Giro del Cristo Pensante
- Distance: 15 km
- Difference in height: 960 m
- Maximum altitude: 2414 m a.s.l.
- Time for hikers: 4h30m - 5h
- Time for runners: 3h30m - 4h
- Road surface: Trail
- Difficulties: Medium
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Trail Description
From Malga Ces, go up along the ski slope for about 300 meters. On the right, a well marked footpath leads on the steep Cavallazza crest, and after an easy passage between the rocks, the trail reaches two beautiful alpine lakes. This enchanting dolomitic spot, with a typical mountain hut is a very visited place during the Summer: after a break at the Colbricon hut, take the path to Rolle Pass. After the little wooden bridge, go up along the ski slope Ferrari 2, and once on the summit, follow the sign leading to the car park of Passo Rolle. Cross the street and take the path to Baita Segantini.
Walk on the dirt track and pass the Hut Capanna Cervino, then go on heading to Baita Segantini. From here, follow the signs to Castellazzo — Cristo Pensante: the panoramic trail is characterised by the first section of the Castelaz scree and then rises to a flatland where some remains of the first World War are still clearly visible. The path twists and turns on the mule track signed by the dry stone walls, and rises to the summit of the Castellazzo, where a cross and a statue of the Christ (the so called Cristo Pensante). Walk down the opposite side of the mountain and follow the sings to Baita Segantini; get the forest road to get back to Malga Ces and follow backwards the path of the Colbricon lakes.
Interesting Aspects
This trail crosses the beautiful landscapes of the alpine pastures, grazing lands with beautiful bloomings, very frequented during the summer. The peak of Castellazzo is definitely one of the most panoramic spot of the Rolle Pass area. The statue of the Christ, descent from the Cross to ponder, has been built on the top at the initiative of Pino Dallasega.
This beautiful spot has become a very frequented pilgrimage destination, for a moment of meditation surrounded by this heavenly landscape. On the top of Castellazzo and along its path, several ruins of the first World War, proof of the life at the front, are clearly visible, well marked and explained by the panels positioned by the Natural Park.