The equipped “Ceria-Merlone” trail is an itinerary that crosses the crest of the Montasio group, starting from the Forca di Lis Sieris and ending at the Forcella Lavinal dell’Orso, all immersed in the majesty of the Julian Alps.
For this excursion, it is recommended to spend the night at the L. Vuerich bivouac, located on the crest of the Foron del Buinz at 2531 m, named in memory of the great Friulian mountaineer and photographer.
The hike starts by leaving the car at the Piani del Montasio and taking trail CAI 622, which in 20 minutes leads to the G. Di Brazzà refuge, a reference point and the beginning of trail CAI 664 toward the Cima di Terrarossa.
Continuing on the trail and climbing several switchbacks, you reach a junction where, by taking the left branch, you reach the aforementioned summit in 2 h 20 min from the start.
After stopping to admire the view, descend back to the junction and take the trail leading to the Forca de Lis Sieris in 40 minutes.
Climbing a slope, the first equipped sections of the Ceria-Merlone trail begin, leading to the Vuerich bivouac, where you can spend the night.
From the forca, the time required to reach the bivouac is about one hour.
The second day begins heading east, crossing ledges and gravelly gullies that require attention, and reaching in 1 h 15 min the Forca de la Val at 2352 m.
From here, further partially equipped sections must be overcome until reaching the Forcella Cregnedul at 2340 m.
This marks the final part of the itinerary: continuing northeast along the Montasio group, you pass equipped sections and more demanding gullies than before and, descending the scree slope, reach the Forcella Lavinal dell’Orso at 2251 m in 3 h 30 min from the bivouac.
The return to the Piani del Montasio begins here: follow trail CAI 626 toward Passo degli Scalini, about one hour from the previous forcella.
Continuing in this direction, descend to Casera Cregnedul, then reach the mule track that leads back to the Montasio plateau.
From Passo degli Scalini to the plateau, the final stretch of the hike takes about 1 h 30 min.
This itinerary requires sure footing, no fear of heights, and via ferrata equipment with helmet, as the terrain and the presence of wildlife can cause rockfalls.
Also consider that along the entire trail there is no shelter from the sun, and it is not safe to attempt it in bad weather or snow unless properly equipped.
References
Photo/video galleryDISCLAIMER: The information provided herein is based on the personal experience of the page editors, and as such should be taken with a grain of salt: it may not be up to date or accurate. The editors strongly recommend always checking the condition of the trails with the relevant authorities before setting out on a hike.