Julie Italy 68 Comments

The Dolomites are one of our favorite places in the world to go hiking. This area is truly a hiker’s paradise. Hike to the highest peaks, to picturesque alpine lakes, and to jaw-dropping viewpoints. In this guide, we list 15 of the best hikes in the Dolomites…15 wonderful adventures to add to your trip to this beautiful corner of Italy.

About this List

We have visited the Dolomites twice. Our first visit was in 2014, at the start of a one year trip around the world…and the start of this website. We spent 3 memorable days here, hiking just a few trails. We vowed to get back here again as soon as possible.

Well, it took us 8 years (other travel plans, COVID, etc. delayed our return) but it was well worth the wait. On our second visit (July 2022) we spent nine very busy days in the Dolomites.

From these two visits, we came up with this list of 15 day hikes. That’s a lot to choose from, especially if you only have a few days in the Dolomites.

At the end of this guide, we give recommendations for the best hikes in the Dolomites, whether you are looking for something quick and easy, something more challenging, hikes organized by region, or if you want to learn what our favorite hikes are.

Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife.

Best Hikes in the Dolomites

This list starts with the shortest, easiest trails and ends with the longer, more challenging hikes. At the end of this section, we rank the hikes from our favorite to least favorite. You can skip to this list now.

Each of these hikes is a day hike, so they all can be completed in one day.

There are no via ferratas on this list so they can all be done without special equipment (other than hiking shoes, a backpack, some water, and a camera).

Several of the shorter hikes can be combined together to form full day adventures. I’ll let you know the best combinations with details on how to do them.

All hiking distances are round trip, unless noted otherwise.

WHEN TO GO HIKING IN THE DOLOMITES: The hiking season runs from June through September. During this time, the trails are clear of snow. By the middle part of October, the first snows can begin to fall, ending the hiking season.

1. Tofana de Mezzo

For one of the best views of the Dolomites from the shortest hiking trail, it’s hard to beat Tofana di Mezzo.

Distance: 0.3 km (0.2 miles) | Difficulty: Easy | Total Ascent: 55 meters (180 feet) | Time: 30 minutes | Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cima Tofana Dolomites

You may be scratching your head at this first “hike” on the list. Yes, it is super short. But this short trail scales the edge of cliff and then has a steep, slippery ascent to the mountain peak, so it’s not for everyone. To do this, you need to have a good head for heights.

This very short hike offers one of the best views of the Dolomites with the least amount of effort.

From Cima Tofana, the highest cable car station on the Freccia nel Cielo cableway, you get panoramic views over Cortina d’Ampezzo and the surrounding mountains.

From the viewing platform, climb the series of staircases to the the hiking trail, and then it is just a 5-minute walk along the trail to viewpoints over the Cima Tofana station and Cortina d’Ampezzo. There is a lot of exposure along this trail so if you have a fear of heights, this is a hike you might want to skip.

From the hiking trail, you have the option to rock scramble up the short but steep hill to Tofana di Mezzo, where spectacular 360° views of the Dolomites awaits.

Tofana di Mezzo

Tofana di Mezzo

 

Cortina d'Ampezzo

The view of Cortina d’Ampezzo from the Freccia nel Cielo cableway.

2. Seceda

Seceda is another stunning place to visit in the Dolomites and a short hike is all it takes to get to the famous viewpoint.

Distance: 1.3 km (0.8 miles) loop | Difficulty: Easy  | Total Ascent: 110 meters (360 feet) | Time: 30 to 45 minutes | Location: Val Gardena

Famous Seceda Viewpoint

This is another hike where a cable car whisks you high into the mountains.

From the cable car station, you don’t even have to do any hiking to enjoy the view, but if you want to photograph the iconic shot of Seceda, it is a short but steep uphill hike to the viewpoint. From here, follow the trail down along the ridgeline towards the jagged peaks. Once you get to the trail junction, it is an easy but gorgeous walk back to the cable car station.

