Starting from Misurina, the Val Popena Alta offers a route immersed in the most authentic nature of the Dolomites. After about three kilometers along the road to Carbonin, near a wide bend and the bridge at 1659 m, a comfortable trail enters the valley with a moderate incline. The path follows the left bank of the stream, climbs a rocky step and opens into bright meadows dotted with dwarf pines.
Towards the Sella di Popena
At a fork, it is recommended to take the right-hand branch, the more panoramic option: a series of switchbacks leads to the base of the Cristallino di Misurina. Here the trail bends sharply south and reaches the Sella di Popena (2224 m), where the ruins of the old Popena hut stand. The view stretches across the Marmarole and Sorapis, rewarding every step of the ascent.
From this point, the well-marked trail 222 descends a steep scree gully with regular switchbacks. At a junction, two options appear:
- Right (recommended): a more scenic route towards the Sorapis, with flat stretches among rocks and pines, followed by a descent through the forest.
- Left: a more direct variant that reaches the road about 1 km before the Passo Tre Croci.
Following the right-hand branch, you still arrive at the Passo Tre Croci (1805 m), about 6 km from Misurina, served by summer buses.
Return to Misurina
From the pass, turn left: a gentle descent offers splendid views of the Cadini di Misurina. You then meet trail 224, which leads back to the village. Before returning, it is worth heading briefly north to admire the striking Guglia De Amicis, a legendary climbing landmark of Tita Piaz, the “devil of the Dolomites”.
