Self-guided hiking tour in the Alps: Alta Via del Granito

Alta Via del Granito is a circular hut-to-hut hiking tour set in a unique mountain “paradise” – the granite massif of Cima D’Asta – Cime di Rava, located withing the Lagorai range in the eastern Alps of Trentino. This part of the Alps is special and unique because of its geology which differs from the surrounding mountains. While most of the Lagorai mountains are made of volcanic porphyry, Cima D’Asta is an isolated granite massif, which gives to the landscape a distinctive character and shape.   

The itinerary follows a network of old military paths and mule tracks, many of which date back to World War I when these mountains marked the front line between Austo-Hungarian and Italian troops. Today, these paths lead hikers through silent valleys. Along the way, you will walk through a variety of natural environments. The trail crosses high alpine meadows, mixed forests, shepherd huts, remote valley and dramatic ridgelines – all offering magnificent view of the Dolomites in the background, including the Pale di San Martino and Brenta group.

One of the best things about Alta Via del Granito is its authentic, wild, untouched but accessible and welcoming atmosphere. It is still a little-known hiking route, far from crowded tourist paths. The hike is moderately challenging, suitable for hikers with previous experience. It doesn’t require technical skills, but a good level of fitness. It is perfect for those who want a real alpine experience: rich in nature and history, and far from the beaten track.

Program details: 

• Day 1
  Arrival in Valsugana and check-in in 3* hotel.
   
• Day 2 - CIMA D'ASTA
  Ascent: +1050m. Descent: -0m. Distance: 7km. Hiking time: 3h30.
  In the morning, transfer to Malga Sorgazza, a traditional alpine pasture at the end of Val Malene, where the loop hike begins. The first part of the itinerary follows a mule track through a dense coniferous forest, offering a peaceful start to your journey.  As you leave the forest, the ascent becomes steeper and more challenging. The trail climbs with a series of zigzags until it reaches the characteristic alpine environment dominated by granite slabs. This stretch offers a true taste of the rugged terrain characteristic of the Cima d’Asta Group. Along the way, you will meet the famous “Marmots of Cima D’Asta”, a themed section of the trail characterized by friendly wooden marmot sculptures. These playful characters offer interesting stories about the area’s history and place names, inviting hikers to reflect on the relationship between people and the mountains over time. The hike culminates once you arrive at Lago di Cima D’Asta, a beautiful glacial lake set in a dramatic position. The lake reflects the imposing shape of Cima D’Asta, the highest peak in the area. From the hut, views stretch across the Valsugana and into the Lagorai range. Dinner and overnight stay in hut.
   
• Day 3 - TRAIL OF REMEMBRANCE
  Ascent: +350m. Descent: -980m. Distance: 8km. Hiking time: 4h.
  Today’s leg offers a powerful combination of natural beauty and historical memory. The silent trails evoke a deep connection with both the landscape and its past. Leaving the hut and Cima D’Asta behind, the trail begins with a gentle traverse to Passo Socede. This high saddle offers incredible view of the granite basin and the porphyry Lagorai ridge. It was a strategic point during World War I and you may still spot remnants of old military paths. The route continues through the wild and open landscapes of Forcella Magna, a plateau with views over Pale di San Martino in distance.  The pass was once served by a gravel road, used by Italian troops to move large artillery pieces. The terrain is open, featuring alpine grasslands and open expanses. Here porphyry and granite merge together creating a unique combination of colors and shapes. Reaching Passo dei Lasteati, it is possible to visit Cima Socede to admire the view. The descent continues toward Passo Cinque Croci, another historically significant site that served as a military passage during the war. Today, it’s a peaceful, wild alpine passo, ideal for a rest before reaching your hut for the night. Dinner and overnight stay in hut.
   
• Day 4 - BUSE TODESCHE
  Ascent: +490m. Descent: -540m. Distance: 8km. Hiking time: 4h.The journey across wilderness continues to a new remote area. After a gentle climb, you reach the historic Sentiero delle Buse Todesce (Buse Todesce trail). “Buse Todesche” literally means “German holes” – a reference to the numerous holes and military positions carved in the mountain during WWI. This area was heavily contrasted between Austo-Hungarian and Italian forces. The conflict in the Lagorai was a war of position, with Italian troops attempting to conquer the dominant and strategically important Austrian positions. As you walk on the trail, you can see trenches, collapsed shelters, barracks and lookout points. This is a real open-air museum. The trail develops along ridgelines and alpine pastures until it starts its descent toward the Caldenave basin. The valley was sculptured by glacial erosion, surrounded by granite cliffs and crossed by crystal-clear streams. Dinner and overnight stay in hut.
   
• Day 5 - CIMON DI RAVA
  Ascent: +790m. Descent: -1470m (with the lift 840 m). Distance: 15km. Hiking time: 7h
  The final leg of the Alta Via del Granito is the most challenging and takes you back to Malga Sorgazza, completing the loop through the hearth of Cima D’Asta – Cimon di Rava group. From the hut, the trail ascends gradually through the alpine meadows of Val di Pravetta. Soon you’ll enter again the bouldering granite world of Cima D’Asta until you reach Forcella Ravaella, a narrow saddle that opens views toward Cimon di Rava and the wild Lagorai. Continuing along the ridge, the trail reaches Forcella di Rava, one of the most panoramic viewpoints. Just above you, Cimon di Rava shows its granite face. It is one of the most iconic peals of the area, dominating the valley below. Especially around Forzellon di Rava, you can still find traces of old trenches and military paths dating back to WWI. The trail now begins a long descent. Along the way, you reach Lago di Costa Brunella, a small alpine lake surrounded by granite outcrops. Last stretch trough larch forest and alpine pastures, eventually reaching the familiar meadow of Malga Sorgazza. Accommodation in hotel. 
   
• Day 6
  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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