Our very last via ferrata adventure of this trip was in the Brenta group. The Brenta are a regionally distinct separate sub-group of the dolomites, and this was our first visit to them. We climbed a section of a famous high-level ferrata called the via delle bochette.
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Regional Locator Map: Via delle Bocchette
This is a regional locator map showing the general location of the central part of the Via delle Bochette.
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Camping near Brenta
Our campground in the Brenta. situated not far south of Madonna di Campiglio.
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Which way to go?
The confusing mix of signs at the start of trail into the Brenta Group of Dolomites. We are headed towards rifugio Brentei.
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Adamello-Brenta entrance
The entrance to the national park of the Brenta-Adamello mountainous region. Our trail starts through here.
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First, a bridge
Brian at the bridge crossing the Vallesinella stream just below the parking lot.
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Well-maintained trail
The first bit of trail to the rif. Casinei is wide, forested, and well-maintained.
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Wooden hiker
An interesting wooden hiker greets you just below the rifugio Casinei
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Jenn hikes into the Brenta
Jenn hikes into the Brenta Dolomites group.
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Jenn hikes into the Brenta
Jenn hikes into the Brenta Dolomites group.
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Gottfried hitches a ride
Jenn happily carries Gottfried on her back. My, what a beautiful place these Brenta Dolomites are, exclaims Gottfried.
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Brian approaches treeline
Brian approaches treeline on trail 318.
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courtesy BConnell
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Beautiful Bells
I think this is a type of harebell or something similar. Very pretty.
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Jenn hikes through Latschen
Jenn hikes through dense subalpine fir on the way to treeline in the Brenta.
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Trail commemoration
Jenn stops at a trail commemoration plaque along 318, our trail that leads to our rifugio (rifugio Brentei).
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Exposed trail
Even the trail up here is exposed, with a steep dropoff. It is wide and has a hand-rail, though, so no problems at all.
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Exposed trail
Even the trail up here is exposed, with a steep dropoff. It is wide and has a hand-rail, though, so no problems at all.
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Brian finally shows up
After a long wait, Brian wanders up to where we are on the trail.
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Brian rounds a corner
Brian rounding an airy corner on trail 318.
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Entering the Galleria
Jenn enters a neat little section of trail 318 called the Galleria Bogani.
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Entering the Galleria
Jenn enters a neat little section of trail 318 called the Galleria Bogani.
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Galleria Bogani
The entrance to the Galleria Bogani, a small cave that trail 318 goes through on the way to rif. Brentei.
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Shrine in Gallery
The small shrine in the Bogani Gallery, trail 318
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Towers of the Brenta
Jenn hikes towards the ever more jagged spires of the Brenta Dolomites. Rif. Brentei is now in sight in the distance.
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Approaching rifugio
Jenn approaches the Rifugio Brentei, our stop for the night.
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Rifugio Brentei
This is the Rifugio Brentei Maria e Alberto (or just Rifugio Brentei for short). Note the excellent position of the rifugio on the mountain. Very scenic.
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Rifugio Brentei
This is the Rifugio Brentei Maria e Alberto (or just Rifugio Brentei for short). Note the excellent position of the rifugio on the mountain. Very scenic.
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Jenn approaches Rifugio
Jenn approaches the Rifugio Brentei. Note the very skinny little glacier in the narrow gully in the background.
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Mischievous bunkmate
My upper bunkmate has mischief in her eyes!
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On the deck
On the deck at the Rifugio Brentei.
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Rif. Brentei Dining room
The quaint alpine-atmosphere dining room in the rifugio Brentei.
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Loo with a view
The bathroom at the Rifugio Brentei is clean, efficient, and has a great view!
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Shrine from Afar
A wide angle view of the alpine meadow above the rifugio Brentei. The alpine memorial shrien can be seen in the distance.
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Dinner at the rifugio
Jenn and Brian enjoy a hearty evening meal at the rifugio Brentei.
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Dumb duo
Two confused looking guys at the rifugio Brentei
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Beautiful Brenta evening
As evening draws on, the clouds dissipate, and a beautiful view of the brenta dolomites unfolds.
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Alpine memorial
A pretty little shrine uphill from the rifugio Brentei commemorates the fallen alpine pioneers of the mountains.
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Alpine memorial
A pretty little shrine uphill from the rifugio Brentei commemorates the fallen alpine pioneers of the mountains.
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Plaques of the fallen
Many memorials of fallen climbers dot the arch of the monument.
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Pointing off in the distance
Jenn points out an item of interest to Brian.
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Hummocky Terrain
Hummocky Terrain near the Brentei rifugio, which looks suspiciously like some sort of ground moraine.
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[ Italy 2005 trip
home page |
The main trip report |
Family |
Monte Cervialto |
Herculaneum & Vesuvius |
Palace of Caserta |
Amalfi & Capri |
Abruzzo & Monte Amaro |
Rome |
Tuscany |
Venice |
The Biennale |
Via Ferrata-ing in the dolomites |
Climbing in the Ortles |
Gottfried's Adventures |
Maps, Graphs & GPS Data ]
