Aug 3

Aug 3 Sentiero dei Grandi Alberi

Are you looking for a beautiful, relaxing hike? Situated in the Little Dolomites is the Sentiero dei Grandi Alberi (Path of the Big Trees). Those of you who wish to avoid an adrenaline rush will enjoy this one. It’s a nice option for visitors who aren’t used to hiking, but wish to have the experience, and it’s an easy one hour drive from Vicenza. The trail makes for a relaxing walk through open meadows and forests with massive mountains surrounding you. One moment you’ll find yourself glaring at the mountain peaks, the next you’ll be walking through forests, by ponds and streams, hearing frogs barking, crickets chirping, birds singing, and may even hear those glorious cow bells. Throughout the hike, you’ll admiringly pass alpine style homes which may or may not be rentals. If so, I’d like to occupy one. It’s such a delightful sight.

The views from the rifugio are great as well. If you can make it up the hill, I recommend going. Once you pass the rock slide area (see pic), you’ll go a little further and begin looking for the sign “rifugio battisti”. You will take a left and head straight up the mountain to the road, then take a left on the road that leads to the rifugio. If you pass the sign and continue on the path, it will end at the same road just further down. At that point, you can turn around, or take a left on the road and walk a little further to the rifugio.

I’ve done this hike four times and will do it again. There are numerous trails that branch off and go to other destinations, so be sure which trail you’re on. It is well marked, but you’ll see signs stating “strada privato” - you’re ok to continue on the path. I have the maps posted below.

Note: The trail is suitable for mountain bikes and you’ll probably encounter a few.

Click on the pictures to enlarge the image.

DO: Wear good shoes - the trail is gravel.

Dog friendly?

Absolutely. Take the dog to run and roam.

Family Friendly?

This is the most family friendly hike I’ve done so far. There are large open meadows perfect for a picnic. The trails are wide, with good shade for a portion of the hike. There is a water spout at the spring for filling up water bottles. As you draw near to the end/road, the trail has a decent incline that will probably be taxing with children, but doable. This trail is not a loop, so it’s easy to time yourself in, then turn around when you’re ready.

Difficulty: Degree T = tourist
Hours: 04.30 (to rifugio and back) Length: approx. 8 miles following signs for rifugio battisti.
Bathroom facilities: cafe, nature, & rifugio
Parking: Easy
- pin for parking. https://goo.gl/maps/V42q6pJuFN84FKkh7
- also, https://goo.gl/maps/8ZDzDtS3Hkebub6u7
Trailhead starts here: https://goo.gl/maps/1EzAhL8LsuZAuvRi6
Malga Morando (Ofra) Cafe at the beginning of the hike: https://goo.gl/maps/8X4c9BjqZo3XCnRX9 Small pond just off the trail (called a laghetto): https://goo.gl/maps/w754KD5hzAP7UFvL8 Rifugio Cesare Battisti: https://goo.gl/maps/ckTFn8dHopZEg1rL9 Max altitude @ rifugio: 1265 m (4,150 ft) *NOTE: the road leading up to the parking lot is steep, narrow in places, and there are many switchbacks.