The valley and saddle of Creta Forata from the Siera refuge

To the eye of the visitor it seems solemn and severe for the basic nature of the features that distinguish it including a few isolated larches, beautiful alpine flowers, a high rock face (that of the Creta Forata in fact) and then so much solitude and a silence, rarely broken and then sedately by a few trippers. For hikers short on training the valley already represents a pretty goal, but it should be remembered that the route can be a segment of other paths covering a broader area (see itinerary ns. 18 19 & 20). The route proceeds, mostly at high altitude, in a very picturesque and panoramic setting, is not particularly strenuous bar the climb to the saddle (1915 m), at which, having arrived, it pays to go up all the way to the fork of the same name from where views stretch out towards the val Pesarina, the Razzo plateau, the mountains of Sauris and the distant Dolomites beyond the Piave. The path is not particularly difficult except for a short stretch between the refuge and Cima Dieci, where erosion that began at the turn of the century means the path requires periodic, partial restoration that, here and there, has collapsed or deteriorated (here hikers with little experience must be very careful and if possible proceed with the assistance of an experienced hiker). NB the stretch of trail carved into the rock is very exposed but the fixed equipment allows passage without problems (though a lanyard and carabiner are useful for novice hikers).