The hike to the Lago dei Colli Alti is one of the most captivating routes in the Plan de Corones area, perfect for those who love authentic Dolomite landscapes and medium-difficulty mountain trails. The route starts at Passo Furcia (1758 m), a historic mountain pass connecting San Vigilio di Marebbe with Valdaora, on the edge of the Fanes–Sennes–Braies Nature Park. Here, the scenery opens into a world of contrasts: dense forests, scree slopes, rocky saddles and a small alpine lake nestled among high-altitude pastures.
From Passo Furcia to Forcella Tre Dita: forests and panoramic switchbacks
From the pass, accessible via provincial road 43, the route follows forest road no. 3 eastwards. The trail climbs gently to a sand quarry, where the landscape becomes wilder and more rugged.
The path continues southeast, cutting across the northern slopes of Piz da Peres, at first through thick conifer woods. The ascent becomes steeper as you tackle the series of tight switchbacks leading to the spectacular Forcella Tre Dita (2330 m), a natural balcony overlooking the Braies Dolomites and the Fanes massif.
From Forcella Tre Dita to Lago dei Colli Alti: a hidden alpine gem
Beyond the saddle, trail no. 3 descends gently towards a high plateau. In just a short time you reach the Lago dei Colli Alti, a small crystal-clear lake reflecting the surrounding peaks and offering an atmosphere of absolute tranquillity. It’s the ideal place for a break: silence, alpine meadows and Dolomite scenery combine into a postcard-perfect setting.
Climb to Forcella di Lapadures and return to Passo Furcia
From the lake, the trail climbs north along a well-marked path leading to the Forcella di Lapadures (2252 m), a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Valdaora and the peaks of Plan de Corones. Here you join trail no. 32, which leads to the Capanna dei Cacciatori and then descends back to Passo Furcia, completing a harmonious and varied loop rich in natural beauty.
