In the wildest and most fascinating sector of the Pale di San Martino Plateau, north of Cima della Fradusta, lie two high‑altitude gems: Lake Fradusta and the more secluded Lake Manna. Their lunar landscapes, deep silence and endless horizons make this hike one of the most captivating in the entire Dolomite range.
From San Martino to Rifugio Rosetta
The adventure begins in San Martino di Castrozza, where you can ascend comfortably by chairlift or hike up along trail 701. In about 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours, you reach the Pedrotti–Rosetta Hut, gateway to the plateau and starting point for exploring this extraordinary environment.
Towards the high‑altitude passes and lakes
From the hut, follow the 709 trail eastward, reaching Passo Pradidali Basso in roughly 50 minutes. The view opens onto a vast stone landscape shaped by time, an environment that invites you to slow down and take it all in.
Continue along trail 707 to Passo della Fradusta, a strategic point from which the routes to the lakes branch off. To reach the more remote Lake Manna, head north‑west, crossing a bright, undulating rocky plateau.
Ascent to Cima Fradusta
For those wishing to complete the experience, it is possible to climb Cima della Fradusta (2937 m) from the lake area in about 1 hour. The mountain features a glacier‑shaped northern slope and a spectacular 400‑metre rock face to the south. The ascent is easy but requires good visibility and proper equipment, as you are moving in a high‑mountain environment.
