Lago delle Baste (aka Laghetto delle Baste, Lago di Baste) is a tiny lake on the Mondeval plateau within the Dolomites UNESCO System Pelmo – Croda da Lago.
The Mondeval Plateau is part of the municipality of San Vito di Cadore in the Italian Province of Belluno.
Though incredibly small, Lago delle Baste is nonetheless a worthy hiking destination, because of its impressive location at the foot of Monte Mondeval.
Encircled by marshy grasslands, this tiny lake forms the picture-perfect foreground for both Monte Pelmo and Lastoni di Formin.
You can hike to Lago delle Baste from Passo Giau in 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Trailhead: Passo Giau, Belluno, Italy | Google Maps
- Distance: 6.5 km out-and-back
- Time Needed: 2:25 hours
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 333 meters
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- Minimum Elevation: 2177 meters
- Maximum Elevation: 2359 meters
- When to Hike: June – mid-late October, depending on snow conditions.
- Where to Eat: Berghotel Passo Giau
- Where to Stay in Pocol: Hotel Piccolo Pocol (budget) in Pocol, or
- Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo: Hotel Meuble Oasi (budget), Baita Fraina (midrange), Hotel Villa Alpina (midrange), Ambra Cortina Luxury&Fashion Hotel (midrange), Camina Suite & Spa (luxury), or HOTEL de LËN (luxury)
- Recommended Trail Map: Tabacco 03 Cortina d’Ampezzo
Lago delle Baste Hiking Map
How to Get to Passo Giau
Passo Giau (2236 m) is a high mountain pass in the Italian Province of Belluno. It connects Cortina d’Ampezzo with Selva di Cadore and Colle Santa Luci. The pass is a popular photography spot because of its views of Ra Gusela, the Tofane Group, and the Cristallo Group.
Car
The easiest way to get to Passo Giau is with your own vehicle. You can park along the road at the pass. Parking is free, but limited.
Pocol to Passo Giau | 10.6 km, 18 minutes
Cortina d’Ampezzo to Passo Giau | 16.3 km, 25 minutes
Selva di Cadore to Passo Giau | 10.5 km, 20 minutes
Bus
During the high summer season (mid/late June – mid/late September), you can take Dolomiti Bus Line 30/4 (Cortina d’Ampezzo – Passo Giau – Selva di Cadore – Pescul) to Passo Giau. This bus isn’t frequent, so please check the schedule in advance.
Passo Giau to Lago delle Baste Trail Description
Passo Giau – Forcella Zonia – Forcella di Col Piombin (20 minutes)
From Passo Giau, follow trail 436 and the Alta Via 1 long distance trail to Forcella Giau and Mondeval.
With your back towards Ra Gusela, walk in the direction of Monte Cernera. A level, dirt footpath leads to Forcella di Zonia (2229 m).
Looking west, you’ll see Monte Pore/Spiz de Poure, Marmolada and the Sella Group.
This trail crosses the slopes of Col Piombin to Forcella Col Piombin (2239 m).
At the saddle, there’s a turn-off to Monte Cernera. Continue straight on trail 436 in the direction of Forcella Giau.
Forcella di Col Piombin to Forcella Giau (40 minutes)
The trail cuts across the upper Val Cernera valley on an undulating path. Though this trail is easy, there are some rocky passages, which are potentially slippery, because of the polished stones.
At the Cees de Iou (2225 m) intersection, head right and ascend to Forcella Giau (20 minutes).
Forcella Giau to Lago delle Baste (15 minutes)
From Forcella Giau, bear right, leaving trail 436 behind. Descend along the unmarked but well-trodden footpath towards the cluster of boulders and Lago delle Baste.
If you’re looking at the Tabacco 03 Cortina d’Ampezzo, it’s the black-dotted route that leads to the summit of Monte Mondeval.
Lago delle Baste looks like a splash of water at the base of the grassy slope of Monte Mondeval. Rising behind Lago delle Baste is the massive, always-recognizable Mount Pelmo.
