4.7
(11)
60
hikers
CAI 733 Trail to Monte Plagne
05:13
9.28km
910m
Hiking
Embark on the CAI 733 Trail to Monte Plagne, a difficult hike that challenges you with a steep ascent through a dense beech forest. As you climb, the trail opens up to offer expansive panoramic views of the Julian Prealps, including distant peaks like Montemaggiore and Monte Nero. This demanding…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
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51 m
Marian Shrine in Uccea
Highlight • Religious Site
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1.58 km
CAI Trail 733 Towards Casera Caal
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4.09 km
CAI Trail 733 to the Crest of Monte Plagna
Highlight • Trail
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4.50 km
Monte Guarda Trail Signpost
Highlight • Trail
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6.39 km
Monte Caal (1,297 m)
Highlight • Summit
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6.47 km
Junction to Casera Caal
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9.28 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
9.18 km
102 m
Surfaces
9.14 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Thursday 21 May
22°C
6°C
0 %
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Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Monte Caal Ridge Trail from Uccea (via CAI 733) start, and is there parking available?
The trail officially starts from Uccea, at an elevation of 630 meters. While specific parking details aren't provided, Uccea is the common starting point, suggesting parking facilities are available in or near the village.
How difficult is the Monte Caal Ridge Trail from Uccea (via CAI 733)?
This trail is rated as difficult. It features a significant elevation gain, with a steep initial climb from Uccea. The route includes 'very sustained' slopes and a 'rocky groove' within the beech forest, and later opens to steep meadows as you approach Monte Plagne.
What are the main highlights and viewpoints along the Monte Caal Ridge Trail?
The trail offers several notable points of interest. You'll pass the Marian Shrine in Uccea at the start. The route follows CAI Trail 733 Towards Casera Caal, leading through a splendid beech forest. Higher up, you'll reach the CAI Trail 733 to the Crest of Monte Plagna. Before reaching the Monte Caal (1,297 m) summit, there's a very panoramic clearing. The ridge offers breathtaking views of the Canin mountain and surrounding valleys.
Is the Monte Caal Ridge Trail from Uccea (via CAI 733) dog-friendly?
Generally, dogs are allowed on trails in the Julian Prealps Natural Park, but they should be kept on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of other hikers. Always check specific park regulations before your visit.
What is the best time of year to hike the Monte Caal Ridge Trail?
The best time to hike this trail is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally more stable, and you can fully appreciate the 'splendid beech forest' and panoramic views. Winter hiking would likely require specialized equipment due to snow and ice.
Are there any permits or entrance fees required for the Monte Caal Ridge Trail or the Julian Prealps Natural Park?
No, there are typically no entrance fees or permits required to hike the Monte Caal Ridge Trail or to access the Julian Prealps Natural Park for day hiking. However, always respect park regulations regarding waste, wildlife, and trail etiquette.
What facilities are available along the Monte Caal Ridge Trail?
A significant facility along the route is Casera Caal (1208 m). This renovated mountain hut functions as an 'always open' shelter ('ricovero sempre aperto'). It's well-maintained and equipped with a stove, tables, benches, cooking utensils, and 10 to 12 beds in a loft, making it a valuable spot for resting or an overnight stay.
Does the Monte Caal Ridge Trail intersect with other well-known paths?
Yes, the route also passes through sections of the JK17 (13%), Via Alpina Yellow B10 (13%), and Sentiero di Polok (8%) trails, offering possibilities for extended exploration.
What kind of terrain can I expect on this hike?
The terrain varies from a steep initial climb through a dense and impressive beech forest, which includes a 'rocky groove' at times. Beyond Casera Caal, the path opens up to steep meadows leading towards the summit of Monte Plagne. Expect a mix of forest paths and open, grassy slopes.
What should I know about hiking in the Julian Prealps Natural Park?
As part of the Julian Prealps Natural Park, the trail is in a preserved natural environment. Hikers should adhere to Leave No Trace principles, stay on marked trails, and be mindful of local flora and fauna. While there are no specific entrance fees, respecting the park's regulations helps maintain its beauty.
Is the Monte Caal Ridge Trail a loop, or is it an out-and-back route?
The Monte Caal Ridge Trail from Uccea (via CAI 733) is primarily an out-and-back route to Monte Caal or Monte Plagne. While you can connect to other trails like CAI 731 for further exploration, the main described route is not a loop.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
Friuli Venezia Giulia is a relatively small region, but rich in natural oases and more or less large parks with high levels of wilderness. The Julian Prealps park is one of these. Located in the far eastern area of the region, it borders neighboring Slovenia. The marked naturalness of the two bordering areas allows for an ecologically pure connection, without interruption, thus creating a mountain surface with high naturalistic value. Today's climb begins steeply from Uccea, a small village before the border, and has as its objective the ridge that divides the Resia valley from the Uccea valley. This ridge is a secondary arm of the Canin group, which, with the Predolina notch, and after passing the small and large Baba, joins the Alta Via Resiana, and climbs to the top of Canin. The ridge is formed by a series of peaks connected to each other, (Stregone, Chila, Bonera, Plagne, Guarda, etc.). Having reached the crest, the intention was to climb Mount Guarda but, after reaching the top of Mount Plagna, towards Guarda the crest becomes thin, with some steep ups and downs, the presence of frozen snow and the objective risk in the strong and sudden gusts of wind, which coming from the side, literally moved me, pushed me into the decision not to go further, too dangerous. The return took place along the same route as the ascent, passing through the bivouac hut Caal.
My Garmin says Km 10 total time a / r h. 5.30 excluding stop at the top, total height difference 1091 m
I leave very early in the morning to see and photograph especially the deer you have to make this sacrifice. Very rewarding itinerary even though you have to overcome a difference in altitude of more than 1,000 meters and the slope in some parts is felt. Before reaching the crest going up the path I stop several times to observe and photograph some deer grazing below. Once you reach the crest a window opens onto the Val Resia and the Canin group here I leave path 733 for 731 which takes me first to Mount Plagne and finally to the top of Mount Guarda, where the view ranges in wonderful panoramas from the Isonzo valley to Mount Nero and other surrounding peaks up to the sea.