Seceda in the Summer

Seceda in July

 

Short Hikes in the Dolomites

From Seceda, you also have a great view of the Sella group and Val Gardena.

3. Cinque Torri

This short hike is and easy to do and you get a history lesson along the way.

Distance: 1.9 km (1.2 mile) loop | Difficulty: Easy  | Total Ascent: 130 meters (430 feet) | Time: 1 hour | Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cinque Torri Hike

The Cinque Torri is one of the most recognizable rock formations in the Dolomites. It is a popular hiking and rock climbing destination, but it is also an open-air war museum, with trenches and bunkers that remain from World War I.

Hiking around the Cinque Torri is one of the easiest and most beautiful hikes that we did in the Dolomites.

It’s a great hike for kids, since a chairlift zips you right up to the rock towers. And with its short distance, and bunkers and tunnels to explore, this is one of the best places to take kids hiking in the Dolomites. They can also learn a little bit of history in the process.

This hike can be combined with Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau for one epic day in the Dolomites.

Cinque Torri

A view of the Cinque Torri from the hiking trail

4. Cadini di Misurina

The main reason for doing this hike is to reach the viewpoint of the Cadini di Misurina but you also get a very unique view of Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

Distance: 3.2 km (2 miles)  | Difficulty: Easy  | Total Ascent: 210 meters (690 feet) | Time: 1 to 2 hours | Location: Near the Tre Cime Naturepark and Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cadini di Misurina Hike

The hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is one of our favorite short hikes in the Dolomites.

This is a gorgeous hike every step of the way, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, a unique view of the “backside” of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and of course, an awesome view of the Cadini di Misurina.

If you are looking for a short, beautiful hike, the Cadini di Misurina hike belongs on top of your Dolomites to-do list.

Cadini di Misurina

Tre Cime di Lavaredo Photo

On the trail to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint, you also get a unique view of Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

5. Lago di Braies

Hike the loop around the shimmering, aquamarine Lago di Braies, an easy hike that is perfect for families and photographers.

Distance: 3.7 km (2.3 miles) loop  | Difficulty: Easy  | Total Ascent: 100 meters (330 feet) | Time: 1.5 to 2 hours | Location: Fanes-Sennes-Brais Nature Park, South Tyrol

Lago di Braies Photo

Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) is one of the most popular places to visit in the Dolomites. This crystal-clear aquamarine lake, with its dramatic mountainous backdrop, easy walking trail, and rowboats, has long been attracting visitors.

One of the best things to do at Lago di Braies is to walk the hiking trail that loops around the lake. Along the hike, you get to see the lake from all angles.

Lago di Braies

Lago di Braies Hike

Lago di Braies hiking trail | Best Hikes in the Dolomites

6. Lagazuoi to the Falzarego Pass

A cable car transports you up to Lagazuoi for another jaw-dropping view of the Dolomites. And from here, it’s a beautiful downhill walk to the Falzarego Pass.

Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles) | Difficulty: Easy | Total Descent: 650 meters (2,100 feet) | Time: 3 hours | Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo

Dolomites with Kids

This hike starts with a cable car ride from the Falzarego Pass to the Lagazuoi, one of the many mountain peaks in the Dolomites. Right from the upper cable car station you have yet another phenomenal view of the Dolomites.

There are a bunch of trails that run through Lagazuoi. We hiked downhill, from the mountain peak back to our car at the Falzarego Pass. It’s a beautiful hike and from the trail you look out to Averau, Nuvolau, the Cinque Torri, Gran Diedro, and Croda da Lago.

Since this is a short, downhill hike, it’s great for kids (it’s the very first hike we did in the Dolomites).

Lagazuoi Dolomites

Lagazuoi View

View from the trail from Lagazuoi to Falzarego

7. Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau

If you want one of the best views of the Dolomites with a beer in your hand, or you simply want a meal with an unforgettable view, don’t miss this hike. It’s one of favorite experiences in the Dolomites.

Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles) | Difficulty: Easy | Total Ascent: 335 meters (1,100 feet) | Time: 1.5 to 2 hours + additional time at the rifugios | Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo

Rifugo Nuvolau Dolomites

Rifugo Nuvolau

Rifugio Nuvalou sits on top Mount Nuvolau. At an elevation of 2,575 meters (8,500 feet), you have 360° views of the Dolomites. It is an incredible view, especially if you are lucky enough to be here when the skies are clear.The views, having lunch on the outdoor terrace, with a view of one of the most beautiful places we have seen, was a truly memorable experience.

To get here, you will hike past Rifugio Averau, which serves some of the best pasta dishes in the Dolomites.

Rifugio Averau

Rifugio Averau

 

Dolomites Hikes

View from Rifugio Nuvolau 

8. Piz Boè

Piz Boè is considered to be one of the easiest summits over 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) in the Dolomites. From the peak, you have 360° views over the Dolomites that will take your breath away.

Distance: 5.3 km (3.3 miles) | Difficulty: Moderate | Total Ascent: 430 meters (1,410 feet) | Time: 2 to 4 hours | Location: Val Gardena

Piz Boe

The trail to Piz Boè

This hike starts at Passo Pordoi. From here, ride a cable car to Sass Pordoi and then it is a relatively short but strenuous hike to Piz Boè. Piz Boè is the highest peak in the Sella Group of the Italian Dolomites, and the panoramic views from this peak are breathtaking.

Piz Boe Summit

Piz Boè summit

 Passo Pordoi

Pordoi Pass from the trail to Piz Boè

9. Cinque Torri + Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau

Combine two of the best hikes in the Dolomites into one epic hiking experience.

Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles) | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Total Ascent: 465 meters (1,530 feet) | Time: 2.5 to 3 hours + additional time at the rifugios | Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo

Beer at Rifugio Nuvolau

The view from Rifugio Nuvolau

Even though you are combining two trails, the distance is still rather short and manageable for most people.

If you have one day in the Dolomites, this is a hike I highly recommend. The views are gorgeous every step of the way. Plus, you get the experience of visiting a rifugio, where the drinks and food are very good and you get one of the best views of the Dolomites.

View from Rifugio Nuvolau

The view from Rifugio Nuvolau of the Cinque Torri and Tofana di Rozes

 

Dolomites Photo Spot

Next to Rifugio Scoiattoli (on the trail between the Cinque Torri and Rifugio Averau), you can have a seat in one of these lounge chairs and enjoy the view.

Italy Travel Guide

10. Alpe di Siusi

Go on a walk through the highest alpine meadow in Europe and enjoy the view of the rifugios, cabins, and the mighty Sassolungo.

Distance: 6.8 km (4.2 miles) | Difficulty: Easy| Total Descent: 260 meters (850 feet) | Time: 2 to 3 hours + additional time at the rifugios | Location: Alpe di Suisi

Alpe di Siusi

Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm in German) is the highest alpine meadow in Europe. Cabins, rifugios, and hotels dot the landscape. Hiking trails and biking trails run along the hillsides, connecting the small villages. And Sassolungo, with its jagged, rocky peaks, looms over the area.

There are lots of different ways to plan your time at Alpe di Siusi. We hiked from Compatsch to Saltria, which passes by several rifugios and offers beautiful views of Alpe di Siusi and Sassolungo from the hiking trail. Overall, this is an easy downhill hike. From the lowest point, Saltria, you can ride the bus back to Compatsch which eliminates a long, unnecessary climb.

Hikes in the Dolomites Alpe di Siusi

11. Tre Cime di Lavaredo

The triple peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo are the symbol of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this hike, walk the loop around the peaks…it’s an essential hike in the Dolomites.

Distance: 8.8 km (5.5 miles) loop | Difficulty: Moderate | Total Ascent: 425 meters (1,400 feet) | Time: 2.5 to 5 hours | Location: Near Cortina d’Ampezzo

Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike

Tre Cime di Lavaredo is one of the best hikes in the Dolomites. Three massive rocky prominences rise up from the rolling scenery of the Dolomites and  during the summer months the land is carpeted with wildflowers.