After passing a cluster of fallen boulders, known as La Città di Sassi, the grassy trail quickly steers you to the lake.
Lago delle Baste is surrounded by a sensitive marshy area. Please don’t trudge across the grasslands. If you want to walk to the lakeshore, follow the stone footpath.
Continue following the footpath across the Mondeval Plateau for views of Lastoni di Formin, Croda da Lago, and Becco di Mezzodi.
How to Extend the Lago delle Baste Hike
From Lago delle Baste, you can hike to the summit of Monte Mondeval (Corvo Alto) in 20 minutes.
You can also hike to the archaeological burial site of a Mesolithic Hunter, dating back to 10,000 years ago.
For an extended hike on Mondeval, read this Passo Giau – Mondeval Trail Guide.
Where to Stay near Passo Giau
Pocol
Pocol is a tiny village above the Ampezzo Valley, west of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Pocol sits at the crossroads between SR48 (the road that connects Cortina with Passo Falzarego) and the SP638 (the road that connects Cortina with Passo Giau).
Budget | Hotel Piccolo Pocol is a basic, but very clean bed & breakfast in Pocol. The management is helpful, efficient, and knowledgeable about the region. The breakfast buffet features a number of cakes, croissants, breads, yogurts, sliced cheeses and meats, and of course coffee and juices.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Ringed by the Ampezzo Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo boasts a central and stunning location in the Ampezzo Valley in Veneto. You can stay here for a few days or for several weeks and never run out of things to see and do.
Budget | Hotel Meuble Oasi is a guesthouse set in the town center of Cortina d’Ampezzo, walking distance to the pedestrian zone and bus station. Book this 2-star hotel for the unbeatable price, location, spotless rooms, and on-site parking.
Midrange | Baita Fraina is a charming B&B with six rooms with balconies, 3km from Cortina’s town center (5 minute drive). This guesthouse is also home to a Michelin recommended à la carte restaurant, which serves regional cuisine. Stay here for the mountain views, the affordability, and the food.
Midrange | Hotel Villa Alpina is a centrally-located 3-star-superior hotel housed in a historic villa. Rooms are comfortable and feature parquet floors and alpine furnishings. The room rate includes breakfast and outdoor parking.
Midrange | Ambra Cortina Luxury&Fashion Hotel is a lovely boutique hotel with 24 thematic rooms and a bar in the very center of Cortina. Guests are treated to free on-site parking and an excellent breakfast.
Top Choice – Luxury | Camina Suite & Spa is a 4-star boutique hotel, 1 km north of Cortina’ town center. This intimate hotel with 12 rooms offers alpine-style suites with comfy beds and ample closet space. Rooms are equipped with nespresso machines, air-conditioning, and soundproofing. We loved the high-quality breakfast and complimentary spa (3 saunas, relaxation zone, and showers). Read our Camina Suite & Spa hotel review.
Top Choice – Luxury | HOTEL de LËN is a fresh-faced luxury hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo’s town center. Interiors blend natural and sustainable materials with fine furnishings to create a relaxing, yet refined atmosphere. The hotel restaurant showcases local Ampezzo flavors in unique and exciting ways. We loved the charming, enthusiastic staff, the rooftop spa (1 complimentary hour), and communal areas (living room, cocktail bar, and restaurant). Breakfast is included in the room rate. Parking is off-site and an extra charge. Read our Hotel de Len review.
Luxury | Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo, A Radisson Collection Hotel is a top-rated, 5-star hotel in the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Although housed in a historic building, the entire interior has been renovated. Rooms are delightfully modern. Stay here for the superb on-site restaurant, impeccable staff and concierge, top-notch facilities (spa, indoor pool, bar, and lobby area).
More Luxury Hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo: Dolomiti Lodge Alverà, Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo, Rosapetra SPA Resort, and Faloria Mountain Spa Resort
Look for accommodation in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Dolomites Trip Planning Essentials
Use our Dolomites Travel Guide to plan an unforgettable trip to Northern Italy.
