Ring of the Friulian Dolomites

The area is especially popular with rock climbers, and the loop makes it possible to combine hiking and climbing well, and thus devote a week or more to the exproduction of these wonderful peaks.

Away from the crowded Dolomites, a real hiking raid that in 4 days touches the Giaf, Flaiban-Pacherini, Pordenone and Padua refuges, traversing at high altitude the beautiful and wild valleys of the Pramaggiore, Monfalconi, Spalti di Toro and Cridola groups, with numerous possibilities for variants of varying difficulty and commitment and even alpine climbs to the peaks. You can start from any of the Refuges indicated; we recommend the traverse in a clockwise direction.

For this hut-to-hut trek, it is good to possess good stamina to overcome a thousand meters while carrying a backpack in single-day elevation gains. Doing the loop as proposed does not require mountaineering or via ferrata equipment; some confidence on narrow and uneasy scree and trails is sufficient (easier variants are possible, however). We recommend 5 or 6 days to walk the entire loop (including arrival and departure day).

The refuges are family-run and offer typical cuisine with carefully prepared dishes and generous portions. The managers will be happy to give all necessary information to hikers, and there is also the possibility of using the Friulian Dolomites Park nature guides.

The best time of the year to hike in the Dolomites is undoubtedly in summer and early September. As you’re hiking in the mountains be aware that there might be snowfields in early summer and there might be early snowfalls in late summer and early autumn.

Generally, the hiking season in the European Alps is limited to the summer months when the weather is milder and the snow has melted, making the trails accessible.

Keep in mind that the weather in the high mountains can change rapidly, and it’s essential to be prepared for various conditions, including sudden rain or snow showers. Always check trail conditions, and local weather forecasts before embarking on a high-alpine hike. Additionally, consider your hiking experience and skill level, as some trails in the high Dolomites can be challenging and require proper equipment and experience.

Rifugios are usually open from mid-June to mid-September.

Try to do some research before you get to the trailhead, like the trail’s difficulty, length, elevation gain, and terrain.  Consider your physical and mental strength for difficult hikes and train accordingly!

You can research using HIKING-TRAILS.com, but also using guidebooks, hikers who hiked this trail already, and local hiking organizations.

We recommend sharing your itinerary with someone you trust, including the day you think you’ll finish hiking. Additionally, beware of shifting weather. The mountains can be unpredictable, so it’s best to check the forecast each day before you head out.

Familiarize yourself with the map and carry navigation tools such as a compass or GPS device to avoid getting lost.

Invest in the right hiking gear, including comfortable, supportive footwear, proper hiking clothing, such as warm base layers and a hardshell rain jacket, hiking poles, a well-fitted backpack, and essential equipment like maps, GPS devices (when needed), and a first-aid kit. Check out our comprehensive gear list for long-distance trails like this.

Respect the principles of Leave No Trace by minimizing your impact on the environment. Stick to designated trails, pack out all trash, and show respect for wildlife and natural habitats.