HIGH PASTURES TRAIL Trekking to discover Comelico and its unspoiled valleys 120 km. 7 Stages.
The High Pastures Trail is the ideal experience for those who wish to know and live the authenticity and naturalness hidden in the less frequented places of the Dolomites. The loop trail allows you to cross the highest peaks of Comelico, its enchanted valleys, and charming villages. Along the way, you can taste the typical products of local activities, which thrive daily on tradition and passion for the territory. Along the Trail, there are shelters and mountain huts where it is possible to spend the night. Prepare your backpack: the discovery of the authentic Dolomites begins here!
STAGE I: Padola - Rifugio Berti Description: The walk begins in the village of Padola. Once in the village, you need to head towards the ski facilities, where the cycle/pedestrian path begins: a dirt path, initially flanked by fields and then by mountain conifers. This path should be followed until reaching the Terme di Valgrande. From here, you proceed entirely through the woods, listening to the murmuring of the Risena stream, with the destination being Rifugio Lunelli (1568m): the first spectacular view of the Popera Group. You now continue towards Rifugio Berti (1950m), located in the Vallon Popera. As you ascend, the magic intensifies: the vegetation is now primarily composed of dwarf pines and small larches, allowing for a broad view of the underlying valley and peaks. Once immersed in Vallon Popera, you are also in the place that hosted thousands of soldiers during World War I. Being the Passo della Sentinella a strategic point, the valley and the surrounding mountains have been the scene of numerous exploits and tragedies. The trenches and some forts are still visible. Elevation gain: 760m ascent Estimated time: about 4 hours Length: 9.8 km Difficulty: F
STAGE II: Rifugio Berti – Rifugio Rinfreddo Description: This stage begins from Rifugio Berti (1950m). The trail initially continues at altitude. The environment is now rocky, and at the end of the path, you will arrive at Forcella Pian della Biscia (1942m), where there are sizeable forts dating back to World War II that were never used. The path now descends to Passo Monte Croce Comelico (1636m). From this point, the trail softens: the wide gravel roads will lead you into the heart of the high pastures. The first point of interest along the way is the traditional Malga Coltrondo (1880m), where local cuisine and typical livestock are ready to welcome you. A 20-minute flat walk leads to the stage's final destination: Rifugio Rinfreddo (1887m). Elevation gain: 580m ascent Estimated time: about 4-5 hours Length: 11 Km Difficulty: E
STAGE III: Rifugio Rinfreddo – Casamazzagno/Candide Description: Starting from Rifugio Rinfreddo (1887m), during the third stage you will reach the summit of Monte Quaternà (2503m) and subsequently the picturesque villages of Casamazzagno and Candide. Leaving the mountain huts and shelters behind, you proceed towards the true high pastures, where the wilder nature hosts grazing livestock during the summer months. Upon reaching the mountain's peak, one of the most expansive and unforgettable views of the Trail opens up before you: the peaks of Comelico, Cadore, and Austria follow one another according to your gaze. Subsequently, the path traverses, in its entirety, one of the most picturesque ridges of Comelico: the Spina. Finally, through a wooded path, you arrive in the villages that mark the end of the third day of walking: Casamazzagno and Candide. Elevation gain: 650m ascent Estimated time: about 6/7 hours Length: 16.5 Km Difficulty: E
STAGE IV: Candide – Malga Dignas Description: The start of this stage is located in the village of Candide, behind the Parish Church. From this position, you set off on a gentle dirt road, along which you encounter the traditional hay barns: the tabiè/baite (??). Using this path, you reach the hamlet of Sega Digon. At the end of the short road that crosses the village, you plunge back into nature, heading towards the solitary Church of Cima Vallona, from where the real alpine ascent of this stage will begin. At this point, it is necessary to continue towards Malga Melin (1689m): a small idyll nestled in the green meadows, at the foot of nearby peaks. Leaving the malga, you follow the call of the mountain until you reach the scenic Passo Palombino (2600m). It is in this area that the Trail intersects the thrilling Carnic Crossing. Finally, with one last effort, you arrive at the end of Stage IV: Casera Dignas (1715m). Elevation gain: 1510m ascent Estimated time: about 6 hours Length: 17 Km Difficulty: E
STAGE V: Malga Dignas - loc. Costa D’Antola Val Visdende, Description: After the challenges faced in crossing the peaks, the mountain also reveals its gentler side. Starting from Casera Dignas (1715m), you enter the most iconic and welcoming section of the Trail: the Road of the Malghe. The path now takes on a new and undoubtedly characteristic appearance; from Malga Campobon (1941m) to Malga Antola (1872), the landscape features vast pastures with their livestock and the typical local huts. Finally, the stage ends by descending towards Costa d’Antola. At the end of this stage, you will understand the reasons that celebrate Val Visdende as one of the most intact and fascinating valleys of Val Comelico. Elevation gain: 700m ascent Estimated time: about 8-9 hours Length: 22.5 Km Difficulty: T
STAGE VI: Val Visdende - Rifugio De Doo. Description: Starting from Costa D’Antola, the route bids farewell to the villages of Val Visdende to begin the climb towards Rifugio Forcella Zovo (1300m). From here, you proceed to higher altitudes. The paths wind through woods and lonely pastures, progressively climbing up to Sella dei Pradetti (1757 m). The landscape becomes increasingly open and majestic. After reaching the summit of Monte Zovo (1900m), with the symbolic totem carved from wood by local artisans, the stage ends with the arrival at Rifugio De Doo (1862 m). This place offers a varied typical cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere; in addition to being a spectacular panoramic balcony over Val Comelico. Elevation gain: 695m ascent Estimated time: about 4-5 hours Length: 12.5 Km Difficulty: F
STAGE VII: Rifugio De Doo - Padola. Description: From Rifugio De Doo (1862) now begins a long descent that reveals rapidly changing panoramas, continuing until reaching the village of Costa. Now you must descend towards the Church of Cima Vallona. Crossing the hamlet of Sega Digon and then following the dirt path in the woods, you reach the village of Candide. From Candide, you can enjoy the open view of the various villages in the valley, including Padola, the start and end of the Trail. To reach Padola, the Trail requires continuing along the Troi delle Tradizioni and the Troi dei Mestieri. Along these paths, there are various wooden sculptures representing typical actions and subjects of Val Comelico; As the name suggests, the first features traditional and folkloric elements, while the second depicts usual work, mostly from the past. As this Trail concludes, we hope, and wish you, that anyone who has walked it can be a custodian of this immense heritage that Val Comelico has tried to offer you, with its nature and culture. Elevation gain: 330m ascent Estimated time: about 4-5 hours Length: 14.5 Km Difficulty: F
Accompanied by the Tre Cime Alpine Guides minimum group 4 people
