From Thumel to Rifugio Benevolo (via Trail 13)

The circular hike was not planned that way, but 2 broken bridges made us look for an alternative route. Apparently someone had already done that before us, because there was a small (but really small!) Beaten path, which was not always clearly visible and also went through the undergrowth. In any case, I was happy when we saw the hiking trail again after all the scrambling. The valley itself is awesome. The brook, lush green meadows with flowers in all colors, rugged mountains with forest slopes, interrupted again and again with waterfalls. Just beautiful! The height measurement of my cell phone once went crazy. A total of 460 meters up (and down) is more realistic.

This route, in its initial section, deviates from the main trail that leads directly to the Rifugio Benevolo, usually followed by most hikers. Immediately after the parking lot, turn left toward the village of Thumel, then take a pleasant trail that ascends the valley, following the bed of the Dora di Rhêmes River, through a highly evocative setting. It should be noted that the two wooden bridges that allowed crossing the stream were swept away by the force of the water. The ford is therefore mandatory, but normally presents no difficulty when the stream is low. In case of flooding, it is advisable to follow the direct and more popular route, which is regularly maintained. After this initial, wilder section immersed in nature, the route rejoins the "classic" trail, which you follow to the Rifugio Benevolo. The trail is always well marked and without technical difficulties, except for a few short sections with a steeper gradient, especially in the final section. These can be avoided by choosing the dirt road serving the refuge in the final section: a less strenuous, if slightly longer, alternative. For the return journey, you can opt for this dirt road, also ideal for mountain bikes, which runs at a slightly higher altitude than the outward path. From here, broader panoramic views open up, making the return journey particularly pleasant. In short, this is an easy hike, with an elevation gain of about 500 meters from the parking lot to the refuge, accessible on well-maintained trails and dirt roads that are easy to navigate in dry conditions. The environment you pass through is among the most authentic in the Rhêmes Valley, with woods, mountain pastures, waterfalls, and wide open spaces where nature expresses itself in all its power.

Wonderful valley, the path to the refuge can be done either with the path that runs alongside the river or through the driveway that leads to the Benevolo refuge, which is longer but less demanding. At the refuge we ate well, too bad we didn't continue to visit the lake ... the weather was not the best ... it will be for next time ... !!!

At the end of the holiday, a somewhat more comfortable get-together. At the highlight, we were able to cheer on the top runners of the Tor des Glaciers, a 450km competition on foot in the high mountains.

Easy and short walk to the Benevolo refuge, 2287 masl, in the Rhêmes Notre Dame Valley on the border of the Gran Paradiso National Park. Well marked trail; alternatively you can reach the refuge by mountain bike with the dirt road that passes a little further up the path. Being on the border with the Gran Paradiso Park, dogs must be strictly kept on a leash. There is a small water fountain just before the refuge (and also at the refuge)

Out on path 13 about 5km, Return by the dirt road that passes higher up.