Exploring Pale Di San Martino Group In the Italian Dolomites Along The Route To Passo Mulaz

The route up to Passo Mulaz is the quietest hike on the list of my favorite day hikes in the Italian Dolomites.

You don’t see many pictures of it online and it’s not yet, what you would call today – instafamous, but with the recent popularity surge, I won’t be surprised if, in the next few years, this hike becomes a lot busier. 

It’s a tough hike that requires a lot of elevation change, but what you’ll get in return are exceptional views of the spires of Passo Farangole in the Pale di San Martino group.

Even though trails are always very well marked in the Dolomites, there are very few occasions when a map comes in handy. It is always better to come prepared. For this hike, you will need the Tabacco map nr 22. 

Passo Del Mulaz – A Day Hike In The Italian Dolomites

Getting to the Trailhead

The route starts at Passo Rolle. It is a popular spot in winter for skiers and a busy roadside spot in the summer en route to the nearest town – San Martino Di Castrozza. If coming by car you can park it at Malga Juribello parking lot. 

Hike To Passo Del Mulaz – Trail Description

The first small stage of this long hike begins with the well-trodden path to the scenic Baita G Segantini, one of the iconic photography spots in the Dolomites.

It’s more of a road than a hiking path to be honest (see photo above) but you won’t care much, the views are so phenomenal you could be walking on a bed of nails and it wouldn’t bother you.  

The route then drops into the Campignol Della Vezzana valley annoyingly losing all 200m of elevation you’ve just gained. 

Luckily it’s a well-maintained windy trail. You’ll also notice that there are considerably far fewer people after you leave Baita G Segantini.    

The views of the tiny Travignolo Glacier on your right become better as you wind northwestward along the road into the valley. After around 30/45 minutes from Baita G. Segantini the real grind begins.

Turning right onto path nr 710 passing underneath large cliffs the route quickly steepens and several switchbacks take you into the heart of the Pale di San Martino.  It’s an uphill struggle for over an hour before the trail somewhat plateaus.

Unfortunately, the plateau doesn’t last long and the trail continues uphill again until the last push to the Mulaz pass, the objective of this hike. This is the first stage of the much longer Giro del Pale di San Martino, which if you have a few days to spend, I really recommend.

If you’re really keen on hiking, don’t fancy staying anywhere overnight, and still have loads of energy left, you can continue uphill to the summit of Monte Mulaz. It adds an extra 2 hours to your day and another 300 meters of elevation.

The views from the past however are more than any human being will ever need. The cute little monolith on Passo Farangole in the distance is a personal favorite of mine.

If you’re like me and love exploring the mountain refuges, the closest one Rifugio Volpi Al Mulaz, one of my favourite dolomiti huts, is only 15 minutes downhill from the pass.

It’s a great place for an overnight stay and serves flaming Creme brûlées for desert. I honestly couldn’t believe my eyes when the waiter brought them out. Such a luxury in such a remote mountain hut.  

If you are not staying overnight then the route down is the same as the one up. It’s a knee buster on a combination of hard rock and loose scree and if you struggle going downhill like a lot of avid hikers do, then it can be tough.

Make sure you allocate plenty of time for the descent, take plenty of water because there’s no shade and try your best to avoid creating small rock avalanches as there may be hikers below you.

There is a possibility of turning this day hike into a multiday traverse of the Pale di San Martino group. I highly recommend it if you’ve got more time and would like to experience the great mountain hut culture in the Dolomites! 

If you have any questions about this hike, post them in the comments below! I always answer!

For more inspiration visit my Italian Dolomites guide, where you will find articles about photography locations, via ferratas and hikes. 

Shop My Favourite Hiking Gear

Black Diamond Z – Pole

At only 150 grams per pole these light, yet incredibly durable and sturdy carbon hiking poles are my constant companion on trails. 

Osprey Kyte 36 l

Great for day hikes and big enough for overnight hut excursions. Osprey backpacks have been with me from the humble beginnings of this website. 

Hydrapack 3 litre Water Bladder 

Staying hydrated during hikes is very important! I always hike with the Hydrapack water bladder in my backpack for easy access to water! 

Icebreaker Merino Wool Socks

An absolute must-have on a hiking holiday. They are breathable, and comfy, but most importantly don’t pick up the smell even after a few days of wearing