My Dolomites: The Croda da Lago trail with Odlo

The Croda da Lago trail with Odlo. Most of you know that I am Italian but probably you don’t know from where I come exactly. I was born in Belluno and I was grown up surrounded by Dolomites. Therefore, every summer, I need to go back to Italy and spend some time in the nature, because I need it. I need to refill myself with beautiful mountains landscapes, fresh air and familiar scents. Today I want to share with you one of my favourite tracks on Dolomites. It is located in the region of Cortina d’Ampezzo, in Belluno Province, part of Veneto Region (not in South Tyrol, as often mistakenly thought). If you do not know the Belluno Province I suggest you to check it out, it includes the best part (in my opinion) of Dolomites.

I love the Croda da Lago trail because it is the perfect way for seeing the most famous and beautiful Dolomites in one time! This trail is in the center of Dolomites and it is a circuit through beautiful fresh forests, a pretty lake and high passes with magnificent views. It is not complicated and not so long and you just need good shoes and clothes for hiking. I got the SUW F-dry T-shirt by Odlo and I decided to test it. It was helpful because very light&soft and it dried up immediately! I didn’t need to change it!

Track time: 5-6 hours
Ascent height difference: 830m
Starting/Arriving: “Ponte de Rocurto” on Giau Pass (10km far from Cortina d’Ampezzo) Parking available along the street.

After reaching the “Ponte de Rocurto” 1789m (Ponte is a little wood bridge), you will arrive to an intersection. Keep right (the south direction) and follow path. No.435. During the ascent to the “Forcella del Formil” saddle on background you will see the majestic Tofana di Rosez Mountain and you can also glimpse the little 5 Torri Mountains.
On top of the “Forcella del Formil” saddle 2462m you arrive in front of Becco di Mezzodi` and the majestic Pelmo Mountains. Hike down the meadow keeping left and reach the small “Forcella Rossa” saddle. Here there is a magnificent view! You will see Croda Rossa, Cristallo, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Sorapis and Antelao. Continue down the scree and walk the mostly flat path No.234 for reaching the Federa Lake 2038m, also known as Lago da Lago. Here there is also a cute lodge called “Rifugio Palmieri”. On high season you need to wait for having lunch.
Continue the path No.434 through the beautiful forest for coming back to “Ponte de Rocurto”, the starting point. During the descent there are many glimpses for admire Cortina d’Ampezzo, Tofana di Rosez, and 5 Torri Mountains from the best view.

Regarding accommodation I suggest you to stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo or close to it, for example in San Vito di Cadore or at the Misurina Lake. In Misurina you can closely admire the southern side of Tre Cime di Lavaredo!
Next time I would write you about another interesting trail on Tre Cime di Lavaredo.