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.

Alta Via 1 - Day 3

Today’s route led us thru ideallic alpine pastures and along shimmering alpine lakes.  In the distance, we heard the sound of cowbells from the cows grazing in the pastures and many greeted us along our route.  We crossed thru a grassy bowl, Passo Tageda and then began the slow climb thru large boulder fields to Forcella del Lago.  After a brief celebration of reaching the saddle, we braced for the steep jaw dropping 1000ft descent down the other side to Lago Lagazuoi.  Once we made it to the bottom, enjoyed a lakeside lunch and watched rock climbers on the cliffs above.  In the distance we could see Rifugio Lagazuoi perched high on the ridge, which was our destination for the evening, but it was still 3 miles and about 2400ft climb away.  The trail followed rocky terrain and steep switchbacks to eventually reach 9100ft elevation, our highest point along the 6 day trek.  This route journeys thru Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti d'Ampezzo where there are remnants of the Austrian-Italian WWI front line.  We explored several tunnels and bunkers used in WWI found along the final stretch of trail on way to Lagazuoi.