Grand Cir towers over one of the most famous passes in the Dolomites- Gardena Pass. From the top you can easily see the Seceda ridgeline towers, Alpe De Siusi plateau, Sella group, and even the towering Mount Pelmo (in the far East). It’s a fairly quick climb to the top albeit steep most of the way. Some sections of the route are protected with via ferrata cables and gear is recommended especially if you have a fear of heights. Be aware however that most of the route is class 3 scrambling and is NOT protected.
This is more of a hike and scramble than a via ferrata route.
Trail Details:
Distance: 2.3 miles Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1500 feet (470m)
Difficulty: Easy via ferrata/ moderate hike
Time: 2-4 hours
Trail start:
Gardena Pass – Behind Hotel Cir
The trail starts right behind the hotel Cir and climbs steeply up narrow trails, or more gradually up the chair lift access roads. Either paths will eventually lead to the easily visible destination. (You can see the summit cross from the bottom if you squint!) Parking is available around various locations at the pass. We spent the night at Hotel Cir so made use of the free parking included in our stay.
Trail Description:
The first 15 minutes or so if fairly easy hiking up a gentler slope. Once you get to the base of the gully there will be a sign marking the way to Grand Cir.
The trail is noted with red marks and makes a series or small switchbacks and stairs up the left side of the gully. At the top of this area (another 10 minutes or so) the trail crosses over and begins the first cable section up a ledge to the right. If you brought gear there is plenty or room to harness up before beginning the cables.
The first cable section is pretty easy and seems to be protected in cases of wet weather where the rock would be very slick. It goes around the corner a little ways and then the steep hiking/ scrambling begins.
There’s a couple of “false” summits and great viewpoints as the trail climbs. There is one more short section of cable but most of the climb is unprotected and pretty exposed.
The trail is fairly easy to follow with red marks continued all the way to the top. I only noticed 1 or 2 spots where the actual trail made a sharp turn that wasn’t as obvious and it would be easy to get off trail. Make sure to always be looking for those marks though and it will be easy to find your way.
Below left: The 2nd short cable section. Below right: The first view of the summit cross from the trail.
At the top admire the 360 degree view and large cross that marks the summit on what feels like every peak in the Dolomites. Eat a snack. Enjoy the breeze, and prepare for a quicker and somewhat easier way down.
Where to stay:
Hotel Cir was a great place to stay if this hike is a must on your list. It enables you to hike for sunset or sunrise easily or if you get there mid day, there’s plenty of parking! Otherwise consider some cheaper options in Val Gardena or Ortisei which are great bases for the other nearby points of interest.
If you don’t want to stay on Gardena Pass, then Selva Di Val Gardena or Corvara are the 2 closest towns (about 15-20 minutes away) from the trailhead.
Other Points of interest nearby:
Alpe Di Siusi