The Brenta Dolomites are a heaven on earth for all high altitude trekkers. Many paths and equipped tracks ( the most famous being the Via Bocchette) lead the hiker from one valley to another, passing by mountain refuges. There are many crossings in the Brenta Group from Molveno to Madonna di Campiglio or vice versa ( its more difficult from this side due to the difference in height upwards). They can be completed in about seven hours or more depending on one’s physical condition ( these crossings should only be done by those who have the correct physical conditions and of course adeguate training).

Molveno - Madonna di Campiglio via the Val Massodi and Brenta.

This is the classic crossing of the Brenta Group. It winds along the Brenta valleys, the Massodi valley and the Seghe valley. This averse route is recommended to those who want to start their trekking from the Groste Pass to the Tuckett refuge and from here to the Brentei refuge. The hike starts from Molveno following path number 319 to the Croz dell’ Altissimo refuge ( an alternative route could be the cabin lift from Molveno to Pradel and then from here to the Croz dell’Altissimo refuge). A thirty minute walk brings to the Selvata refuge (mt. 1630), it can also be reached from Molveno by following either path n° 332 or the Donini path that starts from the locality known as Pontesel ( Bar Ciclamino). Both lead to the Malga Andalo refuge (mt 1351). From Selvata, a fifty minute walk following the 319 path leads across two rivers and then to the ex Massodi refuge ( mt 1985). Rhododendrons and the last of the mugo pines fill the mountain meadows that lead to the Laghet hollow. A breathtaking landscape lies ahead: some of the most majestic and most impressive peaks can be contemplated from here: Campanil Bass, Brenta Alta and the Sfulmini Group. The silence is broken at intervals by the typical humming of the Pedrotti’s cableway that is silhouetted against the rocks. It takes about 4 hours to reach the Pedrotti refuge ( mt 2491). From here onto the Bocca di Brenta ( mt 2552, the highest point of the crossing) and then the descent along the hanging glacier leaving the entrance of the Via delle Bocchette on the right. In less than an hour, the 318 path leads to the Alberto and Maria refuge at the Brentei ( wonderful view on the Cima Tosa and Croz di Brenta). The trek then continues down through the Val Brenta across the Bogani tunnel and then onto the Casinei refuge ( mt 1825, 75 min ). Path n° 317 leads to the Vallesinella refuge ( mt 1513- 50 min) and finally by road to Madonna di Campiglio ( about 4 km).

Molveno – Madonna di Campiglio via the Bocca di Tuckett.

Follow the previous route up to the Croz dell’Altissimo ( mt. 1430). From here take path n° 322 and ascend the Val Perse as far as the confluence into path n° 303. Up to the Bocca del Tuckett ( mt. 2648) and down through the hanging glacier of the Tuckett and then onto the refuge ( 50 mins). From here, along path n° 317 to the Vallesinella refuge in less than 2 hours and then to Madonna di Campiglio. An alternative route could be path n° 316 from the Tuckett refuge to the Stoppani al Groste refuge ( about 75 mins.) and then down by cableway to the Campo Carlo Magno Pass.

For a more panoramic trek but also more difficult from a mountaineering point of view, ascend the Val Massodi and follow the Orsi path ( Some points of this path are equipped and exposed). Follow path n° 340 from Pradel or path n° 319 from Molveno to the Selvata refuge. Keep to path 319 up to the Laghet hollow and then begin the ascent of the topmost part of the Massodi Valley and then at the fork take path n° 303 known as the “ path of the Sega Alta” dedicated to Osvaldo Orsi ( knight). The track proceeds parallel to the well known Via delle Bocchette brushing passed the majestic rock faces of the central peaks of the Brenta Dolomites. As mentioned before, there is an equipped track and some parts of the track are exposed. From the Busa degli Sfulmini ( breathtaking views) the path crosses the Busa di Castellaz or Busa degli Armi. The path begins to climb up along the Naso dei Massodi and then across the Sega Alta coasting the topmost part of the Val Perse up to the fork with path n° 322. From here follow the same route that comes up from the Val Perse.

From Molveno to the Groste Pass along the Clamer Malga Spora Pass and the Gaiarda Pass.

This trek starts from Pradel ( cable lift from Molveno functions every day from the last week of May to the end of September, but please check opening times and dates by phoning the following numbers: 0461 586981 or 0461 586924). An alternative route for the Croz dell’Altissimo ( mt 1430) is the Val delle Seghe: start from Molveno at the hairpin bend in Via Dolomiti path n° 322. ( time from Molveno to Croz dell’Altissimo refuge : 90 mins.) From Pradel, instead, follow path n° 340 up to Croz Altissimo refuge( some parts of the track are exposed but protected by a metal barrier). The path cuts into the west rock face of the Croz dell’Altissimo and there are some very interesting panoramic points onto the amphitheatre of the Sfulmini and some of the peaks that frame the Val Perse. Once at the refuge the path turns right and follows the old river bed along path n° 322. After a 30 mins. hike one reaches the fork with path n° 344 which leads to Clamer Pass ( mt. 2164, 90 mins from the 322 fork). This pass is famous for the presence of an enormous rock, very thin at its base, that seems dangerously unbalanced due to its bulk. From Passo Clamer, westward, there is an unforgettable view of the whole of the Central Chain of the Brenta Dolomites. Definitely one of the most stimulating landscapes of the Trentino region. From here one can choose to return to Pradel via path n° 344 bis ( 3 hrs 30 mins). The latter climbs the slopes of mount Lasteri, touches the peak of Croz dell’ Altissimo ( mt 2339) and then descends towards Molveno or Andalo along the grass slopes of mounts Altissimo-Gallino, down to the Montanara refuge and then to Pradel. If one chooses not to go back but to continue the trek as programmed, the path leads to Malga Spora ( mt. 1851, 45 mins. from the Clamer Pass). From here northwards along path n° 301 turning left towards the Gaiarda Pass ( mt. 2242). The pass is reached after crossing the terminal screes of the imposing rock face of the Croz di Fibbion. After the fork with path n° 371 for the Flavona mountain farm the path winds its way through the Mular Alto and the Mular Basso until it intersects path n° 314 ( mt. 2206) which comes from the Val Perse and from the Bocca Vallazza: one can return to Molveno from here by heading towards the Croz dell’ Altissimo refuge :

