The summit of Ra Gusela is an iconic peak that captures many a photographer’s attention… but usually from below on the Giau Pass. Little do they know, it’s a fairly straight forward hike and via ferrata to the summit – with a bonus easy visit to the summit of Mount Nuvolau as well. From the top are panoramic views of the Cinque Torri (5 tower) region, several huts, Mount Averau, Mount Lagazuoi, and of course the even higher summits like the Marmolada.
Trail/ Via Ferrata Details
Trailhead:
Giau Pass – This area has large free parking lots but it is very popular. Get there early to get a better spot. We had to park down the road and walk up to the pass getting there around 11AM.
Trailhead to Ra Gusela
1.5 miles
1200 feet climb
1 cable section
Time: 1.5- 2 hours
Follow signs for Via Ferrata Nuvolau. The trail quickly branches off to the right from the main Gaiu Pass area. It weaves among boulders and beautiful meadows, generally making for easy walking for the first 0.5 mile. Stay left at the next 2 forks which happen in quick succession.
From there the trail will climb very steeply aiming for a saddle between the mountain and a tower. This saddle is the start of the short cable section.
Photo on the left shows just about the entire length of cable en route to Ra Gusela. It’s pretty vertical but a lot like climbing steep stairs.
After the cables, again stay left to head for the summit of Ra Gusela. The trail is flat through a boulder field but then will climb steeply again for the final summit push.
On the right, you will see the short cable section to Nuvolau. If you’re tired you can always skip Ra Gusela’s summit and head to the right. I recommend climbing up though as it’s definitely a cool view from the first summit. Other views include an incredible site down onto Cortina D’ampezzo.
Photo on the left is at the bottom of the final summit push to Ra Gusela… Pretty intimidating view but we did it! Smiling and happy to be on top selfie on the right!
What. a. view. This direction shows mount Nuvolau and the hut by the same name. Mount Averau is the pinnacle directly behind it. Then the mountain layer just behind Averau is Mount Lagazuoi where we just were that morning!
The sharp edges of Croda da Lago on the left and the ever-imposing Mount Pelmo on the right.
Ra Gusela Summit To Nuvolau Summit
0.4 miles
314 descent
245 feet climb
Time: 30 min- 1 hour
Watch out for deep cracks running through the mountain! I couldn’t see the bottom of this one….
After a rest at the first summit, head down from Ra Gusela and again take left forks to stay high. After a quick descent and some short climbing, the cable section to Nuvolau’s summit and hut will start. This cable section is again very short and even easier than the first section. You will be at the top in no time.
Looking back at Ra Gusela’s peak. You can see the network of trails and splits making numerous ways to get between the peaks and the approach trail.
Nuvolau Summit to Rifugio Averau
0.5 miles
500 feet descent
Time: 30 min
From the summit of Nuvolau, continue on the obvious trail heading down. Eventually it will start to branch off- make sure to stay left to go to the Rifugio Averau and not have to climb back up a hill. Staying to the right will head down towards the Cinque Torri hut and dirt access road.
Averau Hut To Giau Pass
Distance: 1.5 miles- 2 miles (there are more than one path leading to the same place, one is steeper than the other but shorter)
Elevation change: 150 feet short climbs overall, 550 feet descent overall
Time: 1.5-2 hours
After a short (or long – recommended) rest at the Averau hut, take the trail heading down the cable car side (again to the left) The trails are easy to see as they cut across the meadow. Following the steep cable car path is easier but a little longer. You can see where the trail cuts left off the road – that’s the route you’ll take for the 2 mile route.
If you want to go the more adventurous way…. then take the first left cut higher on the meadow. This trail will go down a steep rocky gully with some of the loosest footing we had on our trip. Use caution if you go this way. Eventually both paths will meet again as the trail converges into one on a short climb back up. If you watch the cliffs above your head you might be able to spot the Nuvolau hut again where you just were! Then it’s a relatively flat/ slight descent as you make your way through a boulder section and back to the main Gaiu pass area!
Our experience:
My review of this trail is… a little mixed. On the one hand, there are great views, and the trail has some fun sections. On the other hand, I had been hoping for more Via Ferrata action than we had. For the 4-5 hours of hiking involved, there’s maybe 15 minutes of cables. The sections of cable there were I found the gear very helpful but potentially doable without gear if you are a strong climber. The trail is beautifully not crowded at all though so that’s always a win in my book.
I also enjoyed looking over at Mount Lagazuoi where we had had woken up that morning and admiring Mount Averau which I planned to climb for sunrise the next day. Looking down on the Nuvolau hut is very cool and a perspective you won’t get without summiting one of the 2 neighboring peaks.
Overall, I wouldn’t rate it as a “must” but I certainly don’t regret scheduling it into our lengthy vacation as I enjoyed the trail, loved our experience spending the night in the Averau hut, and am still drooling over the sunrise photos I got on Mount Averau. It’s not a “must” compared to other wow trails in the area but I absolutely can still recommend it.