STAGE 1. LAGO DEL DURIGAT - BIVACCO COSTANZI

Distance: 8.5 km

Elevation gain: 695 m

Duration: 4.30 hours

From Lago del Durigat (1869 m) continue along the SAT 313 forest road and in 10 minutes reach a fork: from here climbing the Rifugio Peller (1990 m) is reachable in 5 minutes.

The DBT Expert continues straight along the flat forest road and reaches Malga Clesera (1889 m) in 45 minutes.

From Malga Clesera, take the SAT 308 (E) trail which leads with a small climb to Lago delle Salare (2004 m). Here, leave the SAT 308 (E) sign to reach Passo della Forcola (2105 m) a bit higher on the left. Nice view of Monte Peller behind. Duration Malga Clesera – Passo della Forcola 45 minutes.

From Passo della Forcola descend to the very green Pian della Nana, an area where marmots are often sighted, to rejoin the Via Ferrata “Claudio Costanzi” SAT 336 (EEA – D) crossing the whole plain passing through Passo della Nana (2195 m) up to the east side of Cima Nana in 2 hours. Here, leave the Costanzi trail to reach Selletta della Nana (2530 m) and take the G. Albasini Trail going down to Bivacco A. Costanzi (2365 m) in 30 minutes where there is also a spring.

Bivouac facilities: mattresses, blankets, cushions for tables, benches, water tanks

STAGE 2. BIVACCO COSTANZI - RIFUGIO GRAFFER

Distance: 14.4 km

Elevation gain: 1272 m

Duration: 5.45 hours

From the bivouac ascend in 30 minutes on the SAT 365 (EE) sign until joining the SAT 329 (EE) trail descending to the wild Val del Vento up to the ruins of Malga Scale (1590 m) in 1.30 hours.

From Malga Scale's meadow continue on ups and downs along SAT 355 (T) crossing Val Centonia reaching a fork (1505 m) with a forest road ascending to Malga Mondifrà (1632 m). Duration Malga Scale – Malga Mondifrà 2 hours.

The last stretch of the Expert route from Malga Mondifrà to Passo del Grostè follows unnumbered SAT trails but still marked.

From Malga Mondifrà follow signs to Malga Vaglianella (1826 m) reached in 30 minutes, partly on trail and partly on forest road. From Malga Vaglianella continue on forest road for another 30 minutes to Malga Vagliana (1974 m), then continue straight on a fairly steep path up to 2180 m. Here the panorama changes radically: behind the green pastures of Val di Sole and in front, the jagged peaks and scree of Pietra Grande and Grostè summits. In 1.15 hours, the trail flattens up to Rifugio Graffer (2263 m). Duration Malga Mondifrà – Passo del Grostè 2.15 hours.

STAGE 3. RIFUGIO GRAFFER - RIFUGIO BRENTEI

Distance: 8.5 km

Elevation gain: 415 m

Duration: 3.00 hours

From Rifugio Graffer (2263 m) ascend along SAT 331 (E) until in 0.30 hours joining SAT 316 (E) coming from Passo Grostè which with an easy up and down leads to Rifugio Tuckett (2271 m) in 1.00 hour.

Continue descending along the gentle and panoramic SAT 328 (E) trail to Sella del Fridolin (2143 m), crossing first scree and then a larch forest. Just below the grassy Sella del Fridolin meet the fork with Bogani Trail SAT 318 (E) ascending from Rifugio Casinei. Following this 318 sign ascend skirting the steep right side of Val Brenta and passing through Galleria Bogani which avoids a very exposed section up to Rifugio Maria e Alberto ai Brentei (2182 m). The itinerary connecting the two huts is a classic route with no particular difficulties except a slightly exposed section near Galleria Bogani. Duration Rifugio Tuckett – Rifugio Brentei 1 hour.

From now and until Malga Spora the DBT Expert route is considered for experienced hikers with equipment and presents many difficulties. The use of harness, via ferrata kit, helmet, and crampons is necessary.

STAGE 4. RIFUGIO BRENTEI - RIFUGIO XII APOSTOLI

Distance: 5 km

Elevation gain: 923 m

Duration: 3.30 hours

From Rifugio Brentei continue on the “Daniele Martinazzi” Via Ferrata SAT 327 (EEA – MD) crossing the bottom of Val Brenta passing below the frozen wall of Canalone Neri connecting Cima Tosa to Crozzon di Brenta and ascending the opposite side right under the north ridge of Crozzon di Brenta. From here move alongside the west wall of Crozzon and reach on equipped rocks and snow Bocca dei Camosci (2784 m) crossing the homonymous glacier. Duration Rifugio Brentei – Bocca dei Camosci 2.45 hours.

From Bocca dei Camosci descend to Rifugio XII Apostoli (2487 m) in about 45 minutes on scree along the equipped Ideal Via Ferrata SAT 304 (EEA – MD).