( fork 314 – 301 Croz refuge 3 hrs 15 mins.). Following, however, path n° 301 across Le Crosette and up through the terraces of the Groste Pass, Madonna di Campiglio can be reached via cable car ( last run at 5.oo pm from mid June to mid September) or on foot via the Graffer refuge.

Andalo ( Molveno) – Lago di Tovel ( or vice-versa)

This hike starts from Maso Pegorar at Andalo ( path 301). Up Mount Dagnola and then eastwards along the great spine of the mountain until the path reaches the Sega Grande and the cold fountain. Path 302 also reaches here from Sporeggio. The path proceeds and arrives at the plane of the ex mountain farm of Cavedago ( mt. 1848, 2hrs. 30 mins. from Andalo). Eastwards along path n° 338 and up the Val dei Cavai, passed the Sella del Montoz and finally the small opening ( bocchetta) of the Val Scura ( mt 2376). The hike continues down the valley and intersects path n° 330 that leads to the Flavona mountain farm. Here path n° 369 leads to the bridge over river Tresenica and then turns right and follows the mule track (314) down to Lake Tovel. It is possible to turn right at the end of the Val Scura and take the path towards the Pra dell’Asen up to the Termoncello farm and via path n° 339 reach Lake Tovel… 8 hrs c. The Cavedago mountain farm ( crossroads between paths 301 and 338) can also be reached from Molveno – Pradel following paths 352 and 353 up to Passo Dagnola and then down to the ex mountain farm of Cavedago: from here the route is the same as from Andalo.

From Molveno to San Lorenzo in Banale through Val Ceda and the Val Ambiez.

The hike begins at Molveno at the croce Marocchi ( near the entrance of the camping site at the lake). The first part of the hike is shared with path n° 332 that leads to Malga Andalo. At the fork the path turns left until the confluence of the forest road that leads up to Malga Andalo. Further on, path n° 326 turns north along the Vela and the Valle di Ceda. The hike continues up to the remains of the Malga Ceda Bassa ( mt 1434) from where it is possible to reach the Malga Andalo refuge. Path 326 then brings to the remains of the Malga Ceda Alta ( mt 1888). From here one can admire Cima Sparaveri and mount Cresole, on the right, while on the left one can see the spurs of Mount Dion and Dos di Dalum between which the solitary valley of San Lorenzo winds itself. From here across mountain meadows to the Passo di Ceda, mt 2223, which encloses the gloomy Pozza Tramontana. At the fork follow path 320 which turns left ( west) and leads up to the Forcolotta di Noghera ( mt 2415) and then to the Silvio Agostini refuge ( about 6 hrs from Molveno). Here the long descent begins down through the Ambiez valley closed at the summit by the homonymous peak and by the Tosa massif. After about an hours hike the path reaches the “Mughera” and then in 15 mins. the Cacciatori refuge ( path 325). 2 more hours and the hike finishes at Baesa at the Dolomiti refuge. San Lorenzo is situated at a 2 km car drive from here. ( hike duration : about 10 hrs.).

An alternative way of doing this hike and saving time and energy : do the crossing backwards! Reach the Cacciatori refuge by jeep ( mt 1848). The service is available from San Lorenzo ( Bosetti tel. 333 3198204 or Margonari 333 5909327). There is a bus service from Molveno to San lorenzo ( see below Nembia bus stop, the bus from San Lorenzo leaves 10 mins. before).

Paganella – Gazza massif this hike offers interesting routes with awesome views of the Brenta Group and of the nearby valleys : Non, Adige, Giudicarie and Laghi. From Molveno, paths 612 and 644 lead to the Passo San Giovanni. From here south towards Mount Ranzo then path 602 to Malga Ranzo and then North West to Nembia. ( Please be careful here because the path signs are uncertain). During the summer season there is a bus service, please check the following times 11.48, 12.51, 13.40, 1516, 19.20.

For those who want to save about 800 metres in height difference, it is possible to reach Doss Pela via the cabin lift from Andalo. From here right along path 606 ( South West) towards Passo S. Antonio ( arrival of the chair lift) and then down to the cross roads and up along path 602. This path leads over Doss Neger, Cima Canfedin, Passo San Giacomo, Malga Covelo and then Passo San Giovanni. ( A few minutes walk away is “Baita del Germana”, bar/restaurant). Paths 644, 643 and 612 from Passo San Giovanni lead to Molveno. The latter is the quickest and then path 605. The whole hike, from the cabin lift to Molveno takes about 5 hours. There is a bus service from Molveno to Andalo every hour, or, for those who want to walk even further, the two villages are connected by path 602 that coasts the river Lambin ( 4.5 km). Path 610 also leads to Molveno and runs along the North side a little lower than path 602 and it joins the latter at Passo San Giacomo.

For further information on hikes, climbs and walks, please contact our Alpine Guides at guidealpine@esperienzatrentino.it