Leave Rifugio Puez behind and set off past the flags on path 2. To your right, admire the incredible U-shaped valley and thank the AV2 route setters that you don’t have to go down the damn thing. Follow the GPX file and path to end up crossing the Forcella dei Campei saddle. After that, follow the path to cross Forcella Crespeina saddle, and then finally Forcella Cier Danter les Pizes saddle. This is the money-maker.

Upon reaching this saddle you will be exposed to one of the most famous views in the Dolomites. In front of you stands the sheer walls of the Sella Group. This beautiful mountain range holds your end destination for the day. Dodge your way down through the hordes of tourists on route for Rifugio Puez for lunch and enter Passo Gardena. Stop at Rifugio Jimmy for some food and that extra mountain vibe.

Carefully follow the signs and GPX file making its way through Passo Gardena and cross the road to end up on path 666. Climb path 666 and traverse until you reach the daunting scree slopes of the Val Setus gully.

Optional Route (A) – If via ferrata is not your thing, take this path that zig-zags it way up to Rifugio Pisciadu. Be mindful of rocks coming down from above due to other hikers.

If clinging onto iron ladders at vertical angles on the side of a mountain is your thing, then get stuck into Brigata Tridentina via ferrata as it is an area classic. Continue to follow the GPX file to the start of the via ferrata. The route offers incredible views of the Passo Gardena valley as well as a personal highlight, a suspension bridge over a hefty gap. Near the top of the route, it splits in two offering an easy or hard section to finish. To read more on Brigata Tridentina al Pisciadu Via Ferrata, visit:

https://www.alta-badia.org/en/leisure-activities/climbing-and-mountaineering/brigata-tridentina-route/

The via ferrata tops out just below Rifugio Pisciadu and allows for a short walk to the hut.

Rifugio Pisciadu http://www.rifugiopisciadu.it/en.html

This hike and guide were completed during summer weather conditions. This is just one opinion of this route. Make sure to do your own research by consulting internet resources, mountain guides or guidebooks to evaluate other opinions so you can be best prepared for the terrain.

A Guide by Red