The Dolomites have been a popular travel destination for a long time, and especially in the summer, it can get crowded at popular spots. Fortunately, not everything has been discovered by the masses just yet. Gran Cir is one of those places that is incredibly beautiful but still remains undiscovered by many travelers. This is mainly due to the slightly challenging nature of the hike. If you’re up for a little adventure and enjoy going off the beaten track, the Gran Cir hike is perfect for you!
Climbing Gran Cir in Numbers
Duration: 2.5 hours in total
Distance: 2.8 km (1.7 miles) in total
Elevation Gain: 950 meters (3,117 feet) in total
Gran Cir is Officially a Via Ferrata
A via ferrata, or “iron path” in English, is a route where you can secure yourself to a steel cable attached to the rock face during difficult or dangerous sections. If you were to fall, you would remain attached to the cable. Many of the via ferratas in the Dolomites were built during World War I to allow soldiers and equipment to reach strategic locations as safely as possible.
Via ferratas come in various difficulty levels, and Gran Cir is considered one of the easiest. Even if you don’t have a via ferrata set at home, you can still do this hike in the summer or autumn when there is no ice or snow. The danger is minimal, and there is only one section of about 20 meters (66 feet) where you’ll encounter a cliff. This can be a bit thrilling, especially if you have a fear of heights, but you can hold onto the cable and no climbing technique is required. Below is a photo of this section.
Disclaimer: Of course, it’s always better to secure yourself, and you undertake the hike entirely at your own risk. We do not provide advice on this matter but only share our experience of the climb without using a via ferrata set.
What Does the Gran Cir Hike Look Like?
You can park your car at the paid parking lot of Rifugio Frara. From there, you’ll start with an easy climb towards the base of Gran Cir. After about 15 minutes, you’ll be standing under the massive rock, and this is where the steep climb begins through a narrow passage in the mountain, all the way to the top. The route is well-marked with red dots painted on the rocks. Halfway through, you’ll encounter the “exciting section” mentioned above. Additionally, there are a few short sections with metal cables that you can hold onto, but there are no more significant cliffs or drop-offs.
The Gran Cir hike is a steep ascent where you occasionally need to use your hands to climb up, but not like rock climbing. In other words, it’s more challenging than a regular hike where you only need to walk, but you don’t need climbing experience. Once you reach the top, you’ll see a large cross and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Gardena Pass and the surrounding mountains!
Tip: Weather conditions in the mountains can change quickly. If you see a storm approaching, it’s recommended to descend as quickly as possible because the top is very exposed to lightning, especially since the cross is made of metal.
My Experience Climbing Gran Cir
Due to Irene’s injury, I climbed Gran Cir alone. I didn’t have a via ferrata set and started the ascent 1.5 hours before sunrise. It was pitch dark, and a thick layer of mist hung in the air. I couldn’t see farther than a few meters or where I was heading. Using the navigation on my phone, I found the base of Gran Cir and started following the red dots painted on the rocks. It was freezing cold, and I quickly broke into a sweat due to the steep climb. Slowly, the darkness faded as dawn approached, but the thick mist obscured any view. I reached the section where you can secure yourself to the cable but couldn’t see how deep the abyss was. This was actually ideal as it made it easier to conquer my fear of heights. After about 1.5 hours, I stood alone at the top of Gran Cir, disappointed by the dense fog.
The sun had already risen, as I noticed green light reflecting from the mist at the bottom of the mountain, indicating the presence of the Gardena Pass. Just a minute later, the clouds suddenly cleared, revealing a magnificent view of the Gardena Pass and the enormous rock face opposite Gran Cir. It was a truly magical moment!
After taking about 100 photos, I had a small breakfast and began my descent. I encountered only one other person on the way back, passed the section with the abyss without being bothered by my fear of heights, and less than an hour later, I was back at the car. The Gran Cir hike is an incredible experience that I won’t soon forget.
How to Find the Right Path
Whether you have visibility or not, it’s always helpful to occasionally check your phone to ensure you’re on the right track. The best app to use is maps.me, where you can download the map of this area. The entire route may not be displayed, but you’ll see the location of Gran Cir and the path leading to the base of the mountain. Once you have the map, search for Gran Cir – Große Cirspitze – Grande Cir. You’ll see a trail on the left side of the location that doesn’t lead anywhere, and this is where the hike begins. Be careful not to confuse it with Piccolo Cir or Pitla Cir located nearby, as they are more challenging via ferratas. If you have a via ferrata set, it’s also fun to climb this mountain. On the way back, you can stop by Rifugio Jimmy (from 09:00) to enjoy some food and drinks.
Packing List for Gran Cir Hike
- Optional: Via ferrata set
- Thin gloves to hold onto the cold metal cable
- Water and snacks
- Layered clothing and a windbreaker as it can be very cold
- Headlamp if you start before sunrise or plan to watch the sunset. You’ll want to keep your hands free for climbing, so the flashlight on your phone is not practical
