Palaronda Trek

The route starts from the mountain station of the San Martino cable car. From there, you first take the forest road towards Val di Roda until you reach a crossroad. The trail will lead you up to Rifugio Rosetta: the first hut. Did you arrive early and still feel energetic? You can climb the Rosetta peak, which takes about 20 minutes and is absolutely worth it. For the people who want to start the first day easy: Rosetta can also be reached by cable car from San Martino.

On the second day, the trail will lead you to the heart of the Pale di San Martino. This is a massive plateau that is famous in the region. From Rifugio Rosetta, you’ll walk about 1.5 hours towards the Fradusta glacier. Climbing on the left side, it is possible to reach the peak of Cima Fradusta (2939m). This gives you an amazing view over the mountains of the Pale di San Martino. After this perfect spot, you return along the same path to the Pradidali Basso pass. From there, the trail descends into the upper Val Pradidali where you can stay overnight at the Rifugio Pradidali.

The third day of the trail is known as the one with a challenging descent. You’ll walk on a panoramic path through impressive dolomitic faces and pass small waterfalls and streams. When you reach the beautiful Val Canali, you can admire the stunning Cima Canali and the majestic tower of Sass Moar. Then, the path goes through the woods and ends with a small climb towards the Rifugio Treviso ‘Canali’.

Finally, on the last day, it is time to finish the trek strong with a great climb. After three hours of climbing through the wide Coro Valley, you will reach the Passo Canali at the eastern edge of the plateau. Don’t miss the breathtaking 360-degree view of the Dolomites. From there, it is again three hours of hiking till the circuit ends again at Rifugio Rosetta. From here, you can take the cable car back to San Martino. Can’t get enough of hiking? No worry, you can also end the trail with the final descent on foot to San Martino.

The season for the Palaronda Trek runs from the end of June until mid-September. This is completely in line with other trails in the Dolomites. At other times of the year, the huts are not open and thus you won’t be able to spend the night outside the season. July and August are the busiest months for trekking in the Dolomites. As you’re hiking in the mountains, be aware that there are snowfields in early summer and there might be early snowfalls in late summer and early autumn.

Keep in mind that the weather in the Dolomites can change rapidly, and it’s important to be prepared for all conditions. Be sure to bring waterproof and warm clothing, not just shorts. Always check trail conditions and local weather forecasts before starting the hike.

To safely pack for the Palaronda trek, you’ll need to be prepared for changing conditions. The Dolomites are known for their shifting weather and rocky trails, so dress in layers to stay warm and dry and wear sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support. You’ll want to bring micro-spikes for any snowy weather conditions (all year round!), as well as trekking poles for the steep descents.

Even though this is a mini-trek, it’s important to take safety precautions before you set out each day. Pack enough water, sufficient food, a first aid kit, and a mobile phone for emergencies. Also, always check the weather forecast, download maps, and avoid hiking during extreme weather conditions.