Trek across Lago di Boe to Arabba in the Dolomites

Trek to Lago di Boe in the Dolomites

Starting point

The Passo Compolongo road pass. We arrived here by bus from the town of Arabba.
 

Description of the hike

We took a bus from the town of Arabba to the Campolongopass road saddle. We walked along the road for the first few dozen meters until we reached the start of the hiking trail. We left the road and began climbing along a wide path. Right from the start, the climb gains a decent amount of altitude. We took our first short break at the Malga Planfistí mountain hut. Refreshments are available here, but we were satisfied with good spring water.

We continued climbing up a relatively steep slope along a wide path. Soon, the first views of the surrounding mountain giants began to open up—Marmolada and the Fanes-Sennes mountain range. Following the wide path, which is used by skiers in winter, we finally reached the upper station of the cable car. It runs here from the second valley from the town of Corvara. There is also a restaurant here, the Piz Boè Alpine Lounge, where we had lunch and a few radlers. After a rest, we continued to the foot of the rocks, where the enchanting Lago di Boe lake is located. It was quite crowded with tourists, but that didn't bother us, and at least we cooled our feet in the clear water.

After exploring the lake, we continued on. We climbed a little above the lake, then left the wide path and turned onto a mountain trail. At first, it climbed slightly, but then we walked more or less on flat ground and enjoyed fantastic views of the Dolomites. The queen of the Dolomites, Marmolada, still towered above us. The trail eventually began to descend into the valley. The descent was made more pleasant by marmots scurrying across the meadows between the rocks. Eventually, the descent became more intense. We walked through beautiful countryside full of rocks and boulders. Finally, we reached the Rifugio Plan Boè hut, where we took another break. From the hut, a wide path leads back to the town of Arabba.
 

Difficulty

An easy trek with fantastic views. The route to the lake follows wide paths, some of which are used as ski slopes in winter. A classic mountain trail, occasionally rocky, leads from the lake to the town of Arabba. The elevation gain to the Dolomites is not great, with an ascent of 500 meters and a descent of more. The route is suitable even for smaller children. It is also ideal for trekking with a dog.
 

Water availability

There are restaurants at the huts along the route – Piz Boè Alpine Lounge and Rifugio Plan Boè. There is also a spring in front of the second hut mentioned above.
 

Sleeping options

During our stay in the Dolomites, we stayed in the town of Arabba.
 

Mountain peaks

The route does not lead over any peaks. However, the views are excellent throughout the entire trek. You can see almost all of the Dolomites' giants—Marmolada, Monte Pelmo, Civeta, Tofany, Antaleo, and others.

Danger

The route is safe, with no exposed sections. The trail from the lake to Arabba is rockier, but it is not difficult. It is a classic mountain trail. In summer, beware of high temperatures and possible storms. And also watch out for snakes; we encountered a viper ourselves.
 

Food

Food is available at the huts along the route - Rifugio Plan Boè and Piz Boè Alpine Lounge. Of course, it is a good idea to bring your own snacks. Meals at the huts are relatively expensive.