Self-guided hike in Molveno: the lake of Brenta Dolomites

Self-guided trek in the Brenta Dolomites and Lake Molveno

A 3 hiking days itinerary that will take you from Val D'Ambiez to Molveno, a top destination in Trentino. You will discover the hidden and less touristic face of the Brenta Dolomites, walking on the southern side of the mountain range, where green forests create a pattern with the bare rock: in a pleasant succession of completely different environments, overnight staying in hotels and mountain huts, you will reach the shores of Lake Molveno.

A short escape which will allow you to cross the same places where every year the exciting competition Dolomiti di Brenta Trail takes place, among waterfalls and spectacular views.

You will spend two nights in Molveno, a jewel in the Brenta Dolomites: since 2010 the lake has been awarded by Legambiente with the highest recognition for its environmental quality, the conservation of water and its ecosystems.

Program details:

• Day 1
  Arrival in Molveno and accommodation in hotel.
   
• Day 2 - BROCA WATERFALLS AND FOSSIL GARDEN
  Ascent: +1130m. Descent: -0m. Distance: 6,5km. Hiking time: 4h
  With a private transfer from Molveno, along a forestry road, you will reach the Broca Waterfall (1270m): it is the first natural spectacle offered by the amazing Val D'Ambiez, under the sign of which the hiking tour begins. The trail climbs among wooded areas and leads quickly to the mountain hut Al Cacciatore (1821m); from here the landscape changes appearance and right above the invisible vegetation line the bare environment of medium altitude opens up. It is just beyond the hut that a peculiar scenario takes place, where rocky paths seems decorated by the phenomenon of karst: the way you will walk through is called "fossil garden" and it’s a valuable deposit of remains of the megalodons which inhabited these areas about 200 million years ago, when the mountains were covered by salt water. The Brenta Dolomites show themselves in all their splendor: the entrance of the Val d'Ambiez has only softened the passage from the intense green of the woods to the blinding white of the dolomite. Dinner and overnight stay in hut (2405m).
   
• Day 3 - NOGHERA FORK AND VAL DI CEDA
  Ascent: +145m. Descent: -1165m. Distance: 8,5km. Hiking time: 4h30
  Today a long descent from the heart of the Brenta Dolomites is waiting for you. From the mountain hut you will follow the Palmieri path towards the Forcolotta di Noghera (2423m), a crossing point between Val d'Ambiez and Val di Ceda: the high altitude environment here is still barren, rocky and arid, the silence reigns over the land. Beyond the Ceda Pass (2223m) you will begin to descend quickly among screes, in one of the wildest environments of the Brenta Dolomites. Step by step you can enjoy the first glimpses of Lake Molveno at the bottom of the valley, continuing past the Malga Ceda Alta. Dinner and overnight stay in hut (1357m).
   
• Day 4 - SELVATA AND CROZ DELL'ALTISSIMO (option 1)
  Ascent: +510m. Descent: -510m. Distance: 8,5km. Hiking time: 3h30
  A conclusion not too demanding, but satisfactory thanks to the beauty of the places and the different types of terrain crossed. Your day will begin on a pleasant slightly exposed and, for a short stretch, equipped path: you will meet along the way the hut named Selvata (1630m), the first opportunity to stop at the foot of the unmistakable Spallone dei Massodi, and then the hut Croz dell'Altissimo (1430m), particularly appreciated by athletes who run the Brenta Dolomites Trail in September. Here the mountain range shows again its wildest side: rocky paths passing through expanses of larches, fir trees and mountain pines, along the invisible line which separates the low from the medium altitude. The trail will lead you to Pradel Plateau, a panoramic terrace that offers a wide view over Lake Molveno, which is now very close. If the weather allows it, you can observe a particularly "crowded" sky: paragliding is the most popular sport in the area, as well as an exciting show. From Pradel you will return by cable car to Molveno, where your adventure will end. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
   
• Day 4 - FRASSATI PATH AND LAKE TOUR (option 2)
  Ascent: +140m. Descent: -625m. Distance: 11,5km. Hiking time: 4h
  In this second version of the last stretch, suitable for everyone, the descent will lead you on historical trails: the so-called "forts of Napoleon" are located on the western shore of Lake Molveno, in Monte Corno area. They are fortified buildings scattered along the road, built by the Austrian army in order to block the road to Napoleon - who was advancing towards Valle di Non from the Giudicarie valleys - in the early 1800s. You will walk along the pleasant Frassati path, inaugurated in 2011 and named after Pier Giorgio Frassati, and in a short time you will reach Lake Molveno: you’ll finish your journey with a tour around the lake shores of the recently described as "the most beautiful lake in Italy". You’ll just have to enjoy the oasis of peace around you, before returning to Molveno. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
   
• Day 5
  Departure.

Additional clarifications

The program could be changed at discretion of the Campo Base Team based on weather conditions and forecasts, mantaining however inalterate the basic structure and the aims of the proposal.

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