Region: Corvara — Alta Badia, Dolomites, Italy
Places To Stay: Base yourself in Corvara for easy trail access, shops and cafés, or in Colfosco for quieter evenings under the Sella towers. Either way, you’re minutes from this loop and a bunch of lift options if you want to mix days up.
Looking for more Dolomites trails? Head to my ‘Dolomites Hiking Guides‘ page to see all regions and routes.
Below are a few ideas for day tours and transfers around Corvara, with GetYourGuide offering great discounts and easy booking + see more here.
For a wider choice of accommodation in the Dolomites, Booking.com has a huge variety to browse through.
Starting right in Corvara, this loop stitches together a bit of everything: the waterfall walk on Tru dles Cascades (Path 28), a steady climb to Passo Gardena on Path 650, a short pop up to Rifugio Jimmy on Path 8, then a scenic cruise down through Colfosco back to town. It’s a full, satisfying day out with constant views of the Sella towers and Sassongher, plus easy food/water stops if you want them.
Getting There: Directions, GPX and Map
- Start/Finish: Corvara centre (any central car park/bus stop) → loop via Paths 28, 650, 8 → back to Corvara.
- Transport: Regular buses through Alta Badia; paid parking in Corvara.
- Download the GPX file here.
- Follow this route on my Outdooractive profile.
Travel Data: I use eSIMs to stay connected — quick setup and no roaming faff. Sim Local has been solid in Italy/Europe with good prices and coverage.
Hike Profile
- Distance: ~12–14 km (loop variations).
- Duration: 4–5.5 hours with stops.
- Ascent/Descent: ~600–700 m.
- Highest Point: Passo Gardena ~2,136 m / Rifugio Jimmy ~2,220 m.
- Difficulty: Moderate — well-signed, a few rocky sections and steady climbs.
- Terrain: Waterfall path, meadow tracks, stony mountain paths, village lanes.
Route Overview (Typical Loop)
| Section | From → To | Trail No. | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corvara centre → Pisciadù Waterfall | 28 (Tru dles Cascades) | 3–4 km | Easy gradients, bridges and viewpoints along the stream. |
| 2 | Pisciadù Waterfall → Passo Gardena | 650 | 2.5–3 km | Steadier climb with big Sella views as you approach the pass. |
| 3 | Passo Gardena → Rifugio Jimmy | 8 | 0.8–1 km | Short up-and-over to the hut; great snack/lunch stop. |
| 4 | Rifugio Jimmy → Colfosco | 8 | 3 km | Descend meadows/forest with Sassongher and Sella scenery. |
| 5 | Colfosco → Corvara | village paths | 2–3 km | Gentle finish on signed lanes and tracks back to town. |
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Hike Description
From Corvara centre, pick up signs for Tru dles Cascades (Path 28) and follow the stream-side path towards the Pisciadù Waterfall. It’s a relaxed warm-up: easy going underfoot, wooden bridges, shady stretches, and a handful of viewpoints where you can hear the water before you see it. The waterfall is properly heavy after rain, and there you can get some quick photos, maybe a snack, then keep heading west.
Past the waterfall, join Path 650 towards Passo Gardena. The trail starts to climb a little here, but it’s steady rather than steep, and the scenery grows with every turn, Sella towers to one side, Sassongher on the other. At the pass, cross the road and hop on to Path 8 for a short climb to Rifugio Jimmy. It’s a handy spot for a drink or lunch with a terrace that soaks up the views, before heading back.
From Jimmy, stay on Path 8 to descend towards Colfosco. The path meanders through meadows and light forest, with wide-open views most of the way down. Once you hit the village edge, follow the signed lanes and tracks back to Corvara. It’s an easy finish and a nice way to wind the legs down before gelato/coffees back in town.
Places to Stay in the Dolomites – My Picks
I’ve put together a few guides to make choosing a hotel in the Dolomites easier. If you’re after a romantic break, I’ve found some cosy hideaways. If it’s hiking that’s front and centre, I’ve rounded up the best hotels with trails right from the door. There are also ski-in ski-out favourites, family-friendly bases, and hotels with those wow-factor mountain views or even hot tubs to sink into after a long day.
- Most Romantic Hotels in the Dolomites ⇢
- Best Hotels for Hiking in the Dolomites ⇢
- Best Ski-In Ski-Out Hotels in the Dolomites ⇢
- Best Family Friendly Hotels in the Dolomites ⇢
- Best Hotels with Mountain Views in the Dolomites ⇢
- Best Hotels with Hot Tubs in the Dolomites ⇢
Places to Stay in Corvara & Colfosco
For a wider choice of accommodation in the Dolomites, Booking.com has a huge variety to browse through.
Recommended Stays
Top-end stay with spa and great food; central for buses and local trails.
Hotel Kolfuschgerhof (Colfosco)
Classic alpine base with views straight to the Sella; quiet and close to Path 8.
AllTrails: Trail Guides & Maps for Hiking, Camping, and Running | AllTrails Plans – Read my ‘Full Review‘ for more details.
Practicalities
- Season: June–October.
- Footwear: Trail shoes/light boots. Sections of stony path near the pass.
- Water & food: Fountains in villages; Rifugio Jimmy for a refuel.
- Weather: Mountain weather moves fast — carry a shell and warm layer.
- Direction: Clockwise keeps the steeper work to the midpoint and gives you an easy roll-in finish.
Corvara Waterfall–Pass–Jimmy Loop FAQs
How long is the loop?
Usually 12–14 km and 4–5.5 hours with breaks.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Fit beginners, yes — the paths are clear but there’s steady climbing to Passo Gardena and some rocky bits.
Can I shorten it?
Yes — turn around at the waterfall, or bus up/down to Passo Gardena and just walk the Jimmy–Colfosco–Corvara section.
Where should I eat?
Rifugio Jimmy at the top is a solid choice; cafés in Colfosco and Corvara at the end.
Any exposure?
No via ferrata or airy ledges — it’s standard mountain paths with a few rockier sections.
Is the route signed?
Yes: 28 (Tru dles Cascades) → 650 → road crossing at Gardena → 8 to Jimmy → 8 to Colfosco → signed lanes to Corvara.
Can kids do it?
Active older kids should be fine, but plan extra snack stops and consider trimming the Passo Gardena section.
Dogs allowed?
Yes on a lead, especially near livestock and huts.
Walk this route yourself in 3D!
The video is a 3D walkthrough of this route; it’ll give you a great idea of what to expect before you set foot on the mountain.
I’ve created 3D videos of my walks and shared them with the Outdooractive and Welsh Man Walking communities.
Corvara to Pisciadù Waterfall via Tru dles Cascades Loop – 3D Walkthrough
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