Ferrata Gran Cir

Overview

The Ferrata al Grande Cir reaches the highest summit of the namesake group, north of the Passo Gardena. This short, easy route is perfect for a first taste of via ferrata or for hikers with limited experience, thanks to its modest technical difficulty and minimal exposure. Its location makes it easy to combine in a single day with the nearby Ferrata del Piccolo Cir.

Approach

The route starts from Passo Gardena, the pass connecting Val Badia (Corvara) to Val Gardena (Selva). From the large parking area, follow the obvious trail and signs heading north toward the debris-filled gully between the Grande and Piccolo Cir. The initial path is comfortable and gradual, leading to the mouth of the gully, where the first metal fixtures of the ferrata appear on the right side. The approach takes about 45 minutes from the parking lot. The setting is classic Dolomites, with the approach crossing moraine and scree, offering an early glimpse of the rocky morphology of the two cirques.

Via Ferrata

The equipped route begins with a diagonal ramp to the right, sometimes slippery but technically straightforward. The angle quickly eases, forming a comfortable, horizontal ledge. After a short sequence of rock steps, you continue on a trail that climbs without needing fixed gear. You then encounter a second equipped section, with a few easy rock steps, before returning to a path. The final rocks, easy to climb, lead to the summit cross at 2592 meters, offering a majestic view of the Sella Group and the Sassolungo. The ferrata takes about 30 minutes, for a total of 1 hour and 15 minutes from Passo Gardena. The route alternates short vertical stretches on solid rock with walks along ledges, creating a discontinuous but never tiring rhythm, providing continuous panoramic views with generally limited exposure.

Descent

The descent follows the same route as the ascent, retracing the via ferrata and the approach trail. The total time for the hike, up and down, is about 2 hours. The ledge-like terrain and generally stable rock make the return safe and intuitive, though caution is needed on the short exposed, unsecured sections.

Useful Notes

This hike is an excellent choice for beginners, thanks to the modest elevation gain, short duration, and limited exposure. It is essential to pay attention to the unsecured sections, which can become treacherous when the rock is wet, despite the overall ease. For more experienced hikers, the recommended combination is with the Ferrata del Piccolo Cir, creating a longer, more scenic loop without significantly increasing technical difficulty. The area offers numerous alternatives: descending toward Corvara in Val Badia, you'll find the panoramic Ferrata Tridentina al Pisciadù, while toward the Sassolungo there is the Ferrata alla Forcella del Sassolungo. Circling the Sella Group, you encounter more challenging routes like the Ferrate al Vallon and Piz de Lech; from the Val Gardena side, you can climb Sass Rigais. On the northern side of the Odle, you'll find the Alta Via Günther Messner and the Ferrata al Sass de Putia.