Cammino degli Alti Pascoli – High Pastures Trekking in the Comelico Dolomites
The Cammino degli Alti Pascoli is a stunning loop trekking route of about 100 km with 5,225 meters of elevation gain, starting and ending in Padola while traversing the authentic and unspoiled heart of the Comelico Dolomites. It is an immersive itinerary through peaceful alpine pastures, panoramic summit crosses, historic traditional barns (tabiè), and cozy mountain huts where you can rediscover the rhythm of the mountains far from the crowds.
The great value of this route lies in its exceptional flexibility: the shape of the trail and convenient valley-bottom hubs allow you to customize the experience from 3 to 7 days. You can choose to complete the Full Loop or divide the itinerary into two 3-to-4-day sections (the West Loop towards the Popera Group and Mount Quaternà, or the East Loop towards Val Visdende and Mount Zovo), with the option to safely pause or resume the trek at almost any stage.
The itinerary weaves natural alpine beauty with rich cultural and culinary traditions. Walking along the famous Strada delle Malghe (Coltrondo, Nemes, Melin, Antola, Dignas), you can taste local artisanal cheeses and experience authentic dairy farming life, before descending to the picturesque villages of Candide, Casamazzagno, and Val Visdende, steeped in history, rural architecture, and local hospitality. From the highest ridges, such as Mount Palombino and the Spina Ridge, the view spans from the Sexten Dolomites all the way to the Carnic and Austrian Alps. (An updated hiking map is recommended).
- timer~4 h
- trending_up+760 m
- trending_down-30 m
Starting from the main square in Padola, the trail climbs gently along the Valgrande cycle path, then winds through the woods up to Rifugio Lunelli and Rifugio Berti, right at the foot of the imposing Popera group. A perfect warm-up day, heading straight up toward the dolomite crags.
- timer4-5 h
- trending_up+580 m
- trending_down-660 m
Descend to Passo Monte Croce Comelico (St. Anton Pass) and enter the realm of high pastures: Malga Coltrondo and Malga Nemes, leading to Rifugio Rinfreddo, a picture-postcard alpine hut overlooking the Dolomites.
↑ EE Variant (Expert Hikers): Climb Croda Sora Colesei (2,369 m) and cross Forcella Popera (2,291 m), coming face to face with the imposing Croda Rossa di Sesto (Rotwand).
- timer6-7 h
- trending_up+650 m
- trending_down-1.300 m
The most thrilling stage: climb up to the saddle and then to the summit of Mount Quaternà (2,503 m), before descending along one of the most scenic ridges in the entire Comelico area, offering sweeping views all the way down to the villages of Casamazzagno and Candide.
- timer~6 h
- trending_up+1.510 m
- trending_down-1.030 m
Behind the church in Candide, the route ascends towards Cima Vallona and Malga Melin, then continues to Passo Palombino and along the historic Carnic Ridge Trail (Traversata Carnica) to Casera Dignas. This is the stage with the highest elevation gain of the entire loop.
- timer~8-9 h
- trending_up+700 m
- trending_down-1.060 m
The long and panoramic high-pasture road (Strada delle Malghe), leading from Campobon to Malga Antola, before descending into Val Visdende, one of the most pristine corners of the Dolomites. A long stage, but technically easy.
- timer4-5 h
- trending_up+695 m
- trending_down-165 m
Cross the charming villages of Val Visdende and ascend towards Forcella Zovo and Sella dei Pradetti, up to Rifugio De Doo (1,862 m): a breathtaking panorama and a dream mountain hut await you.
- timer4-5 h
- trending_up+330 m
- trending_down-950 m
The final, relaxed day: descend towards Costa and Cima Vallona, pass back through Candide, and return to Padola along the traditional trails (Troi delle Tradizioni e dei Mestieri), winding through the beautiful villages of Comelico. The loop closes right where it began.
