d’Oltro (2,090 m), a rugged mountain saddle. Here you turn left and leave behind the wild summits of the Cimónega group. The route now winds through open alpine terrain, with occasional glimpses of the jagged peaks of Sass d’Ortiga and Cima Canali.
In the final stretch, the descent eases as you enter larch forests and approach the peaceful setting of Rifugio Treviso in Val Canali. Nestled beneath vertical limestone walls, this scenic hut is the perfect place to relax and recharge after one of the most scenic and satisfying days of the Mezza Palaronda.
Follow trail No. 707 again, this time into the wide Vallone del Coro valley. After a steady climb, you will reach the Canalipas at the eastern edge of the plateau. Continue on path No. 707 to complete the circuit back at Rifugio Rosetta. For the final descent to San Martino di Castrozza, most hikers take the cable car. The choice is yours!