When to Hike in the Dolomites
The best time to hike in the Dolomites is between mid-June and mid-September. If the weather is stable, the hiking season can extend until late October.
How to Get to the Dolomites
Read How to Get to the Dolomites to find out how to travel to the Dolomites from the closest airports, train stations, and bus terminals.
If you’re traveling without a car, also check out How to Visit the Dolomites Without a Car.
Car Rental
The easiest way to travel between hiking destinations in the Italian Dolomites is with your own car. Check out our itineraries for trip inspiration:
We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.
Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your car rental as early as possible.
Best Places to Stay
Figuring out where to stay in the Dolomites is probably the biggest hurdle to planning a trip to the Dolomites. We’ve created three guides to help you decide where to stay:
- Where to Stay in the Dolomites in Summer: best villages and towns in South Tyrol, Trentino and Belluno
- Best Hotels in the Dolomites: best boutique and luxury hotels in the Dolomites
- Dolomites Accommodation Guide: farm stays, mountain huts, wellness hotels, aparthotels
- Best Val Gardena Hotels: best accommodations in Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva di Val Gardena
We suggest choosing 2-4 bases for your Dolomites trip and spending 2-4 nights in each base.
- Base 1: Val Gardena
- Base 2: Val di Funes
- Base 3: Alta Badia
- Base 4: Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Base 5: Alta Pusteria
- Base 6: San Martino di Castrozza
What to See & Do
During your trip to the Dolomites, you can go via ferrata climbing, culinary hiking, hut to hut hiking, cycling, paragliding, and so much more. We’ve highlighted our favorite experiences in Best Things to Do in the Dolomites.
Wherever you decide to stay, you’ll be surrounded by glorious mountain scenery and incredible natural landmarks.
In Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites, we’ve outlined the most iconic attractions as well as lesser-known destinations across the Dolomites, including Alpe di Siusi, Lago di Braies, Prato Piazza, and Seceda.
Dolomites Packing List
Hiking Gear
- Day Pack: Osprey Tempest 30 Women’s Backpack / Osprey Talon 33 Men’s Backpack
- Grade B/C high-cut hiking boots: Meindl Schuhe Island Lady (Kati’s Boots), Women’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX (Sabrina’s Boots), Men’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX (men’s equivalent)
- CAT 4 Sunglasses: Julbo Shield Mountain Sunglasses
- Hiking Poles: Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles
- Reusable Water Bottle: Ion Leakproof 32 oz Water Bottle
Outdoor Photography Gear
- Camera Body: Sony Alpha a6400
- Mid-range Zoom Lens: Tamron 17-70mm 2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
- Wide angle Zoom Lens: Sony – E 10-18mm F4 OSS Wide-angle Zoom Lens
- Backpack Camera Clip: Peak Design Camera Clip
Dolomites Hiking Guides
Hiking in the Dolomites is our passion. Year after year, we love discovering new trails and expanding our knowledge of the area. For day hiking, check out Best Day Hikes in the Dolomites. For trekking, take a look at our guide to Hut to Hut Hiking in the Dolomites and Alta Via 1.
For region-specific hiking trails, check out:
- Best Hikes in Val Gardena
- Best Hikes in Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Best Hikes in Alta Badia
- Sexten Dolomites Hiking Guide
- Puez-Odle Nature Park
Recommended Hiking Guidebook: Cicerone Guide: Shorter Walks in the Dolomites
More Hikes around Cortina d’Ampezzo
Ampezzo Dolomites:
- Cortina d’Ampezzo Hiking Guide
- Lago di Sorapis Hike
- Croda da Lago Circuit
- Tofana di Roses Circuit
- Lago Federa
- Rifugio Nuvolau and Cinque Torri
Sesto / Sexten Dolomites:
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit Trail
- Sentiero Bonacossa North Circuit Trail
- Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint Hike
- Torre dei Scarperi Circuit Trail
- Val Fiscalina
Braies / Prags Dolomites:
