One of the challenges in planning a multi-day trek is being able to make all of the reservations at each of the overnight stops. We were “mostly” successful on this trip. The first leg from Lago di Braies had been longer than desired (11.2 mi), but that meant our second leg – Pederu to Fanes – was short and sweet (3.9 mi).

Accommodations at Rifugio Pederu had been great and, despite weather app’s predictions to the contrary, the morning turned out beautiful.

saying one final goodbye to Pederu and the valley, we headed on our way

The trail on this leg was easy, about 1800ft elevation gain in just under 4 mi. Trail might be a stretch, more like a gravel path, good for 4-wheelers, and definitely good for gravel bikes. This was our first real exposure to how pervasive gravel bikes were here in the Dolomites. Many were eBikes, power assist on the way up, gravel fun on the way down – seems like a good idea!

Soon enough, we came to the junction – Rifugio Fanes on the left, Rifugio Lavarella on the right. It was a bit surprising to see two Rifugio so closely spaced, but who’s to say. The location was beautiful – nestled in what appeared to be a bowl – perhaps it’s a big destination in the winter season.

For this short leg, the weather had been stunning, which made it all the more chill to sit in the lounge chairs, admiring the scenery, with Rifugio Lavarella off in the distance.

As we had with Rifugio Pederu, Fanes was just as comfortable – while they were communal showers, we had a private room with a sink – made for a very comfortable evening/night.

And, we were going to need it – the next day was another big day – from Fanes to Lagazuoi – on paper, 10.5 mi with 4000ft elevation gain.