A fascinating hike that climbs through the Val Franzedas to the panoramic Forca Rossa Pass, a symbolic site of the First World War and a natural link between Malga Ciapela and Passo San Pellegrino. A route rich in history and nature, ideal for those who love solitude and the quieter Dolomite valleys.
Itinerary
From Malga Ciapela, follow the road towards the campsite, crossing the wide Pian Grant until you reach the bridge over the Ru Scalon, where you can leave your car. From here, the ascent begins along the military mule track leading to Rifugio Falier. After a few switchbacks, you reach a junction: turn left to enter the heart of the valley.
The trail climbs steadily, overcoming a series of bends that lead into the beautiful Val Franzedas, an open and silent environment dominated by pastures and larch woods. The malga on the left marks the entrance to the wilder upper valley.
The path becomes steeper as it rises through the grassy basin, while the Dolomite scenery opens up ahead: Forca Rossa, framed between Col Becher (2,444 m) and Piz Le Grane (2,760 m), dominates the horizon; to the left, the Aula ridge closes the valley with its rocky walls.
Reaching the upper part of the valley, leave trail 689, which leads to Passo di Col Becher, and follow trail 694. A wide military mule track quickly brings you to Forca Rossa (2,490 m), a broad and panoramic pass once considered a strategic stronghold during the First World War.
The pass was in fact occupied on the very first day of the war by the Alpine battalion “Val Cordevole”, which immediately recognised its importance as a communication route between Malga Ciapela and Passo San Pellegrino.
The descent follows the same route, with caution on the steeper sections and in case of poor visibility.
