Taf pass (2404m), trail 1B

From Colle Garda to Colletto Taf via Monte Rena, Taille and Taf

Mont Rena from Punta della Regina

Mont Rena from Punta della Regina

Trail 1B starts from Garda pass and arrives at Taf pass (2404m). It is 1882m long and the total positive elevation gain is 590m.
The approximate time for the route is 2h00. The trail is rated EE difficulty.

The warning along the ascent to Mont Rena

The warning along the ascent to Mont Rena


NOTICE: according to the Catasto Dei Sentieri della Valle D’Aosta, this trail is broken in the middle, and divided into two sections: the “not present” section is therefore not officially passable. Those who decide to attempt to hike Trail 1B completely do so at their own risk.

For this reason very little frequented, just a stone’s throw from the crowded Punta della Regina, 1B is a remarkable route that theoretically connects the Garda pass (near Punta della Regina) at the Colletto Taf (above the Frudière Lakes), passing sequentially through the peaks of three mountains: the Mont Rena (2514m), whose summit is reached directly, the Mont Taille (2561m) and Mont Taf (2523m), whose peaks are reached after a short detour from trail 1B. From the summit of Mont Taille it is possible to continue to reach also Punta Weismatten (2454m): I have not done it yet, so this route is not described in this sheet.

The dangerous grassy stretch

The dangerous grassy stretch

Indimidating signs at the entrance from both Garda pass and Taf pass warn those who venture out that it is“very difficult!” and indeed this is a trail reserved for those who are not afraid to tackle a couple of rather dizzying passages. One, in particular, between the Rena and Taille, is at the trail break, according to the cadastre, and in fact is in my opinion one of the most dangerous of all the trails in the valley, because it requires crossing a treacherous, decidedly steep grassy slope for about 10 meters. There was probably a “walkable” trail here at one time, but then there must have been a landslide that wiped out the trail, and grass grew on the landslide over time. Warning: steep grass is dangerous. If the same slope were on rock you would overcome it with almost no thought, but with grass it is a different matter, because it is slippery and offers no stable footholds. Therefore, I recommend extreme care should you decide to walk this trail.