Dolomites: Day 2

Reciesa, 11 miles

Today I chose to hike an alpine meadow at the top of the Resciesa lift. A quick stroll right across town to the far slope brought me to the funicular that whisked me up to 7000’ feet.

I followed a popular route but instead of making it a true figure 8 hike, I left the last loop open and hiked backed down to Ortisei.

*Started at 2, west to the chapel, up & east to 21, then down red 5*

First I went with the crowd, hiking left along the hillside ~1.5 miles to the small chapel, passing a mountain refuge already busy with patrons. This was followed by a steep climb up to a cross (I blame any heavy breathing on the altitude 🙂 then made my way across a ridge/meadow over to the Brogles hut.

*Gorgeous views across the Val Gardena valley to the high Alpe di Suisi meadow*

*You can see the trail faintly tracing towards that dark hill in the distance*

At 3 miles I closed the first loop and headed over to start the 2nd meadow.

*Trail cuts across near grassy plain then skirts the top of the trees in the middle distance*

*The dark flat ridge is Secada, loved by Instagrammers everywhere. Covered in clouds this morning so glad I postponed my hike there till tomorrow*

6 miles brought me to Rifugio Brogles. I thought I’d treat myself to a hearty lunch as my work for the day was nearly done so had a filling spag bol and beer, not realizing I’d have to climb all the way back up the steep hill on a full stomach!

This is where my lack of information showed itself. I could have gone back the way I came but I’d read online I could walk back to town and it sounded easy enough except that the lady never said exactly how long it was. Well, let me tell you, it was completely downhill for 4000’ in exactly 4 miles. 2 miles basically on a ridge thru thick forest and 2 miles on the road. Not overly steep but my feet were barking at the end!