Dolomites High Route 7 runs entirely along the broad limestone ridge of the Col Nudo–Cavallo group (Eastern Alps – Carnic Prealps), which separates the lower Piave basin from the Vajont and Cellina valleys. The route develops for roughly 36 km along the border between the provinces of Belluno (SW) and Pordenone (NE).
Designed as a 5‑stage high‑level traverse, it connects Rifugio Dolomieu al Dolada (Pieve d’Alpago) with Tambre. The itinerary is dedicated to Lothar Patéra, an Austrian mountaineering pioneer who explored and fell in love with these lesser‑known peaks: Col Nudo, Monte Teverone, Crèp Nudo, the Federòla pinnacles, Monte Mèsser and Monte Cavallo.
Route Characteristics
This demanding route is suitable only for experienced and well‑trained hikers. It maintains an average altitude of around 2,000 m, with short climbing passages up to grade II, and long stretches of mixed terrain (rock and grass), often exposed and technically challenging. Several sections are equipped with fixed protection to facilitate progress on the steepest slopes.
Because shelters are scarce, hikers must carry bivouac equipment (sleeping bag and lightweight tent). A bivouac area is available at the end of Stage 1, near Col di Piero or Forcella Bassa behind Monte Teverone. Waymarking consists of red circles with a blue centre, although markings may be faded in some sections.
Technical Data
- Start: Rifugio Dolomieu al Dolada (BL)
- Finish: Tambre (BL)
- Total duration: 5 days
- Total distance: approx. 36 km
- Mountain huts on the main route: 2
- Bivouacs on the main route: 2 bivouacs, 1 cave, 1 shepherd’s hut
- Longest stage: Bivacco Toffolon → Rifugio Semenza / Bivacco Lastè (Stage IV) – 8h30
- Shortest stage: Casera Venal → Bivacco Toffolon (Stage III) – 4h
- Total hiking time: approx. 30 hours
- Difficulty: EE / EEA (experienced hikers; equipped sections)
- Total ascent: approx. 3,100 m
- Total descent: approx. 3,700 m
- Maximum single ascent: 800 m (Casera Venal → Forcella Federòla)
- Maximum single descent: 1,100 m (Rifugio Semenza → Tambre)
- Highest point: Cimon del Cavallo – 2,251 m
- Lowest point: Tambre – 922 m
- Mountain group: Col Nudo–Cavallo
- Hut opening period: 20 June – 20 September
- Recommended season: late June – late September
- Waymarking: generally good
Recommended Maps
Tabacco 1:25,000 – Map no. 012 “Alpago – Cansiglio – Piancavallo – Val Cellina” (covers the entire route)
Stages
Stage 1 – Rifugio Dolomieu al Dolada → Passo di Valbona
- Hiking time: 4h30
- Waymarks: 905, 960, 965
Stage 2 – Passo di Valbona → Crep Nudo → Casera Venal
- Hiking time: 8h
- Waymarks: 965, 930
Stage 3 – Casera Venal → Bivacco Toffolon
Hiking time: 4h
Stage 4 – Bivacco Toffolon → Rifugio Semenza → Bivacco Lastè
- Hiking time: 6h30
- Waymarks: S 619, 338, 336, 207, 341
Stage 5 – Rifugio Semenza → Tambre
- Hiking time: 4h30
- Waymarks: Dolomites High Route 6, 923
Important Note
Before starting the traverse, hikers should check weather conditions, verify hut openings, and confirm availability of overnight facilities.
