Hotels near Croda da Lago Circuit

The Croda da Lago circuit is the toughest route here and the best one in autumn. The full loop covers 12.8 km with 900 m of ascent, takes 4.5 to 6 hours, and is graded moderate to strenuous, linking trails 437, 434, 435 and 436 with a high point near 2,475 m at Forcella Ambrizzola. The descent from Forcella di Formin crosses loose boulders and unstable rock, which is where the grading earns itself. Lago Federa and Rifugio Croda da Lago (Palmieri) at 2,046 m come about 4 km in, ringed by the larch stands that turn gold in the first half of October.

If the full circuit is too much, the out-and-back to Lago Federa is 8.4 km with 500 m of ascent in 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Both start at Ponte de Ru Curto, 1,700 m, on the SP638 towards Passo Giau. Parking is free roadside and very limited, so arrive before 09:30. The season runs from late June to mid or late October. Dolomitibus line 53, Cortina Scuole to Passo Giau, follows the SP638 past the bridge between 8 June and 9 September 2026.

Pro Tip: Come in the first ten days of October for the larches, and walk the loop clockwise so you reach Lago Federa in low afternoon light rather than at the morning crush around Rifugio Croda da Lago.