From Monte Croce pass to the Rudi mountain hut

This easy hike through the forest leads up to the Prati di Croda Rossa (Rotwand-Wiesen) meadows above Sesto

Map See map
The starting point of our hike is Monte Croce pass, south of Sesto.
Foto: AT, © Peer
We follow the road towards West to the edge of the forest.
Foto: AT, © Peer
From there we take the path n. 18.
Foto: AT, © Peer
We walk across the forest.
Foto: AT, © Peer
In winter this path becomes a ski path and links Monte Croce pass to the slopes of the Croda Rossa skiing area.
Foto: AT, © Peer
In August the willowherbs along the path are already in bloom.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The path runs along some moderate slopes and in fact, we only cover 300 m of difference in altitude on a length of 5 km.
Foto: AT, © Peer
In the forest the blueberries are riping.
Foto: AT, © Peer
Some days ago a cloudburst has damaged the path in some spots but fortunately they are still transitable.
Foto: AT, © Peer
Normally the alpine roses’ blossoming should be over in July but us you can see in the photo, there are some exceptions.
Foto: AT, © Peer
Foto: AT, © Peer
After almost an hour of walking we arrive at the meadows of the Schellaboden.
Foto: AT, © Peer
They delight us with a view on the Croda Rossa di Sesto.
Foto: AT, © Peer
We continue to walk in the forest until we arrive at a crossroad…
Foto: AT, © Peer
…where we take the mountain signs to the cable car.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The path across the forest is almost even.
Foto: AT, © Peer
After having crossed a meadow, which is used as a ski slope in winter, we are almost at there.
Foto: AT, © Peer
Blooming meadows and stunning views on the surrounding mountains await us.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The Croda Rsosa meadows with a view on the Croda Rossa of Sesto.
Foto: AT, © Peer
View towards the Punta dei tre Scarperi (Dreischusterspitze).
Foto: AT, © Peer
Foto: AT, © Peer
The Rudi mountain hut is the final destination of our hike.
Foto: AT, © Peer
Especially the children are looking forward to observing reindeers in the near paddock.
Foto: AT, © Peer

From Monte Croce pass to the Rudi mountain hut - offers nearby:
7 nights from 830 € per person

Monte Croce pass (1, 630 m) is located along the strada statale carnica (SS52) road between Sesto and Comelico. The starting point of our hike to the Rudi mountain hut is the car park in front of the hotel on the pass. We walk along the road to Sesto for a short section befure turning left and taking a gravel road at the edge of the forest. Then we follow the mountain sign n. 18. The forest road towards west has some minor uphill sections. Here, nature is characterised by needle trees, blueberries and alpine roses.

We leave the mountain huts on the Schellabboden behind and are delighted with a stunning view on the peaks of the Croda Rossa di Sesto. From here we follow the path n. 18 across the forest until we reach a crossroad where we take the hiking path to the cable car that branches off right of the forest road. The stretch that leads up to the Croda Rossa meadows is almost even and takes us to the Rudi mountain hut, a renowned mountain inn where we will stop for lunch.

At the Croda Rossa meadows we enjoy a magnificent view on the Punta dei tre Scarperi that dominates the Val Fiscalina valley. On our way back we take the same path as on our way there.

stroller-friendly suited for families difficulty: easy dog-friendly