Ever stared down the Forcella della Roa pass and thought, “Well, that’s intimidatingly gorgeous”? You’re about to. This 9-day trek along the Dolomites’ iconic Alta Via 2 (a.k.a. the High Route of the Legends) is equal parts grit and glamour—rock scrambles, balcony trails, and high-altitude passes like Passo Crespeina, where the air tastes fresher than an alpine espresso, and the views leave hikers speechless. But it’s not just about the views (even though they’re ridiculous)—it’s about feeling alive. The rocky scrambles, the laughs at the rifugi, and the rhythm of boots on challenging trails—it’s the stuff hikers dream of. No matter how far you’ve wandered before, this trip will remind you why the Dolomites always call you back.
The Alta Via 2 isn’t just a hike—it’s a journey through time, geology, and breathtaking landscapes. For nine days, you’ll navigate dramatic cols, such as Forcella della Roa and Passo Gardena, and tread trails steeped in alpine legend. Expect heart-pounding climbs, jaw-dropping descents, and scenery that’ll leave you speechless. Along the way, cozy mountain rifugi and hearty Italian meals keep you fueled for the next adventure. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll experience the Dolomites’ wildest corners safely, confidently, and with a grin that lasts long after the trek ends.
On Day 1, the meeting with the guide will be at approximately 6pm in Brixen, Italy. Brixen is also known as Bressanone in Italian. If arriving by bus or train, check both names, Brixen and Bressanone. Brixen is a beautiful city, and it’s well worth arriving early to have some time to explore its cobbled streets.
Accommodation: Hotel Krone in Brixen
Our hiking trip begins with a bus ride to San Andreas above Brixen, and then we’ll take a cable car ride up to the high pastures of Valcroce. We’re heading for coffee and cake at the Rifugio Plose, the official Alta Via 2 starting point. Leaving the Rifugio, we’ll remain mostly in the open mountainside with views to the Austrian Tyrol, and to the south-east the dramatic rock spires of the Puez-Odle ridge line. Today is a reasonably gentle introduction to the beauty of the Dolomites. We will spend the night at the Rifugio Genova.
Hiking: 20 km (12.4 mi), 6-7 hours
Ascent: 1,024 m (3,358 ft)
Descent: 747 m (2,450 ft)
Accommodation: Rifugio Genova
A short walk will take us back up to the Passo Poma through the wild flower meadows. Then it’s a rising traverse across steep, stony hillsides on a balcony path, which rewards with a view of the impressive rock towers and snow-streaked screes of Punte del Puez. We’ll then head for the Forcella della Roa at 2,617 m (8,585 ft), and we’ll tackle some rocky terrain before dropping into the valley above our destination. The isolated Rifugio Puez is right in the heart of the Puez group of mountains.
Hiking: 10 km (6.3 mi), 5.5 hours
Ascent: 600 m (1,968 ft)
Descent: 800 m (2,624 ft)
Accommodation: Rifugio Puez
We’ll head into the Puez range this morning. Our path takes us over the Forcella di Ciampac at 2,366 m (7,760 ft), and then climbs gently south-west, down to the green waters of the Lago di Crespeina. At Passo Crespeina, the ‘Sella’ massif dominates with its high buttresses and snowfields. We’ll eventually pass below the Pizzes da Cir cliffs. Later on, it’s down to the famous Passo Gardena with its stunning mountain road.
We’ll then climb into the wild Sella mountains. We’ll have a climb of over 2 hours to our overnight at the Rifugio Pisciadu. Our hike ends with a rocky scramble, aided by a solid cable and spikes. There is some exposure on this final climb, but it should not be any problem for those used to the high mountains.
Hiking: 12 km (7.5 mi), 5-6 hours
Ascent: 862 m (2,827 ft)
Descent: 765 m (2,509 ft)
Accommodation: Rifugio Pisciadu
Today, we’ll head around Lago di Pisciadu. Rugged mountainside trails wind over rock and scree, with cables assisting the first rocky, but easy section. A steeper climb follows up to the Altopiano del Meisules. Our next goal is to cross the l’Antersass before a descent over rough, stony ground guided by cairns and poles until we arrive at the Rifugio Boe.
We’ll continue across the rocky mountainside to the conspicuous Rifugio Maria. Then, we’ll take the cable car to Passo Pordoi for a bit of rest. Leaving the Passo, we’ll take the celebrated ‘Viel dal Pan’, a footpath which was once used by flour merchants from the Belluno area as a route to the valley. At the end, we’ll reach the Rifugio Viel dal Pan, where we will spend the night.
Hiking: 13 km (8 mi), 7 hours
Ascent: 1,108 m (3,634 ft)
Descent: 1,298 m (4,257 ft)
Accommodation: Rifugio Viel dal Pan
On Day 6, we’ll head down to the Lago di Fedaia for a short 10 km (6.2 mi) transfer along the lakeside. The mighty Marmolada, a landmark of the Dolomites, is a major presence during today’s trek. This is our longest day in terms of distance, and by the time we climb our final pass at Forca Rossa at 2,490 m (8,167 ft), we will already be anticipating our hotel at the pass.
