Ciampedie - Gardeccia - Principe Pass - Antermoia Refuge - Val Duron - Campitello

A classic hike starting from the Gardeccia basin and leading to one of the most enchanting lakes in the Dolomites. The heart-shaped, crystal-clear alpine mirror is hidden among the isolated rocks of the Catinaccio and, according to legend, was formed by a nymph.

Take the cable car to Ciampedìe and from there the path no. 540 (45 mins) or the chairlifts from Pera (25 mins). From Gardeccia go along the wide dirt road marked path no. 546 up to the Vajolet and Preuss refuges. Next take path no. 584 which climbs up into the upper Vaiolét Valley. As you walk, the Catinaccio d’Antermoia mountain becomes increasingly imposing, and eventually you will reach the Passo Principe Refuge, which as the name suggests is on the pass. Take the path to the right and climb up by the base of the Catinaccio d’Antermoia. The path is a steep zigzag and soon brings you to the Antermoia Pass. Down the other side is the Antermoia Valley with its lake. Legend tells that the witches of Fassa would meet here. At the end of the valley is the Antermoia Refuge. Now you take path no. 580 to the Dona Pass and descend to the Dona Valley, first over the scree and then grass. Leave path no. 580 which goes down to Mazzin through the Udai Valley, keep left on path no. 578 and cut diagonally across to the "Ciaréjoles" Pass. On the other side of the pass is the Val Duron, and the valley floor is reached by way of a path of black volcanic rock which then takes you through an alder wood. Cross the stream at the bottom and turn right on path no. 532 towards the Baita Lino Brach and then the Micheluzzi refuges.