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Via Ferrata Piccolo Cir

The via ferrata Piccolo Cir leads to the 2,520-meter-high summit of an isolated peak in the Cir range, offering a view of the rugged, Dolomite-typical landscape. Shorter but more demanding than its neighbor, the Gran Cir. It captivates with its vertical nature and 360° panorama from the summit, which takes in the Sella, Sassolungo, and Odle massifs, as well as the Val Gardena valley.

However, the summit is tiny and uncomfortable; only a few people can stand there at a time, so a bit of patience may be required during peak season.

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 by bus line 473 from Val Gardena and Val Badia.

Alternative access: the Dantercepies cable car in Selva di Val Gardena drops you off directly at the access trail, saving you about 20 minutes of approach time.

Equipment: a helmet, harness, and via ferrata lanyard are essential.

Extension: the Gran Cir via ferrata starts on the same side of the mountain. The two routes naturally link up to form a single loop and complement each other well. The Gran Cir is more of an equipped trail, while the Piccolo Cir is a true short route.

Description and difficulties of the hike

From Passo Gardena, follow trail 654A, which climbs through alpine pastures to the Dantercepies cable car top station. Directional signs and red dots on the rocks will then indicate the turnoff toward Piccolo Cir, and a steep narrow path with switchbacks will lead you to the first cables of the via ferrata in about thirty minutes from the parking lot.

The via ferrata features a few easy rock steps, a short metal ladder, and a beautiful, well-equipped slab. There are plenty of handholds, and the rock is grippy, so the climb feels natural despite the exposure. A panoramic ledge offers a chance to rest before the final, steeper section, which leads to a scree slope. A final diagonal climb along a crack leads from there to the summit, a tiny platform where rings allow you to secure yourself.

The descent follows a separate route that avoids any crossings. A short equipped gully, about 50 meters long, leads to a steep scree that should be descended carefully, without equipment. You will then reach Trail 12A, and an unnumbered path will lead you directly back to Passo Gardena.

What you'll love

The 360° summit panorama: Sella, Odle, and Sassolungo, as well as the Val Gardena and Val Badia valleys below.
The route's verticality: good holds, but constant exposure, offering a thrilling experience.
The quick approach and return: The entire route takes half a day and is ideal as a complement to another via ferrata in the area.