From gores de federa to croda da lago

Level: Intermediate

Duration: 5 hours

Distance: 13.8 km

The experience begins at HOTEL de LEN, with a private transfer to the car park at Lake Pianozes, the starting point of the hike. From there, you’ll follow the new Gores de Federa trail (no. 432), a scenic route of gentle climbs and descents through waterfalls, gorges, and streams. The path includes hanging bridges over the Ru Federa and spectacular viewpoints over the Ampezzo basin.

After about an hour and a half, you’ll reach the beautiful Malga Federa, offering panoramic 360° views of the surrounding Dolomites: the Becco di Mezzodì on one side, and the dramatic peaks of Pomagagnon, Cristallo, and Faloria on the other. A short break at the mountain hut is the perfect chance to relax and enjoy the scenery.

The trail continues along path 432 for another 40 minutes until you arrive at the magical Lake Federa, where the jagged peaks of Croda da Lago are reflected in its clear waters. Here, you can enjoy a lakeside picnic or have lunch at Rifugio Palmieri (2,046 m).

For the return journey, you can follow the same path back or complete a loop by descending along trail no. 431, which winds through the forest and past Lake Ajal, returning to the starting point. During the summer, it’s also possible to reach Rifugio Croda da Lago by jeep from the Lake Pianozes car park.