We chatted with the front desk about our best options to get to Seceda, which is considered one of the best spots to visit in the Dolomites. You basically have three options.
1. You go to Ortisei and take two gondolas up to the top, no hiking involved…aka…you are a pussy “Instagrammer asshole”.
2. You remain in St. Cristina and drive a short distance to Col. Raiser gondola, take it part of the way up, and hike the final 4km to the top.
3. You hike all the way up. You are a young Stud (or Studette, or Birthing Studebaker)…I can’t keep things straight these days…damnit…sorry, didn’t mean to say “straight”.
We are not “Instagrammer assholes” nor are we “Birthing Studebakers”, so we picked option 2.
Excellent views all the way to the top!
I’ve read several reviews of this hike, but the views just can’t be talked about, they must be experienced. This has got to be one of the most beautiful places in the world!
At every turn there is another beautiful view. I’m so happy I didn’t do this 40 years ago, or I’d still be in debt to Kodak (and I’d have boxes of double prints in my closet).
We were told the trail to the top is well marked. It may be marked, but unless you know all the waypoints to the top, you will end up way off course like we did. So, when you see this sign, head uphill, not to the left!
We are heading to Seceda, but the trail to the left wants to take you to the Seceda lift, not the spot we are trying to reach. Consider this extra half hour of hiking we did as a favor to you!
I presume these are supposed to protect you on your hike? We saw several of them. He didn’t help to guide us…and isn’t that what he is supposed to do? Now if he could make water into wine…I’d have a new best friend!
I will be using the word “incredible” a lot in the Dolomites! The views are out of this world! Can you see Kim in this photo? Squint hard…she’s there! Or just click on the photo and zoom in. That’s far easier….like taking the gondola from Ortisei!
This is the view to the north. I could live here.
I’ve heard this place is supposed to be crazy crowded, but I only saw a few other people while we were there. Late September? Cool.
Your happy retired hosts!
There is a nice little Refugio, which apparently means “restaurant in the middle of nowhere”, on the way back down.
We had some goulash soup and beer. They were both excellent!
The views on the way down are just as good as on the way up. The light was hitting some of the mountains a little better since it was around 3:30 in the afternoon.
Needless to say, if you visit the Dolomites, this is a “must do”! A final view from the top of the gondola.
Tomorrow, more “incredible”!