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Croda da Lago Loop

The Croda da Lago loop circles this striking massif with its jagged ridges, southwest of Cortina d'Ampezzo. The route crosses larch forests, skirts the photogenic Lago Federa — whose waters mirror the silhouette of Becco di Mezzodì — then crosses two passes before descending through Val Formin and a vast field of boulders. A varied loop, fairly busy on the way up to the lake but very quiet beyond it.

Remarks

Parking: free spaces along the SP638 road at Ponte di Rocurto, about a 15-minute drive from Cortina d'Ampezzo. Spaces are limited and Lago Federa is popular — arrive before 8 a.m. in high season to be sure of finding one.

Direction of the loop: clockwise is the classic direction, and lets you enjoy Lago Federa early in the day. If you'd rather tackle the boulder field on the way up than on the way down, go anticlockwise (up through Val Formin, down past Lago Federa).

Best time: from late June to October. Autumn is especially striking, with golden larches framing Lago Federa, usually from mid-October onwards.

Food and drinks: Rifugio Palmieri, on the shore of Lago Federa, serves meals and drinks. No other options on the route.

Description and difficulties of the hike

From the Ponte di Rocurto trailhead (around 1,700 m), take trail no. 437, which heads into the forest and crosses a bridge over the Ru Formin. After about thirty minutes, you reach the Cason di Formin junction: turn left onto trail no. 434, signposted for Lago Federa. The climb is steady, with switchbacks through the conifer forest. A short detour leads to a viewpoint with an open view of Cristallo, the Cinque Torri, and the Cortina valley. The trail then reaches Lago Federa and the Rifugio Palmieri (2,046 m), an ideal spot for a first break.

The loop continues on trail no. 434 to Forcella Ambrizzola (2,277 m), a gradual climb on open terrain. At the pass, trail no. 436 branches off to the right and climbs more steeply to Forcella di Formin (2,462 m), the highest point of the route. The descent then drops into a vast scree slope strewn with large boulders: this is the most demanding section of the route. The ground is uneven, progress requires care, and the red marks painted on the rocks must be followed closely to stay on route.

The loop closes at Cason di Formin, from where trail no. 437 leads back to the trailhead, the same path used on the way up. Apart from the boulder field, the trail is in good condition and presents no technical difficulty. Waymarking is partial, concentrated on the rocky section, but signposts are present at most junctions.

What you'll love

The Lago Federa, one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Dolomites, its waters mirroring the silhouette of Becco di Mezzodì.
The Rifugio Palmieri, on the lake shore, a welcome stop halfway round.
The second half of the loop, almost deserted, far from the crowds at the lake.
The traverse beneath the spires of Croda da Lago on the descent.