Situated on the Italian-Austrian border, the summit of Croda Rossa is the perfect spot to admire the panoramic views of the highest peaks of the Austrian Alps and the Italian Dolomites. The entire trail stays above the tree line, which guarantees excellent views.
Total roundtrip distance
12.1 kilometres / 7.5 miles
Elevation gain
824 meters / 2703 feet
Time required
4-5 hours
Overview of the hike
The hike starts at Passo Stalle, a border between Italy and Austria. Given that Croda Rossa’s summit (in German: Rotwand) reaches over 2800 meters (9000 feet), the hike to the top is gradual and pleasantly easy. The elevation gain is always steady.
Only the last 100 meters below the summit get steeper and require a good balance. If you are lucky with the weather, you can see the highest peaks in Austria, including the Grossglockner, from the summit. To the South, a beautiful panorama of the Dolomites stretches ahead.
TIP: There is another summit in the Dolomites also called Croda Rossa. It is only 55 kilometres from this one. Don’t mistake one for the other. The other Croda Rossa is located in the Tre Cime Nature Park and can be reached along a via ferrata.
The map of the hike
Important info about the hike
The hike to the summit of Croda Rossa is generally snow-free between mid-June and October. The trailhead lies relatively high at about 2000 meters. However, you can expect ice on the trail during the shoulder season, especially in the morning. Those are precisely the conditions I experienced at the end of September.
When to go: Mid-June – mid-October
Trail difficulty: Challenging
Trail numbers:
Type of hike: Out and back
Highest point: 2824 meters / 9265 feet
Parking:
46.88786, 12.19996
Trailhead:
46.88786, 12.19996
Nearest town: Anterselva
Getting there
Getting to Staller Saddle Pass (Passo Stalle), where the hike to Croda Rossa begins, requires some planning. The narrow road only allows for one-way traffic. Campervans with a maximum height of 3m and 10m in length are allowed to drive through the area. The pass closes completely in mid-November until mid-May.
By bus
From the end of May until mid-October, a special shuttle bus connects Antholz with Staller Saddle Pass. All the details are here.
By car
Beware of the one-way traffic controlled by traffic lights. You can travel from Antholz to Passo Stalle every hour and 30 minutes (for example, 8:30 or 9:30 AM, etc.). To return, you can travel on the full hour (for example, 1 or 2 PM, etc.).
Overnight stay & dining possibilities
There are no mountain huts along the hike to the summit of Croda Rossa, so bring some snacks with you. There is a small café on the Staller Saddle pass (already closed at the end of September) and a small guesthouse on the Obersee lake. You can pop in there after the hike for a beer or a coffee.
Once you drive down from the pass, you will drive past Seehaus Mountain Lake Resort. I recommend stopping there for a drink. They have a great deck built directly on the Antholz lake with beautiful views of the surroundings. I marked all three places on the map.
Where to stay nearby
The nearest town to Staller Saddle Pass is Antholz in Antholz Valley. The area is mainly known for winter biathlon championships. Antholz Valley branches from Puster Valley, a well-known location for exploring the Dolomites. If you decide to hike other trails in the area, I recommend getting a base in Puster Valley.
TIP: Book a hotel that offers a free Sued Tirol Guest Pass. This pass allows you to travel on public transport around Sued Tirol free of charge. The ones I recommend below include them in your stay.
Best Value
This apartment complex is part of the beautiful historic hotel Goste in Valdaora. Apartment Guests can use the hotel’s Wellness facilities.
Top Rated
Hotel Simpaty is in a great, central, yet quiet location in Dobiacco. The facilities are modern and new.
Hello! Do you know what this trail is called on AllTrails? Thank you!
Hi Colette. It would be Rotwand or Rote Wand.
Thank you so much! Really appreciate all the effort you put in to share this information.