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Ring of Books of San Daniele and Monte Borgà

Hiking trailrecommended routeHiking trail  · Erto e Casso
LogoFriuli Venezia Giulia
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  • Books of San Daniele
    Books of San Daniele
    Photo: Prime Alps, Friuli Venezia Giulia

Selected alternatives for you
    Difficult and panoramic loop that climbs from Casso through various passages suitable for experts.
    difficult
    Distance 14.7 km
    9:05 h
    1,491 m
    1,474 m
    2,226 m
    897 m
    The Libri di San Daniele loop runs along the western edge of the Friulian Dolomites Park, offering views of the surrounding mountains and wonderful encounters with the splendid nature of the area. Already upon exiting the forest during the ascent, the panorama opens towards the Piave valley, while continuing you can admire numerous views of the Monte Toc landslide, responsible for the Vajont disaster in 1967. The summit route leads to the famous Libri (or Slabs) of San Daniele: a splendid example of differential erosion that created slabs of Red Ammonitic stone leaving these fascinating “stacks” resembling a pile of books petrified by time, which have inspired countless legends around their history. From the reached summits you can admire 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains from the Dolomite summits of Pelmo, Antelao and Civetta, the Carnic Alps, and the entire context of the Friulian Dolomites with Duranno and Col Nudo. Great historical and geological interest is matched by an immense botanical richness with splendid summer blooms and a large number of butterflies. Meanwhile, throughout the route and especially on the summit meadows, it is not uncommon to encounter ibex and chamois.

    Author’s recommendation

    The Cava Buscada refuge, reachable by a detour of about 3 km, offers catering and accommodation services during opening periods.
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    Prime Alps
    LogoFriuli Venezia Giulia
    Responsible for this content
    Friuli Venezia Giulia  Verified partner 
    Difficulty
    difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    2,226 m
    Lowest point
    897 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
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    Track types

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    Safety information

    Excursion not to be undertaken in case of uncertain weather (the upper part is exposed to lightning and the steep terrain can become very slippery when wet) or icy ground.

    Throughout the route, surefootedness, absence of vertigo and the ability to move on terrain suitable for experienced hikers are required.

    There are no water sources or refreshment points along the loop; in case of particularly hot days, consider carrying an adequate amount of water supplies.

    Tips and suggestions

    For hikers not adequately prepared, it is advisable to hike the trail in the opposite direction starting from Erto, thus ensuring the possibility to reach, without particular technical difficulties or exposure, first the summit of M. Borgà and the Libri di San Daniele (still a significant elevation gain of about 1500 m) and possible return via the Cava Buscada road.

    Roadbook

    From the village of Casso follow the signs for Monte Borgà by taking the CAI 372 trail, which starts among the houses then continues through grass and some brambles. Soon you enter a forest of hazel trees, hop hornbeams, and beeches. Exiting the forest, the path opens along stony slopes mixed with meadow and forest overlooking the Piave Valley, turning into a rather exposed ledge that climbs in tight curves. Then you come out onto the beautiful "Pra de Salta" area (1400 m), an enchanting and steep meadow area. You climb for a long time on a narrow path up to Forcella Piave (2039 m), from where you descend carefully and delicately down the steep stony saddle in the most delicate passage of the entire route, then bypass a rocky spur, continuing along a gravel traverse and climbing a very steep gully between gravel and dwarf pines ascending the slopes of Monte Piave. The path runs along an easy crest and soon reaches the Libri di San Daniele, then continues through the beautiful summit meadows, first reaching Monte Sterpizza and then the junction for the summit of Monte Borgà (2228 m) which is reachable with a very short detour. The descent takes place along the CAI 372 trail along the grassy basin that hosts the ruins of Casera Borgà, then immersing in dwarf pine thickets until reaching the junction with the CAI 381 trail (possible detour to the Cava Buscada refuge). Descend the steep path towards Erto until you reach the junction with the CAI 380 trail, called "Trui dal Sciarbon", which connects Erto to Casso with a continuous up and down along scree and forest.
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    Photo
    Video
    Geostop #30.4 - DWHG - Libri di San Daniele: reading a rocky book
    Geostop #31.1 - DWHG - The Pineda landslide
    Geostop #31.2 - DWHG - The disastrous Vajont landslide

    Public transport

    The village of Casso is reachable by public transport that goes up to the junction to the village, 1.7 km from the start.

    Get Timetable to destination

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    Libri di San Daniele and Monte Borgà loop

    Directions

    From Veneto reach Longarone (BL) via SS51, then follow the signs for Erto and Casso (SR251). From Friuli Venezia Giulia reach Erto (PN) via SR251. Follow the signs for the village of Casso taking Via Motta near the gas station and then park in the parking lot at the entrance to the village.

    Parking

    Parking at the entrance of Casso (PN)

    Coordinates

    DD
    46.271619, 12.334578
    DMS
    46°16'17.8"N 12°20'04.5"E
    UTM
    33T 294625 5127680
    w3w 
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    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Equipment

    Normal hiking equipment, depending on the season.

    Localization

    Parts of this content were machine translated using Italian as the source language

    Similar routes nearby

    • NONGOLA AND MOLIESA PATH
    • LASTE DI SAN DANIELE
    • GALVANA TRAIL
    • Monte Borgà from Rifugio Cava Buscada
    • Strada della Val Cimoliana
     These suggestions were generated by our system
    Difficulty
    difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    14.7 km
    Duration
    9:05 h
    Ascent
    1,491 m
    Descent
    1,474 m
    Highest point
    2,226 m
    Lowest point
    897 m
    Round trip Scenic Cultural/historical interest Geological highlights Flora Fauna Insider tip Summit route 'Healthy climate'

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