Hike from Santel to the Paganella Peak

The Altopiano della Paganella boasts one of the most extensive hiking networks of the Alps. Cima Paganella delights visitors with a truly remarkable all-round view of the north-eastern mountain massifs, the Brenta Dolomites and Lake Garda.

At the car park of Santel, a hamlet of the municipality of Fai della Paganella, we take path no. 602. The itinerary runs across a dense fir wood, then climbs to Dosso della Rocca, where we take the trail branching off to the left. The latter winds across flat pastures before passing Malga di Fai and entering the forest. At this point we take the steep path towards Rifugio Dosso Larici on the right, which continues among mountain pines. It then branches off left, merges with a ski slope, and soon reaches the cima Paganella. Just 10 minutes from the peak lies the rifugio La Roda hut, where we take a rest after a three-hour ascent.

The descent proceeds along the western slope, offering views of the impressive Brenta Dolomites. Initially, we follow the signposts to Malga Zambana and then to the parcheggio Santel where we had parked our car.

Undertaken in: September 2017
Last updated in: 2026

Author: Giacomo Roccabruna