Hiking: 22 km (13.6 mi), 10 hours
Ascent: 1,200 m (3,936 ft)
Descent: 1,760 m (5,772 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel San Marco on the San Pellegrino Pass
This day, we’ll go up the mountain as we begin our hike to the Passo di Valles and the Rifugio Passa Valles. Our first pass will be the Forcella Venegia, with views to the red-sandstone striated cliffs of Cima Caladora. We’ll follow the panoramic crest with an impressive line up ahead of Monte Mulaz, Cima di Val Grande, and the majestic Cimon della Pala.
Later on, we’ll cross the north-east slopes of Monte Mulaz to the small Passo dei Fochette di Focobon. Our final section before the rifugio involves a straightforward scramble with cables up rock ledges and slabs. We’ll spend the night at the Rifugio Mulaz.
Hiking: 11 km (6.8 mi), 7 hours
Ascent: 1,176 m (3,857 ft)
Descent: 548 m (1,797 ft)
Accommodation: Rifugio Mulaz
We’ll leave the rifugio to climb over the nearby pass named after the rifugio. Once over the pass, we’ll return to a greener landscape as we traverse down the mountain side, making our way to the Castellaz, a spectacular rocky plateau. We’ll aim to complete the loop up to the summit cross of Cristo Pensante, and enjoy our final views of the Dolomites before heading down to our pick-up point near Passo Rolle, at the Rifugio Capanna Cervino. The rifugio is a great place to enjoy a coffee and cake to celebrate our journey. We’ll go on a 2-hour taxi ride back to the hotel in Brixen.
Hiking: 8 km (5 mi), 5 hours
Ascent: 400 m (1,312 ft)
Descent: 851 m (2,791 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel in Brixen
It’s the final day of this hiking adventure in the Dolomites. We’ll say our goodbyes and depart back home from Brixen/Bressanone.
Jaw-dropping scenery; ups and downs to awaken your inner athlete; camaraderie with other hikers from around the world; superb leadership from our kind, knowledgeable, certified-mountain-man guide Mark; food, flowers, wildlife, conversation… all of it: FANTASTIC. It was the best possible experience for our 4-person family. Additionally, when one of us had an injury to deal with, the mothership kept in constant contact with us and made all the arrangements necessary to get said person down the mountain (and up again). First class, professional, experienced operation. Bravo! (Dolomites, Alta Via #1.)
I’ve done three trips with Tracks and Trails; each one far exceeding my expectations! And I’m already considering my fourth for next year. Can’t wait!
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
This Alta Via 2 guided hike is rated challenging. You need a high level of fitness, considerable previous experience of multi-day walking trips, and a good attitude. You should enjoy walking for full days and be prepared to cope with regular ascents/descents of 1,300-1,800 m (4,264-5,904 ft), and crossing passes at up to 3,500 m (11,480 ft) above sea level.
You need to be able to deal with bad weather and look after yourself in terms of being too cold, too hot, too wet, or too tired. You do not need to be an athlete or a superhero, but you do need to know what it is like to walk all day to get to where you are going.
You should be able to cope with rough and loose terrain, and deal with exposed sections of paths, as well as the occasional sections of cabling or ladders to assist on steep ground. Expect to walk for up to 9 hours and up to 22 km (13.6 mi) per day, while gaining up to 1,200 m (3,937 ft) in elevation.
Please keep in mind that luggage transfer is not included.
Check out the itinerary for day-by-day distances and elevation changes.
For more hiking adventures in Italy, click here, and for more hiking adventures in the Dolomites, click here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Gear:
Clothing:
Comfort:
Documentation:
Personal First Aid:
Items for the nights in refugios:
Additional items:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
On this trip, due to the inaccessible nature of the Rifugio’s, there will not be any luggage support. In other words, when we leave Brixen/Bressanone, you will carry what you need for the entire trip in your rucksack.
Group sizes and pricing
Hiking in the Dolomites can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements
The starting point of your Alta Via 2 guided adventure is Brixen/Bressanone. To get there, most people fly into Munich Airport (MUC), Verona Airport (VRN), or Innsbruck Airport (INN). From there, you can take a train, a bus, or rent a car to reach Brixen/Bressanone.
Once you’re there, you will meet your guide at 6pm on Day 1 in Brixen/Bressanone. Your guide will provide more details before the adventure begins.
Medical and travel protection is mandatory on this trip. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
Notifications
We’ve walked the TMB, Alta Via in the Dolomites and treks in Australia and I would have to rate the Tracks and Trails GR221 Mallorca walk as our most diverse and challenging to date. This is one for the serious walker. Breathtaking scenery, a vast diversity of environments, fascinating history. Just magic! And led by experienced, warm and informative guides who led us through some challenging moments. You have to put this one on the list with Tracks and Trails.