The 2571-meter-high Mount Setsas rises between Col di Lana (2452 m), Sas de Stria/Hexenstein (2477 m), and Pralongià plateau within the Belluno Dolomites. When seen from Val Badia, the mountain’s major crest resembles the again of a Stegosaurus.
The little-known Setsas or Settsass Circuit is a quiet day hike with outstanding selection and high-alpine character. The path crosses meadows, forests, boulder fields, scree slopes, and rugged rock steps, staying on climbing paths all through and by no means becoming a member of a forest or farm highway.
Hold your eyes out for edelweiss and chamois.
Setsas Circuit Mountaineering Map
Important Path Data
Trailhead | The hike begins behind the roadside Rifugio Passo Valparola at Valparola Go
Methods to Get to Valparola Go by Bus | Take bus 465 from La Villa, or San Cassiano within the course of Passo Falzarego. Get off at “Valparola Go.”
Parking close to Valparola Go | There are a number of roadside automobile parks close to the cross. I parked right here, a free automobile park overlooking Lago di Valparola.
Mountaineering Season | mid June – October, relying on snow situations
Path Path | I like to recommend climbing the circuit clockwise, beginning with path 23 and ending on path 24.
Problem | Although complete distance and elevation achieve/loss is average, this hike is moderately-difficult resulting from some path erosion all through, boulder subject crossings, and rock steps that require surefootedness and luxury with rugged, uneven terrain. Chances are you’ll want to make use of your palms at instances to navigate a number of the tricker passages.
Path Variations | You possibly can lengthen the hike to Setsas summit.
The place to Eat | You possibly can detour to Rifugio Pralongia for lunch (40 minutes one-way). That’s the most suitable choice, however it would add an extra 5 km to your hike. Having eaten at Rifugio Pralongia on the Störes Meadows path per week prior, I made a decision to skip it. I ended up consuming on the Valparola Hut, which I don’t suggest. The meals was terribly mediocre.
Accountable Mountaineering | Keep on marked paths and don’t decide any flowers.
Security | Many sections of the hike could be very slippery after rainfall. Solely hike this path in dry situations.
Setsas Circuit Path Description
Stroll round Rifugio Valparola to achieve the trailhead. With Lago di Valparola in your left, cross the grassy slope to the path 23/24 junction. Flip left onto path 23 and proceed throughout a meadow, which could be fairly boggy. The path continues by a panorama of dwarf pines earlier than descending a steep, secured rock step.
With an enormous forest in your left, the undulating path wraps across the vertical partitions of Monte Castello (2371 m) inching in direction of Col di Lana. With time, Marmolada comes into view. There’s some erosion alongside the path, making it even narrower in locations.
Whenever you attain the Sief cross, unmarked once I hiked right here, proceed proper, wrapping round Pico Setsas. The left path results in the summit of Col di Lana.
The path, extra fascinating now, alternates between boulder subject crossings, scree slopes (with extra erosion), and wildflower-carpeted meadows.
After passing a pirate hut, you’ll arrive at a junction. Right here, you may detour to Rifugio Pralongia for lunch. In any other case, proceed proper on path 24 within the course of Setsas. The path ascends steeply after which ranges on a excessive path, which is the spotlight of the hike for my part.
The Sas dla Crusc, Lavarela, and Conturines peaks quickly turn out to be the focus of the hike.
When the path swings proper and crosses the ridge, you’ll quickly attain the Setsas summit path junction (24B/24). Proceed following path 24 within the course of Passo Valparola. The path descends to a mountain pasture, grazed in summer time, after which ambles by a phenomenal alrch forest.
Whenever you emerge from the forest, the path rises and falls, passes by a rocky hall, after which traverses a rocky high-alpine panorama. Right here, the path ascends and descends a collection of rock steps, the place surefootedness and further care is required. Chances are you’ll want to make use of your palms.
The ultimate stretch to the cross crosses the grassy south flank of Piz Ciampei (2290 m) on a mud path.
The place to Keep in San Cassiano
San Cassiano, one in all Alta Badia’s six mountain villages, consists of an enthralling pedestrianized heart and the encircling hamlets of Armentarola, Sciaré (or Saré), Costadedoi, Suracianins, and Rü, nestled between La Villa and Valparola Go.
If you happen to’re touring with out a automobile, I like to recommend staying someplace central, strolling distance to the San Cassiano city heart and Surega cable automobile mountain station. Take a look at Ciasa Milandura (3-star residences), Lodge Conturines (3-star lodge), Lodge Steinrösl (3-star lodge), Plang Farmhouse (3-star B&B), Lagacio Mountain Residence (4-star aparthotel), Lodge Diamant (4-star lodge), and Lodge Fanes (5-star lodge).
If you happen to’re touring with a automobile, additionally try Lodge Ciasa Salares (4-star lodge in Armentarola), B&B – Lodge Ciasa Rü Blanch (3-star lodge), Lodge Ciasa Ai Pini (3-star lodge).
Campers can keep in Tenting Sass Dlacia, the best campsite within the Dolomites.
If you happen to’re visiting San Cassiano in autumn (October or November), I like to recommend staying in a lodge with an on-site restaurant. Between the summer time and winter seasons, many outlets and eating places shut, leaving restricted eating and procuring choices within the village.
Alta Badia Journey Guides
Alta Badia:
Dolomites
