A stunning circular hike at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites near Madonna di Campiglio leading to the Cascate Alte di Vallesinella, as well as to the rifugi Casinei, Tuckett and Quinto Sella mountain huts
Image gallery: Hike to the Cascate di Vallesinella and the Rifugio Tuckett hut
In Madonna di Campiglio we take the shuttle service to Rifugio Vallesinella (1,450 m a.s.l.), the starting point of our hike. From here, we follow the path to the Cascate Alte di Vallesinella, reaching these stunning natural gems in 20 minutes. The fresh and clear water of the Sarca di Vallesinella stream emerges from the rocks and forms impressive waterfalls. We continue walking.
Along the same path we reach the Malga Alta di Vallesinella, from where we proceed on path no. 317B towards the Rifugio Casinel (at 1,850 m a.s.l.). The mountain hut is situated on a clearing in the forest, offering a view of the Adamello glacier and towards the Brenta Dolomites. We follow path no. 317 which takes us to the forest limit in just over an hour, right below the massive rock of Castello di Vallesinella. We are right in the heart of the Brenta Dolomites.
After the last uphill section, we arrive at the Rifugio di Francis Fox Tuckett and the Rifugio Quinto Sella at more than 2,200 metres a.s.l. Here, we enjoy a spectacular view of the peaks of the Brenta Group, extending from the Val Rendena to the Adamello Glacier and the Presanella and the Cevedale groups. For our return we choose path 328 which delights us with a different landscape composed of Dolomite rocks first and alpine meadows later on.
Once back at the Rifugio Casinei, we descend along the path to the Rifugio Vallesinella, constantly following signpost no. 317. Please note: Surefootedness is required for this hike. The four-kilometre-long road from Madonna di Campiglio to the car park at the Vallesinella Hut can be driven in your own car during set times - otherwise, a shuttle service also operates here. Another beautiful summer hike in the area is the one from the Vallesinella Hut to the Brentei Hut.
Author: AT
Experienced: July 2016
Last update: 2025
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- Starting point:
- parking space of the Vallesinella Mountain Hut (accessible via road from Madonna di Campiglio)
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- Overall time:
- 04:30 h
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- Total route length:
- 10,6 km
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- Altitude:
- from 1.522 m to 2.273 m
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- Altitude difference:
- +768 m | -768 m
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- Signposts:
- Cascate Alte di Vallesinella, 317B, 317, Rifugio Tuckett, 328, 318, 317, Rifugio Vallesinella
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- Destination:
- Rifugio Francis Fox Tuckett, Rifugio Quintino Sella
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- Resting points:
- Rifugio Casinei, Rifugio Francis Fox Tuckett, Rifugio Quintino Sella
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- Download GPX track:
- Hike to the Cascate di Vallesinella and the Rifugio Tuckett hut
If you want to do this hike, we suggest you to check the weather and trail conditions in advance and on site before setting out.
