Dolomiti Palaronda Trek light in Italy – 4 days
Level: T2, with some parts T3
Period: Late June – mid September
The Dolomiti Palaronda Trek is a 4-day hut-to-hut hike in the Pale di San Martino mountain group, with an overnight accommodation in three different huts. The Pale di San Martino plateau is a mysterious stone plateau set at 2600 meters altitude. The hut hike starts and ends in San Martino di Castrozza. With a few adjustments as mentioned below this trail is suitable for kids with a bit of mountain experience.
Hiking times below are adjusted for hiking with kids.
Day 1: Stazione Funivia di Rosetta to Cima della Rosetta (2743 m) and on to Rifugio Rosetta – 1,7 km, 1:30, ↑ 130 m, ↓ 180 m. Level: T2.
Take the gondola from San Martino di Castrozza to Altopiano delle Pale (Stazione Funivia di Rosetta). A short ascent leads to Cima della Rosetta (2743 m), offering stunning 360° views of the plateau and surrounding peaks. The trail continues with a gentle descent towards Rifugio Rosetta (2581 m), one of the oldest and most iconic mountain huts in the Dolomites.
Day 2: Rifugio Rosetta to Rifugio Pradidali (2278 m) – 10 km, 6:00 ↑ 450 m, ↓ 750 m. Level: T2/T3.
This stage crosses the wild Altopiano delle Pale, passing the spectacular Passo Pradidali Basso (2658 m), a rocky saddle offering incredible Dolomite views. There is an optional detour to Cima la Fradusta (2939 m), which involves additional ascent but rewards hikers with views of a small remnant glacier. The descent to Rifugio Pradidali (2278 m) is rocky but well-marked.
Alternative: Skipping Cima Fradusta makes this stage easier and reduces total distance and elevation gain – 6 km, 3:00, ↑ 150 m, ↓ 465 m.
Day 3: Rifugio Pradidali to Rifugio Treviso (1631 m) – 9 km, 6:00, ↑ 430 m, ↓ 1000 m. Level: T2/T3
A beautiful descent through Val Canali, following a well-marked but steep and rocky path. The hike passes below Cima Lastei (2840 m) and traverses alpine meadows before descending into a forested area. The trail eventually reaches Rifugio Treviso (1631 m), nestled in the valley surrounded by dramatic rock faces.
Day 4: Rifugio Treviso to bus stop Val Canali – 4,5 km, ↑ 130 m, ↓ 550 m. Level: T2
A gentle descent through Val Canali, passing through a mix of forest and meadows. The trail leads to the bus stop in Val Canali, where you can catch transport to Fiera di Primiero and then return to San Martino di Castrozza.
Original route: The full loop back to Rifugio Rosetta involves a 7-hour hike and 1300 m ascent, which may be too demanding for families or casual hikers.
Please note: This is one of our hiking plans. This hike has not been checked by ourselves. Please recheck the route if you plan to do this hike.