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Monte Nuvolau from Passo Giau Hike

Starting from the Passo Giau (2,236 m), this hike leads to the Rifugio Nuvolau, perched at 2,574 m at the summit of Monte Nuvolau, on its rocky pinnacle. The summit opens up one of the finest 360° panoramas in the Dolomites: Tofane, Cristallo, Marmolada, Pelmo, Croda da Lago. The trade-off is that the hut is a busy convergence point, especially around midday.

Remarks

Parking: free parking is available along the Passo Giau road, one of the busiest passes in the area. In high season the spaces go fast — plan to arrive before 8 a.m.

Possible extensions: from the Rifugio Averau, you can continue to the Cinque Torri on trail no. 439, or take on the Ra Gusela and Averau via ferratas (equipment required).

Description and difficulties of the hike

From the Passo Giau, the route follows trail no. 452 toward the Forcella Nuvolau and the Rifugio Averau (2,413 m). The first part contours the western flanks of Ra Gusela on a waymarked trail, over easy terrain. The gradient steepens sharply in the final stretch, before joining the wide track no. 464 up to the Rifugio Averau.

From there, a further twenty minutes on trail no. 439 brings you to the Rifugio Nuvolau. This last climb is short but steep, on rocky ground. The return follows the same route.

What you'll love

The 360° panorama from the summit of Nuvolau: one of the most sweeping in the Dolomites, with views stretching from the Pelmo to the Marmolada, taking in the Tofane and the Cristallo.
The Rifugio Nuvolau, the oldest hut in the Dolomites: perched on the edge of the cliff, the perfect spot for a well-earned break in a magnificent setting.