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike is done as a loop, so you get to circle around three enormous pillars of rock. The only way to see the iconic north faces is from this hiking trail.

There are numerous detours you can take from the Tre Cime di Lavaredo trail to alpine lakes and unique viewpoints of the area, and well worth it if you don’t mind going the extra distance.

Dolomites Hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Chiesetta Alpina

12. Adolf Munkel Weg to Geisler Alm

The Adolf Munkel Weg runs along the base of the Odle/Geisler mountain group in Val di Funes. On this walk, the views are very nice but having lunch at one of mountain huts is the highlight of the experience.

Distance: 9.2 km (5.7 miles) loop | Difficulty: Moderate | Total Ascent: 440 meters (1,445 feet) | Time: 4 to 6 hours (this includes time at the mountain huts) | Location: Val di Funes

Dolomites Italy

The Adolf Munkel Weg is a point-to-point hiking trail that runs along the Odle/Geisler mountain group. This hike is on the longer side (13 km) and since it is point-to-point, you will have to use public transportation or do some extra hiking to get back to the starting point.

We shortened the hike, turning it into a loop. The starting and ending point was from the same parking lot, we had awesome views of the Odle/Geisler mountains from Geisler Alm, plus we got to visit a few rifugios along the way.

Geisler Alm

Adolf Munkel Weg

Adolf Munkel Weg | Best Hikes in the Dolomites

13. Lago di Sorapis

Lago di Sorapis attracts hundreds of hikers every day in the summer. It’s a beautiful lake but be prepared for big crowds. For the best experience, add on the trail to Forcella Marcuoira to venture high in the mountains and get a unique view of Lago di Sorapis.

Distance: 11.6 to 12.7 km (7.2 to 7.9 miles) | Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous | Total Ascent: 460 meters (1,520 feet) to 775 meters (2,550 feet) | Time: 3 to 7 hours  | Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo

Lago Sorapis 2022

Lago di Sorapis (Lake Sorapis) is one of the most popular hikes to do in the Dolomites. The hiking trail to get to this aquamarine lake is located just a short drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo.

The vast majority of people hike out-and-back to Lago di Sorapis on the main trail. What many people don’t know is that you can turn this hike into a loop (which is why there is a range of hiking stats listed above).

Doing it as a loop (Lago di Sorapis plus Forcella Marcuoira) doesn’t add much in the way of extra distance, but it does add a hefty amount of elevation gain. However, your reward is unique views of Lago di Sorapis and panoramic views of the Dolomites.

For those who want to hike a quieter trail and have more amazing views of the Dolomites, choose the loop option when hiking Lago di Sorapis.

Lago Sorapis Photo

Monte Cristallo

If you hike back to the trailhead via Forcella Marcuoira, you get a different view, like this one of Monte Cristallo.

14. Lago Federa & Croda da Lago Circuit

This hike loops around the Croda da Lago mountain group. On the way, you will visit the lovely Lago Federa and climb up to Forcella Ambrizzola and Forcella Rossa for more panoramic views of the Dolomites.

Distance: 12.8 km (8 miles) loop | Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous | Total Ascent: 900 meters (2,950 feet) | Time: 4.5 to 6 hours | Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo

Lago Federa Dolomites Italy

The Croda da Lago Circuit is one of the most underrated hikes that we did in the Dolomites.

With a beautiful walk through the woods, a visit to an alpine lake (Lago Federa), close up views of Croda da Lago, and panoramic views of the Dolomites, the scenery is constantly changing, making this one of the most interesting trails in the area.

During the summer months, the Dolomites is a busy place to visit. But not this trail. The Croda da Lago Circuit was one of the emptiest trails that we hiked in our 12 days in the Dolomites. So, if you are looking for a less crowded hike that is still BIG on views, this hike is for you.

