Malga Canali - Bivacco Minazio -Passo delle Lede -Rifugio Pradidali

Beautiful high-altitude loop for experienced hikers involving the southern sector of the Pale di San Martino

<p>The itinerary starts at the parking lot located on the forest road near Malga Canali.</p> <p>From here the hike begins, following the forest road until it meets trail 711 which, on the left, enters the woods. </p> <p>Taking trail 711, you gradually ascend, first through woods and then progressively over rocks and dwarf pines, until crossing Pian delle Lede. </p> <p>At a fork, keep right (trail 711) circumventing the imposing Sasso delle Lede. </p> <p>You then reach Bivacco Minazio (2250 m). In the area are still visible remains of a US military aircraft that crashed here in 1957. </p> <p>From Bivacco Minazio continue (still on trail 711) towards Passo delle Lede, on a path initially rather easy but becoming steeper and rockier approaching the pass. </p> <p>Once at the Pass, continue descending on the other side. The descent section is well-equipped, and it is strongly recommended, especially in case of humidity or rain, to secure yourself with a rope or via ferrata kit.</p> <p>After descending the short but steep slope, you meet trail 709, which you take to the left towards Rifugio Pradidali.</p> <p>The Rifugio is clearly visible, but to reach it you first need to skirt right around Lago Pradidali, whose shallow waters give way to bare rock during drought periods.</p> <p>After a break at Rifugio Pradidali, continue closing the loop by descending along trail 709 (here too there are some short equipped sections) until reaching the new forest road leading back to the starting point at Malga Canali. </p>