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Sass da Ciampac Hike

Sass da Ciampac (2,667 m) is the highest peak in the Cir Group, which is located in the Puez-Odle Nature Park in the Dolomites. Starting from Passo Gardena, the trail winds through a maze of rocky pinnacles, crosses two passes, and ascends to a panoramic summit. From there, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Sella Massif, Sassolungo, the Odle, and the valleys of Val Gardena and Val Badia.

Although foot traffic is heavy along most of the route, which is part of the Alta Via 2 trail, the final section leading to the summit is less traveled and offers a sense of seclusion.

Remarks

Parking: Parking at Passo Gardena is paid and fills up quickly during peak season. Indicative price in 2025: €4 per hour for the first three hours, €2 per hour from the fourth to the ninth hour, and €0.50 per hour thereafter. The pass is also accessible via bus line 473 from Val Gardena and Val Badia.

Description and difficulties of the hike

From Passo Gardena (2,121 m), follow Trail No. 2 northward. The trail passes in front of Rifugio Jimmy before winding up between the rocky towers of Danter la Pizes. This section is reminiscent of a natural sculpture park. This leads to Forcella Cir (2,469 m). A short, steep descent, which can be slippery, leads to Forcella/Jëuf de Crespëina (2,528 m), which is marked by a wooden cross.

At the pass, take Trail No. 2A to the right toward Sass da Ciampac. The trail climbs up the mountainside through a scree field to the summit (2,667 m). The return follows the same route.

Up to Forcella de Crespëina, the trail is shared with hikers heading to Rifugio Puez and those on Alta Via 2, so it is busy. However, the 2A section toward the summit remains quiet. Well-marked and easy to follow throughout, the route presents no technical difficulties or vertiginous sections.

What you'll love

The 360° panorama at the summit. The Sella Group and Piz Boè dominate the view, complemented by Sassolungo, the Odle, and Val Badia below.
Traversing the Cir Group: The rocky towers between Rifugio Jimmy and Forcella Cir are a highlight of the ascent.
The final, more peaceful stretch: Once you pass the Jëuf de Crespëina, the number of hikers drops significantly because most continue on to Rifugio Puez.