Route from Sella Carnizza

Overview

This route was almost unknown until the members of the alpine club of Tarcento decided to create the path ( number 737 ) and to secure with iron ropes the most difficult part on the wild eastern crests of Monte Musi, in the year 1999. It’s very different from the other one from Val dei Musi, because the northern slopes of the Musi are less imposing and steep than the southern ones that dominate severe the valleys Torre and Dei Musi. But this doesn’t mean that it’s not interesting or that the scenery it’s not beautiful. Actually the route is fantastic all the way, in an unbelievable karst environment in the first part and through breathtaking knife blade crests in the second. This last part shouldn’t be underestimated, because although it has been secured with iron ropes in some parts, it’s extremely exposed ( definitely off limits for dizzy people ) on very slippery grassy and rocky slopes ( especially in the early morning ). For this reasons I think this path is only for alpinists or very expert hikers.


The path is well marked with the usual red and white paint and the iron ropes are in good condition. Elevation gain around 800 m. Time required: 5 hours
As said in the overview section it rains a lot in this area and this route can be very dangerous in wet conditions, so be sure to choose a nice day and if the weather turns bad it’s better to give up.

Route Description

From Resiutta or from Uccea take the narrow mountain road that goes up steep to Sella Carnizza. Park your car there and take the path n°737 that starts on the southern side of the road ( indications on a tree ).
The route can be divided in three parts:

The first one is a very relaxing hike through wonderful woods of beeches and huge ferns, never much steep. After half an hour or so the environment slowly changes becoming more rocky, revealing the impressive karst origin of this mountains. At some point the track turns west with some ups and downs ( speleological camp ), where some deep caves can be seen.

The second part is really fantastic, it goes up moderately steep in the very strange basin between Viliki Rop and the Musi, through huge rocks and impressive slabs wonderfully carved by the elements. In this place close encounters with wild animals like marmots, steinbocks and chamois are not rare. After a couple of hours you will reach the saddle between Viliki Rop and the east summit of Monte Musi, where the view opens wide from the Carnic Alps to the Adriatic sea. The East summit of Monte Musi ( which is actually the highest summit of this group, 1878 m ) can be reached easily following a not marked path from the saddle.

The third part is the more demanding, it’s really a thrilling ride on the sharp eastern crest of the Musi. The main difficulty it’s not technical but more psychological because you have several hundred meters below you on both sides and if you make a mistake it will be for sure your last one. There are secured sections but you have to be really careful on every step, especially going down on the grassy slopes, often wet. It’s anyway a very fun climb and if you have enough experience you will enjoy it very much. After 30/45 minutes you will reach the main summit of Monte Musi.
Same path for the descent or if you have two cars you can leave one of them in Val dei Musi and go down with the path on the southern slopes ( same number, 737 ).

Essential Gear

An Helmet, a ferrata set and a rope for less experienced people can be very useful.

Images

View Route from Sella Carnizza Image Gallery - 1 Images