Sentiero Attrezzato Apolloni

Overview

The Sentiero Attrezzato Apolloni is a recently opened via ferrata that connects Rifugio Agostini to Rifugio Pedrotti, crossing the Passo Forcolotta in the Brenta Group. This is primarily a hiking route, with protections installed only on the most exposed sections, and it features no technically demanding passages. Compared to the parallel and older Sentiero Palmieri, it stays consistently at a higher elevation, making it a strategic link for those looking to combine it with the Ferrata Brentari without losing elevation on the approaches.

Approach

The recommended starting point for this description is the Ristorante Ristoro Dolomiti (768 m), above Dorsino. From here, take the CAI trail 325, initially a dirt road, which climbs at a steady grade to the Rifugio al Cacciatore (1820 m) in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Continuing along the Sentiero Dallago, you finally reach the Rifugio Agostini (2410 m) after another hour and a half, for a total of about 3 hours and 30 minutes from the start. This approach involves a considerable elevation gain (around 1700 m), so it may be wise to consider an overnight stay at one of the refuges to tackle the route at altitude with fresh energy. The route can also be done in the opposite direction, starting for example from Molveno via the Pradel cable car.

Via Ferrata

From Rifugio Agostini, head east, following the signs for the Sentiero Palmieri (CAI 320) toward the western walls of Cima Ceda. The trail climbs gently along the mountainside, without any issues, to the Passo di Forgolotta di Noghera (2423 m). Continuing east on increasingly exposed sections, ignore the junction for CAI 345 and keep traversing until you overlook the vast amphitheater that holds the Pozza Tramontana, framed by Cima Ceda, Cima Brenta, and Monte Daino. From here, descending north, you reach the decisive fork between the Sentiero Palmieri (lower) and the Sentiero Attrezzato Apolloni (CAI 320B). The protected route features two secured sequences: the first is a series of exposed ledges, made safe by metal steps and a cable; the second, closer to Cima Brenta Bassa, consists of a rocky notch that can be overcome with the help of a few stirrups. Neither of these passages presents any particular technical difficulty. Once the via ferrata is completed, a few minutes of descent bring you to Rifugio Pedrotti (2491 m). The travel time for the entire Agostini-Pedrotti section is about 2 hours and 30 minutes, for a total of about 6 hours from the start at Ristorante Dolomiti.

Descent

The simplest option for the return is to retrace the outward route. From Rifugio Pedrotti, go back to Passo Forcolotta and descend toward Rifugio al Cacciatore in about 2 hours and 15 minutes, then continue on the CAI 325 trail back to the starting parking lot, with a total hiking time of about 9 hours and 30 minutes. A more challenging alternative, suitable for experienced hikers with a good pace, is the return via the Ferrata Brentari, which from the Vedretta d'Ambiez leads back to Rifugio Agostini; for this variant, an overnight stay at altitude is often advisable.

Useful Notes

The Sentiero Attrezzato Apolloni is an easy route that connects two important refuges in the Brenta Group. The protections, modern and in excellent condition, make the most exposed sections safe without requiring any special technique. It is the most recently built via ferrata in the Dolomiti di Brenta. Given the length and elevation gain of the approaches, it is advisable to plan the hike carefully, considering the option of staying overnight at one of the refuges. The area offers numerous possibilities for linking with other famous itineraries, such as the Ferrate delle Bocchette Centrali e Alte, the Ferrata Spellini from the Rifugio Pedrotti side, or the Ferrata Castiglioni and the Sentiero Attrezzato dell'Ideale from the Rifugio Agostini side. For maps, a detailed map of the Brenta Group is recommended.

Technical and Environmental Analysis

The route develops mainly along ledges and debris-filled gullies, between the compact dolomite of the walls and the scree slopes below. The first protected section traverses a series of airy but well-equipped ledges, with metal steps fixed directly into the rock; the second, a notch or chimney, is resolved with a few stirrups. The pace is uneven: comfortable trail sections alternate with short, concentrated vertical sequences, interspersed with long stretches of hiking approach and descent. Exposure is significant only at the protected points, while the rest of the route runs over less demanding terrain. The overall character is that of a scenic, connecting itinerary, rather than a technical or physically extreme one; the main difficulty lies in the length and total elevation gain of the approaches. The high position guarantees continuous views of the Pozza Tramontana cirque and the majestic walls of Cima Brenta.