Climbing Grand Cir, Dolomites (La Scalata Gran Cir, Passo Gardena, Dolomiti Italiano)

Grand Cir, located at Gardena Pass in the Italian Dolomites, is a nice entry to Via Ferrata!
Though technically a Via Ferrata, the ropes are very optional if you're sure footed. It can be ascended without touching the ropes at all, or the rope can simply be used as a "handrail." That said, if you're not confident and comfortable, then harness in! And if the trail is busy (falling rock risk), then it's best to wear a helmet. We were totally alone on a mid-June weekday at 8am!
The trail is a relatively short out-and-back, at only 2.8mi (4.5km). That said, the 1555ft (474m) of climbing over only 1.4mi is clearly steep! The trail is mild to moderate from a technical standpoint -- more of a scramble than a proper Via Ferrata as there are not exposed sections. The summit stands at 8,504ft (2592m), making for a beautiful view of the surrounding peaks and valleys!
The timelapses at the summit were cut short by some incoming weather -- it was predicted to rain in 20 minutes or so, only barely enough time to get past the scrambling sections!
Recorded June 18 2023, staring @fitphile.
Audio from KZbin editor:
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[@marciamcwilliams8483]

Beautiful

[@marciamcwilliams8483]

Great trip!

[@JustinMNYC]

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[@JustinMNYC]

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