Hiking trip on Pale di San Martino: among the majestic Dolomite Mountains

The Pale di San Martino are one of the most iconic mountain groups in the Dolomites. Their towering spires of pale rock, suspended plateaus and vast high‑altitude landscapes create a truly unique environment, where wild nature, spectacular geology and mountaineering history intertwine. Located in the heart of the Paneveggio – Pale di San Martino Nature Park, these mountains offer ever‑changing scenery: from the gentle pastures of the lower valleys to the wide rocky “desert” of the Pale Plateau, a nearly lunar landscape that leaves visitors speechless.

Within this extraordinary setting unfolds the hut‑to‑hut itinerary that we present you. Starting from Passo Valles, this hiking tour leads you through some of the most enchanting and characteristic landscapes of the Paneveggio Nature Park. It begins among the soft pastures of Val Venegia, one of the most photographed valleys in the Dolomites, and then reaches the picturesque Baita Segantini, nestled at the foot of what is often called the “Matterhorn of the Dolomites.” From here, the view of the Pale and their sheer vertical walls is simply unforgettable.

Continuing toward the alpine lakes of Colbricon, the scenery shifts once again: small glacial pools framed by fir trees, silence and crystal‑clear reflections. Further along the trail, the itinerary finally leads you to the immense Pale di San Martino Plateau, where the second‑largest glacier in the Dolomites after the Marmolada once extended.

This trekking route combines unexpected and incredibly varied landscapes with the comfort of staying in private rooms in the first two mountain huts. On request, a luggage‑transfer service between huts is also available, allowing you to hike each stage with a light backpack and fully enjoy the experience.

The entire itinerary is dog‑friendly, and all accommodation facilities along the route welcome four‑legged companions.

Program details - 6 Day Tour:

• Day 1
  Arrival in San Martino di Castrozza and check-in in hotel 3*.
   
• Day 2 - LAKE JURIBRUTTO
  Ascent: +470m. Descent: -470m. Altitude: 1890 - 2240m. Distance: 8km. Hiking time: 3h30.
  In the morning, a private transfer takes you to Passo Valles, an alpine pass on the border between Trentino and Veneto. From here begins your hike into the Bocche mountain chain, a range shaped by ancient porphyritic‑volcanic rock formations. The trail gently ascends across wide, flower‑filled slopes before reaching the picturesque Lago di Juribrutto. This small alpine jewel, nestled in a silent and pristine setting, opens like a natural balcony overlooking the unmistakable spires of the Pale di San Martino. Dinner and overnight stay in hut.
   
• Day 3 - VAL VENEGIA
  Ascent: +550m. Descent: -510m. Altitude: 1860 - 2220m. Distance: 8km. Hiking time: 4h.
  Following a series of switchbacks, you gradually ascend until you reach a wide grassy saddle: an excellent natural viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks. From here, the trail begins a moderate descent, skirting the broad grassy slopes beneath the imposing western face of Monte Mulaz. Once you reach Val Venegia, the route continues along the clear springs of the Travignolo stream, leading you toward one of the most iconic landscapes in the Dolomites: Baita Segantini. Here, the waters of a small alpine pond reflect the sharp profile of the Cimon della Pala - often referred to as the “Matterhorn of the Dolomites” for its elegant, pointed shape - creating a perfect image that looks as if it were painted by an artist. A panorama capable of stirring emotion in every season and under any light. Dinner and overnight stay in hut.
   
• Day 4 - COLBRICON'S LAKES
  Ascent: +350m. Descent: -950m. Altitude: 1470 - 2580m. Distance: 10km. Hiking time: 5h30.
  Today, you venture into the easternmost edge of the Lagorai porphyry chain, a wild and historically rich environment where the landscape changes rapidly. The trail climbs along the western slopes of Cavallazza Piccola before tackling a steep final section that leads to Cima Cavallazza, where remnants of World War I trenches are still visible. Along the ridge, the panorama opens wide over the Pale di San Martino and the vast Trentino plateau below. From the summit, you descend over occasionally gravelly terrain to reach the Colbricon Lakes and the mountain hut of the same name, before continuing toward the village of San Martino di Castrozza. From this charming alpine village, nestled among the Dolomites, you take the cable car up to 2,500 metres. At the top, you find yourself immersed in an endless rocky plateau with a lunar appearance, stretching across an impressive 50 km². Dinner and overnight stay in hut.
   
• Day 5 - PALE DI SAN MARTINO PLATEAU
  Ascent: +520m. Descent: -470m. Altitude: 2570 - 2940m. Distance: 10km. Hiking time: 5h30.
  Crossing the Dolomite plateau with gentle ups and downs, you reach the final remnants of what was once the second‑largest glacier in the Dolomites. From here, you follow the broad scree ridge leading to the summit of Cima Fradusta. The ascent, never overly technical but steady, brings you to the top in a short time, where an unparalleled panorama opens up: on clear days, your gaze sweeps across the entire Dolomite arc, reaches the Austrian Alps, and stretches all the way to the distant Adriatic Sea. After taking in the stunning 360‑degree views, you return to the hut along the same trail, marking the end of the high‑altitude hike. From here, you descend comfortably by cable car to San Martino di Castrozza. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel. 
   
• Day 6
  After breakfast, check-out and departure.

Program details - 5 Day Tour:

This route variant does not include the ascent to the Pale di San Martino plateau. The trek ends once you reach San Martino di Castrozza from Passo Rolle.

Additional clarifications

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

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