STAGE 5. RIFUGIO XII APOSTOLI - RIFUGIO AGOSTINI

Distance: 2.5 km

Elevation gain: 364 m

Duration: 2.30 hours

From Rifugio XII Apostoli ascend the “Ettore Castiglioni” Via Ferrata SAT 321 (EEA – MD) up to Bocchetta dei Due Denti (2859 m) in 1.10 hours. This initial section is not equipped; fixtures start from Bocchetta. From Bocchetta dei Due Denti the route descends equipped with iron ladders requiring harness and helmet. This very panoramic and decidedly exposed section with vertical drops over the Val d’Ambiez basin then continues on scree to Rifugio S. Agostini (2405 m) right under Cima d’Ambiez (3103 m), famous for its routes. Duration Rifugio XII Apostoli – Rifugio S. Agostini 2.30 hours.

STAGE 6. RIFUGIO AGOSTINI - RIFUGIO PEDROTTI

Distance: 6 km

Elevation gain: 478 m

Duration: 2.30 hours

Below Rifugio S. Agostini starts the “Elio Palmieri” Lower Trail SAT 320 (E), a fairly easy and panoramic trail crossing the amphitheater of Alta Val d’Ambiez ascending to Forcolotta di Noghera (2423 m) in 1 hour on an easy up and down path. Continue always on SAT 320 passing from Forcolotta into Alta Val di Ceda, slightly descending and skirting the deep karst depression of Pozza Tramontana. The trail circumvents the large Pozza Tramontana without touching the bottom and ascends at the foot of the south face of Cima Brenta Bassa where it meets the fork with SAT 358 (EEA – D). Duration Forcolotta di Noghera – SAT 358 fork 1 hour. At the fork continue on SAT 358 (EEA – D) which in 30 minutes leads to Rifugio Pedrotti and Tosa (2491 m). Total duration Rifugio S. Agostini – Rifugio Pedrotti Tosa 2.30 hours.

STAGE 7. RIFUGIO PEDROTTI - MALGA SPORA

Distance: 9.5 km

Elevation gain: 1007 m

Duration: 6.00 hours

From Rifugio Pedrotti descend for a few minutes to a plateau just below Rifugio Tosa (2439 m) and take the SAT 303 (EEA – D) Osvaldo Orsi Equipped Trail which climbs and descends around the base of the large rock face of Cima Brenta Alta and after a short section emerges into Busa degli Sfulmini e dei Massodi (2380 m) crowned by the stunning wall of Cima Brenta Alta, Campanil Basso and Alto, and Cima degli Sfulmini. The trail follows the whole threshold of the basin, continues flat in Busa dei Armi (2450 m), then briefly ascends at the foot of Naso dei Massodi (2510 m) from where it overlooks Val Perse. From here the trail runs a comfortable equipped ledge with metal handrail (Sega Alta) carved into the overhanging wall and descends along a short cliff into Val Perse. Staying in altitude crossing scree and snowfields it skirts the base of the east face of Cima Brenta and climbs in scree just below Bocca del Tuckett (2540 m) where the fork with SAT 322 (EE) is evident. Duration Rifugio Pedrotti Tosa – SAT 322 fork 2.30 hours. This wild and scree-covered area offers a continuous variety of scenery and offers suggestive views of the jagged spires typical of Brenta. Use of helmet and crampons is necessary, and in some points the trail is equipped with cables.

From below Bocca del Tuckett descend considerably on the Val Perse Trail SAT 322 (EE) passing Busa dell’Acqua (1955 m) and reaching in about 1.30 hours the fork (1600 m) with SAT 344 (E) in the Vallazza valley floor. Following SAT 344 (E) ascend the opposite side on a very steep and challenging trail reaching Passo del Clamer (2164 m) in 1.30 hours.

Here begins the second part of the route developing in the wildest and most unknown area of the Group. From Passo Clamer a final spectacular view of the rock massif of Central Brenta is had, which was just crossed, characterized by wide scree, karst depressions, and dotted with small glaciers and snowfields. From now on, the itinerary will be characterized by green valleys rich in flora, fauna, meadows, and mountain farms. The switch from the gray of the rocks to the green habitat of the bear is remarkable.

From Passo Clamer descend along the simple grassy slope of SAT 344 (E) trail which in 30 minutes reaches Malga Spora (1855 m) (with bivouac).

STAGE 8. MALGA SPORA - MALGA FLAVONA

Distance: 17.5 km

Elevation gain: 1200 m

Duration: 5.45 hours

From Malga Spora continue on SAT 301 (EE) descending from Rifugio Graffer toward Andalo crossing the area of monumental larches. In 30 minutes reach the meadow of Malga Cavedago where take the fork (1848 m) with SAT 338 (E) ascending the beautiful Val dei Cavai up to Sella del Montoz (2327 m) in 1 hour with a not too strenuous climb. From the saddle descend in 1 hour to Malga Campa (1975 m) (with bivouac).

From Malga Campa, SAT 370 (E) quickly ascends to Bocchetta della Campa and then descends through larch and pine woods to Malga Loverdina (1768 m). Duration Malga Campa – Malga Loverdina 1 hour.

