Lerosa Pass

Departure and arrival point:

Malga Ra Stua 1668 m (5470 ft)

Distance:

9 km (5.6 mi)

Elevation gain:

420 m (1378 ft)

Difficulty:

Moderate

Brief description: loop in the heart of the Natural Park of the Dolomiti d’Ampezzo.

Our hike starts just past Malga Ra Stua, and it follows an old military trail leading to Forcella Lerósa through a forest of spruce known as “cioces” (derived from the Italian word “chioccia” – brooding hen). The name is illustrative of the fact that the trees lower branches offer shelter to animals during the long winter months, like a hen does with her chicks.

Following the initial ascent, the trail reaches a few clearings, where we are likely to encounter a few curious ground hogs peaking out of their den, welcoming us with their distinctive whistle. At this point, we find ourselves at the base of the Ra Cròda de r’Ancona, a mountain on which the Austrian front was located during the First World War. We can see remains of military barracks as well as a wooden cross which indicates the site of a military cemetery.

In the last part of the ascent, spruce are replaced by larch and secular swiss pine and upon reaching Forcella Lerósa, the scenery opens up in all directions. As we pause to take in the magic, the view is breathtaking: the imposing Croda Rossa, Croda del Becco, Cristallo, the plateaus of Sénes and Fòses in the distance, Col Becchei and Tofane can all be admired from here. Forcella Lerósa is located at the heart of the Natural Park of Dolomiti d’Ampezzo, and harmony, equilibrium and grandiosity make of it a place of truly moving beauty.

With a bit of luck, we will see a few chamois in the distance, and even the occasional eagle. Cows and horses out to pasture are a constant presence here during the summer months.

The way back to Ra Stua follows a trail leading toward Ru de Ra Cuódes (cuódes is the stone used to sharpen sickle). We reach Ciampo de Crósc and the spectacular entrance into the Val Salata, down which flow the Boite springs. A white road will lead us back to Ra Stua.