Alta Via 1 - Day 6

Our final day on the Alta Via, it’s all downhill from here, literally!  Today we descended 3200 ft down the mountain back to civilization in Cortina mostly in the rain. The trail ran along Croda da Lago and then led thru quiet spruce forests. After a slight unintentional detour, we climbed up a steep ridge to discover remnants of an old stone building perched on top of this limestone pinnacle at 6100 ft elevation with steep cliffs on all sides…Becco d’Ajal.  The vistas were spectacular although shrouded a bit by the cloud cover, but provided amazing view of Cortina tucked below the majestic Cristallo mountain range. Rainstorms were building so continued our journey quickly down the mountain passing beautiful mountain streams along the way.  Enjoyed a rest stop at the tranquil Lago d’Ajal before sliding our way down the soggy and muddy trails to the bottom. The wooded trail ended near a small village and continued along minor roads and pathways until reaching Cortina. Finished off the day and weeklong hike with a visit to the local spa. 

In the end, it was hard to believe we had climbed and descended over 14,000 ft and trekked 50 miles thru the Dolomites.  It was exhilarating and challenging at times, but so rewarding to spend a week amongst the enchanting Dolomite peaks!  Can’t wait to return!  

   

  

Alta Via 1 - Day 5

The morning began with dark cloudy skies and rainstorms. Outfitted in our rain gear, we setoff on the trail taking in the awesome views around us at just over 8300 ft elevation. Passed by the Cinque Torri unique limestone towers and followed the trail into the pine forest for our 3000 ft descent. The trail was muddy and blocked with down trees so made navigating a bit slippery and tricky.  Luckily the weather improved as we made the climb to Croda da Lago and were rewarded with incredible views looking back towards Lagazuoi and Averau as well as views of Cortina. After a 6 mile trek, we arrived at Croda da Lago with its turquoise waters reflecting the steep rock faces surrounding the lake.  Enjoyed the lakeside sauna before dinner and listened to ukulele tunes performed by fellow hikers as we turned in for the night. 

Alta Via 1 - Day 4

From the cliffs above Lagazuoi, we watched the sunrise over the Dolomite peaks as it painted the landscape around us. It was extra rewarding since the clouds had obscured any sunset view the night before.  The morning was still and quiet, it truly felt like we were on top of the world as the views extended for miles in every direction.  Our trek today was challenging and LONG.  We traversed below the Tofana di Rozes descending almost 3800ft.  Along our route we passed more remnants from WWI and hiked thru an old WWI tunnel.  Our final climb of almost 3400ft led us to Rifugio Averau perched about the Cinque Terre peaks.