From Malga Loverdina continue toward Malga Termoncello (1852 m) (with a small bivouac) on SAT 339 (E) trail reaching Passo Termoncello (1856 m) in 30 minutes. At Passo Termoncello take SAT 330 (E) long but flat trail which remains at altitude and alternating the scree of Val Strangola with larch woods offers wonderful views of Lago di Tovel and reaches Malga Flavona (1858 m) in 1.45 hours.

STAGE 9. MALGA FLAVONA - MALGA TUENA

Distance: 8 km

Elevation gain: 694 m

Duration: 3 hours

The DBT Expert route continues from Malga Flavona taking SAT 371 (E) trail descending in 30 minutes to Malga Pozzol (1632 m) with bivouac and entering the typical larch and spruce forest of Val di Tovel. From Malga Pozzol follow SAT 314 (E) on forest road which in 40 minutes leads to the junction with Dena Trail SAT 312 (E). After 30 minutes of constant ascent on SAT 312 turn right following Dolomiti di Brenta Trek signs on a non-SAT trail. This fauna-rich, wild and suggestive trail skirts Dos De La Mandra and in 1.20 hours of ups and downs leads to Agritur Malga Tuena (1740 m) offering food and lodging.

STAGE 10. MALGA TUENA - LAGO DEL DURIGAT

Distance: 8 km

Elevation gain: 682 m

Duration: 3.10 hours

From Malga Tuena take a forest road descending to the valley floor. After about 10 minutes, on the left branches off SAT 311 (E) trail marked by a wooden sign on a tree indicating Rifugio Peller. This leads in 2.10 hours to Pian della Nana where just before Malga Tassulla (2090 m) it joins the SAT 336 (E) sign reaching it in 5 minutes.

Following SAT 336 (E) continue from Malga Tassulla on a forest road for 45 minutes up to Lago del Durigat (1869 m) skirting Monte Peller. Rifugio Peller is only 15 minutes from Lago del Durigat and is reached continuing on the forest road marked SAT 313.

VARIANTS TO DOLOMITI BRENTA TREK EXPERT

MALGA FLAVONA – PASSO GROSTÈ VARIANT

Those who started from Campo Carlo Magno now have the possibility to shorten the route cutting through Passo Grostè and quickly reconnect in 3 hours of walk to the pass itself, thus skipping the whole DBT sector overlooking Lago di Tovel and covering the Monte Peller area.

Distance: 7.6 km

Elevation gain: 582 m

Duration: 2.40 hours

From Malga Flavona ascend the pasture plateau of Campo Flavona (2198 m) along SAT 371 (E) until reconnecting in 1.20 hours with SAT 301 (E) which climbs from Malga Spora. Ascend towards Passo Grostè in 1.40 hours along SAT 301 (E) with passages on non-demanding rocky sections and passing Sella del Turion (between Monte Turrion Alto and Basso). This is an interesting area geologically because it is a plateau carved by karst phenomena.

MALGA SPORA – PASSO GROSTÈ VARIANT

Those who started from Campo Carlo Magno now have the possibility to shorten the route cutting through Passo Grostè and quickly reconnect in 3 hours of walk to the pass itself, thus skipping the greener and wilder northern sector of the DBT overlooking Lago di Tovel and Monte Peller.

Distance: 6.1 km

Elevation gain: 591 m

Duration: 2.40 hours

From Malga Spora ascend passing the east side of Crozzon della Spora along SAT 301 (E) to Passo della Gaiarda (2242 m) in 1.20 hours. From here descend slightly and then ascend to Passo Grostè in 1.40 hours with passages on non-demanding rocky sections and passing Sella del Turion (between Monte Turrion Alto and Basso). This is an interesting area geologically because it is a plateau carved by karst phenomena.

RIFUGIO BRENTEI – RIFUGIO PEDROTTI TOSA VARIANT

The total duration from Rifugio Brentei to Rifugio Pedrotti Tosa passing Rifugio XII Apostoli and Rifugio Agostini is 8.30 hours along trails classified EEA-MD, i.e., equipped with fixtures and suitable for experienced alpinist hikers equipped with harness, helmet, and crampons. The following proposed variant avoids the alpinist trails and via ferratas described above and shortens the time needed for the crossing from Rifugio Brentei to Rifugio Pedrotti Tosa.

Distance: 3.1 km

Elevation gain: 400 m

Duration: 1.10 hours

From Rifugio Brentei ascend along SAT 318 (EE on the Rifugio Brentei – Bocca di Brenta section) called also Brentei Trail. Reach Bocca di Brenta (2552 m) passing at the foot of Campanil Basso and crossing large scree. Bocca di Brenta is a rocky and debris saddle connecting Val Brenta (Rifugio Brentei) with Vallone dei Massodi (Rifugio Tosa). It is the most important and frequented pass of the Brenta Group and was first crossed in 1864 by J. Ball. From Bocca di Brenta descend quickly to Rifugio Pedrotti (2487 m). Duration Rifugio Brentei – Rifugio Pedrotti 1.10 hours.