Alta Via 2 (day 11): Rifugio Treviso to Passo Cereda + Via Ferrata Canalone

October 11, 2022

Climbing gently out of the forest into a spectacular landscape of verdant foliage and misty Dolomite pillars, today marks a distinct change of scenery from the first 2/3rds of AV2. Gone are the arid lunarscapes and high-altitude peaks, but so are the bustling mountain passes, leaving you to enjoy the beauty of the route without hardly another hiker in sight.

Today also presents the final noteworthy side-trip, a short but exhilarating 4A via ferrata straight up the side of the mountain above Rifugio Treviso!

This comprehensive guide to Day 11 of Alta Via 2 contains detailed section times, route recommendations, adventurous side trips, via ferrata, and heaps of insider tips— use it to plan your hike & then refer back on the trail so you always know what to expect!

All my AV2 knowledge in one place: Alta Via 2: complete hiking + via ferrata route guide

Alta Via 2: Day 11 overview

Stats quoted here are for my recommended “adventure route” that incorporates side trips, summits & via ferrata whenever possible (in brackets, see stats for the standard AV2 route with no additions).

Trail hours: 5hrs (4hrs standard AV2)
Distance: 8km (7.4km standard AV2)
Elevation gain & loss: 815m up & 1075m down (715m up & 975m down standard AV2)
Side trips: Via Ferrata Canalone (loop; 4A)— refer to Tabacco Map 022 & Cicerone Vol.2 (route S.Mar 12)
Huts: Rifugio Cereda

Alta Via 2 Italian Dolomites hiking via ferrata guide — Via Ferrata Canalone

Via Ferrata Canalone (30min-1hr)

Begin the day with a short but exhilarating 4A via ferrata that begins only moments from Rifugio Treviso, just across the rocky gully and up the far side. Ascend 180m on vertical cables, rungs, and pegs to Punta Desperazione for sweeping views of Val Canali and the Pale di San Martino.

New to via ferrata? Read this post: Introduction to via ferrata + complete via ferrata gear list

A few metres before the cable terminates at the top of the via ferrata, make a left turn to connect with another cable that will bring you down a short descent route back to your starting point. It’s short and fun enough that I’d definitely recommend going around twice, if time allows!

Be sure to pick up a hot sandwich with spicy veggie sauce for lunch before leaving Rifugio Treviso— the best sandwich in all of the Dolomites!

Rifugio Treviso to Forcella d’Oltro (1.5hrs)

Depart Rifugio Treviso on a gentle trail that winds through the forest for about 30min. The route then ascends for another hour, soon transitioning to rocky slopes as you approach Forcella d’Oltro.

Forcella d’Oltra to Passo Cereda (2.5hrs)

The route undulates pleasantly on a wide traverse of the hillside for the next hour, and most of the day’s elevation gain and loss is spent going gradually up and down with little net change in elevation. After yesterday, it’s exactly what your knees ordered.

Although you’re not climbing any passes, the views along this section of the route are absolutely staggering, particularly the dramatic limestone pillars rising out of the grassy hillside like a Dolomite garden.

Shortly after the best of the scenery, the trail begins a steeper drop (likely to be painful on sore knees) for the next hour, finally letting up onto a pleasantly declining, leaf-littered trail through the forest for another 30min.

Without any major agony, arrive to the roadside and walk right for about 15min on the pavement to reach Passo Cereda.

Night 11: Rifugio Cereda

Tonight’s stay is another luxurious one, with unlimited showers, spacious rooms, and a very impressive dinner/breakfast spread. I’d go so far as to say, alongside the hotel in Passo San Pellegrino, this is the BEST brekky you’ll have on AV2.

When you arrive, treat yourself to a 2.5€ Aperol Spritz to celebrate the end of another wonderful day on the trail, best enjoyed on the sun-soaked picnic benches overlooking the pasture and its many local farm animals! Reserve Rifugio Cereda online.

Rooms: 45€ (dorm; 160€ for 4pax room) OR 65€ half board (dorm)
Food: a la carte or half board, outstanding brekky + 2.5€ Aperol Spritz!
Showers: Unlimited and free!
Connectivity: Wifi & strong mobile signal

For more information on what to expect in a mountain hut & how to prepare for your stay: Everything you need to know about mountain huts (rifugi) in the Italian Dolomites

Read more about Alta Via 2

TAGS:alta via alta via 2 dolomites

brooke brisbine

I've spent the last decade exploring the world— everything from solo trekking in the Andes to overlanding in Zambia, all while completing a PhD in Biomechanics, teaching at a university & securing permanent residency in Australia. In 2020, I finally fulfilled my dream of becoming a full-time nomad! Whether it’s vanlife in Mexico, scuba diving in the Galápagos, ticking off incredible US National Parks, or climbing in the Dolomites, I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb