Trekking of the Blue Hearts

The Trekking dei Cuori Blu is a loop trail – starting and ending at the Rifugio Vivione (created by its caretakers) – leading to the discovery of stunning heart-shaped alpine lakes, set like sapphires in basins of rare beauty.

TRAIL DIRECTIONS

From the Vivione Pass, where the Rifugio of the same name stands at 1,828 meters, take the mule track marked CAI 416, which passes by a small body of water that hosts a rare aquatic plant: Coltellaccio natante.

Crossing a grassy ridge, descend in a north direction until you reach the Valbona Stream. After passing Baita Gaffione, the path climbs steadily, and after a small hut, it reaches the Valbona Lake (2,055 meters) – a natural blue heart reflecting the sky and mountains.

Leaving behind the mule track built by soldiers during the Great War, turn left onto the CAI 415/A trail, which climbs a steep slope to a small saddle at 2,233 meters, along the watershed between Valbona and Val Asinina.

After enjoying the breathtaking view, descend a steep trail among debris and pastures toward Lake Val Asinina, another blue heart at 2,140 meters. Just below it lies its “satellite,” nestled like a sapphire in a basin of rare beauty.

Trail 415/A continues down alongside a small stream that flows between rocks and pastures until it reaches the three Laghetti delle Valli (1,979 meters), glacial lakes with crystal-clear blue waters.

From there, at a wide saddle a little lower, turn left onto CAI trail 415 leading back to Baita Gaffione. Continue on a short section of CAI 416 to return to Rifugio Vivione.

Duration: 2 hours and 50 minutes

FLORA & FAUNA LUNGO IL PERCORSO

The flora that can be admired along the Trekking dei Cuori Blu is the typical one that lives in a siliceous environment, at medium-high altitudes. The blooming period also depends on these. Notable flowers include Cottongrass near some peat bogs at Vivione Pass and in Val Asinina, and countless rhododendron bushes on the mountain slopes, painting the pastures red when in bloom. You may also spot Martagon lilies, Edelweiss, and yellow Gentians with brown-spotted petals.

The fauna includes species typical of the mid and high mountains. You may encounter elegant and agile chamois, or the charming marmot with its deep burrows. Foxes, common hares, and at higher elevations, mountain hares and stoats are also present. There are numerous species of birds that can be admired while walking: the black grouse, the cuturnice and the white partridge, and it is not uncommon to see the majestic golden eagle soaring above.