Forcella Medalghes, or Medalgesjoch, is a mountain pass in the Dolomites of northeastern Italy, specifically in the Puez-Odle Nature Park. It is 2,582 meters and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Hiking trails from nearby mountain huts, including the Rifugio Puez and the Rifugio Genova, can reach Forcella Medalghes. The hike to the pass is a moderately challenging trek that takes about 3-4 hours to complete, depending on the starting point and route.
From Forcella Medalghes, hikers can continue to explore other parts of the Puez-Odle Nature Park, including the Odle Group of mountains and the nearby Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park. The pass is also a popular spot for mountain climbers and paragliders, who take advantage of the spectacular views and challenging terrain.
While there are no facilities or restaurants located directly at Forcella Medalghes, there are several mountain huts and restaurants in the surrounding area where hikers can rest and enjoy a meal or refreshments before or after their hike. Some popular options include the Rifugio Puez, Rifugio Genova, and Rifugio Firenze.
Here is a sample 4-day hiking itinerary in the Dolomites, starting in the village of Selva and ending at Treffpunkt Zans:
Day 1: Selva-Wolkenstein to Rifugio Jimmy Start the day by hiking from Selva-Wolkenstein to the Jimmi hut, passing through the Puez-Odle Nature Park. The trail is moderately challenging and takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Along the way, you'll pass through beautiful alpine meadows and forests with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Day 2: Rifugio Jimmy to Forcella Cir to Le Pari del Crespeina Begin the day with a climb to the Forcella Cir, which offers panoramic views of the Puez plateau and the surrounding mountains. The trail is challenging and takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Please continue to the Le Pari del Crespeina area, known for its unique rock formations and difficult terrain. The trail takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete.
Day 3: Le Pari del Crespeina to Rifugio Puez to Forcella Medalghes Start the day by hiking to the Rifugio Puez, a cosy mountain hut that offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The trail is moderately challenging and takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete. From there, continue to the Forcella Medalghes pass, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The trail takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete.
Day 4: Forcella Medalghes to Treffpunkt Zans On the final day, hike from Forcella Medalghes to Treffpunkt Zans, passing through beautiful alpine meadows and forests. The trail is challenging and takes approximately 4-5 hours to complete. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Schlern and Rosengarten mountain ranges.
Overall, this 4-day hiking itinerary offers a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Dolomites, with a mix of challenging climbs and stunning panoramic views. It's essential to be well-prepared for hiking in the mountains, with appropriate gear, sufficient water and snacks, and knowledge of the trail conditions and weather forecast.
Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
