Autumn hikes to admire the Dolomites
5 treks (+ 1) to reach the high altitudes admiring a World Heritage panorama
AUTUMN - The first months of autumn are perfect for a hike in the mountains: the light is warmer and the woods are filled with colours that stand out again the intense blue of the sky. It also happens that the highest peaks turn white with the very first snowfalls of the season, making our beautiful Dolomites shine in the sun.
Admiring this show of shapes and colours while hiking on mountain trails is an experience that remains indelible in heart and mind. To help you decide how and where to do it, we have selected 5 high-altitude itineraries in the heart of the Dolomites, plus an additional route, with a view of the most beautiful mountains in Trentino that you cannot miss. Based on your level of training and your willingness to hike, you can decide whether to reach the starting point on foot or by those cableway systems that are still operational in autumn (we recommend that you consult this page to check the openings in each location).
So, get your backpack ready, including a slightly heavier jacket and your passion for hiking at high altitude. Spectacular views are guaranteed!
Before setting out on an excursion at altitude, plan your trip with care. If you are inexperienced or you intend to tackle a route graded as technically difficult, then consult an alpine or mountain guide. You should also contact the refuge warden in the area you’ll be visiting for the latest weather information and to discuss whether your route is advisable. Take prudent precautions, wear suitable clothing for your route, and remember to act responsibly in the mountains at all times.
Panzer Loop, San Martino di Castrozza
Easy loop trail that, starting upstream of the Tognola gondola lift (2,123 m), runs along the historical Panzer trail. A splendid view of the Pale di San Martino will accompany you throughout the itinerary. You can’t miss a stop at the Terrace over the Dolomites.
Hike from Pradalago to the Malghette Lake, Madonna di Campiglio
A very scenic and not particularly demanding high-altitude loop trail through the pastures of the Adamello Brenta Nature Park. You can decide whether to start from Cascina Zeledria (1,766 m) or go up by cable car to the Pradalago mountain hut (2,100 m). From the shores of the Malghette Lake you can enjoy a privileged view of the Brenta Dolomites and, for this reason, this hike is particularly suitable for photography enthusiasts, especially in autumn.
From Pradel to the Croz dell'Altissimo mountain hut, Paganella
A medium difficulty tour, very suggestive and interesting, in the true heart of the Brenta Dolomites. This trail can be covered entirely, and therefore up to the Croz dell'Altissimo mountain hut, or only partially, up to the La Montanara mountain hut. The starting point can be reached easily with the Molveno - Pradel gondola lift.
Ciampedie - Gardeccia, Val di Fassa
In just a few minutes, the cable car from Vigo takes you to Ciampedie (1,998 a.s.l.), a plateau in the middle of woods with a superb view of the Fassa Dolomites. The cable car station is the starting point of the wide and flat Sentiero della Foresta, a trail that traverses the forest and is surrounded, on the right, by the jagged spiers and rocky fractures that make up the walls of the Larséch mountain and, to the west, by the imposing east wall of the Catinaccio mountain. Upon leaving the forest behind you, you reach the huts of the Gardeccia basin in just a few minutes. Weather and your physical fitness permitting, you can extend your excursion by reaching the Preuss and Vajolet huts.
Monte Spinale - Graffer Hut, Madonna di Campiglio
A panoramic hike from Monte Spinale to the Graffer mountain hut, passing by Lake Spinale, with little total elevation gain and quickly reachable by cable car. During the trail, you can admire, on the one side, the Brenta Dolomites and, on the other, the glaciers of the Adamello-Presanella group.
Malghet Lakes of Mezzana – Val di Sole
Starting from Marilleva 1400, the ski lift takes you to Malga Panciana. From here, an easy walk in the woods will lead you to discover the two splendid lakes of Malghet of Mezzana, dominated by the unmistakable Cross of Peace of Cima Gardenè.