Forcella Ambrizzola

View from Forcella Ambrizzola

 Croda da Lago Circuit

View from the Croda da Lago Circuit

15. Puez-Odle Altopiano

This is the longest hike on this list but it is the most rewarding. The journey starts with a cable car ride and from here you hike the peaks of the Puez-Odle Altopiano, for ever changing views across the Dolomites.

Distance: 17 km (10.6 miles) | Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous | Total Ascent: 850 meters (2,800 feet) | Time: 6 to 9 hours  | Location: Val Gardena

Puez Odle Altopiano Hike

With jaw-dropping views of the Dolomites, fields of wildflowers, and some of the best alpine views in Italy, this is our favorite hike in the Dolomites.

The Puez-Odle hike is a 17 km point-to-point hike along some of the highest mountain peaks in the Dolomites. A chairlift at the beginning of the hike eliminates the first big climb. There are still some ups and downs, but overall, you head downhill for much of the hike.

Since you spend so much time in the higher peaks of the Dolomites, you are treated to panoramic views that will take your breath away.

Best Dolomites Hikes

Puez Odle Photo

One of many amazing views from the Puez-Odle Altopiano.

Map of the Best Hikes in the Dolomites

How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.

Best Hikes in the Dolomites Ranked

All 15 Trails, Ranked from Favorite to Least Favorite

Here is our ranking of all 15 hikes on this list. This list starts with our favorite hike and ends with our least favorite. But even hike #15, even though it may be last on the list, is still a very good hike to do (that’s one of the things that makes the Dolomites so awesome!).

  • Puez Odle Altopiano
  • Cinque Torri + Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau
  • Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint
  • Croda da Lago Circuit
  • Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau
  • Tofana di Mezzo
  • Tre Cime di Lavaredo
  • Cinque Torri
  • Lago di Sorapis
  • Seceda
  • Lagazuoi to Falzarego Pass
  • Adolf Munkel Weg
  • Piz Boè
  • Lago di Braies
  • Alpe di Suisi

Best Short, Easy Hikes in the Dolomites

The Dolomites are packed with short, easy trails to choose from. On our hiking list, 10 trails come in less than 8 km (5 miles).

If you are looking for short, easy hikes in the Dolomites to do with kids, here are our recommendations:

  • Cinque Torri
  • Lago di Braies
  • Seceda
  • Lagazuoi to the Falzarego Pass
  • Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau

And if you simply want a short hike to a stunning viewpoint, we recommend:

  • Tofana di Mezzo
  • Cadini di Misurina
  • Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau
  • Piz Boè

Best Hikes in the Dolomites on Your First Visit

If you only have a few days, here are the best hikes in the Dolomites that let you experience it from several different angles:

  • Cinque Torri + Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau
  • Croda da Lago Circuit or Puez-Odle Altopiano
  • Tre Cime di Lavaredo + Cadini di Misurina

Less Crowded Trails

If you want to leave the crowds behind, these trails were the “quietest” trails we hiked in the Dolomites:

  • Croda da Lago Circuit
  • Adolf Munkel Weg
  • Alpe di Siusi
  • Lago di Sorapis to Forcella Marcuoira to the trailhead

Hikes Near Cortina d’Ampezzo

If Cortina d’Ampezzo is your home base, here are the nearby trails:

  • Cinque Torri
  • Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau
  • Lagazuoi to Falzarego Pass
  • Croda da Lago Circuit + Lago Federa
  • Tofana di Mezzo
  • Tre Cime di Lavaredo
  • Cadini di Misurina
  • Lago di Braies
  • Lago di Sorapis

Hikes in and around Val Gardena

Here are hikes located in and around Val Gardena:

  • Puez-Odle Altopiano
  • Seceda
  • Piz Boè
  • Alpe di Siusi
  • Adolf Munkel Weg

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to go hiking in the Dolomites?

The best time to go hiking in the Dolomites is from June through September, when the trails are free of snow. Wildflowers carpet parts of the Dolomites in July and August. By the middle part of October, the first snows can begin to fall, ending the hiking season.

How many days do I need in the Dolomites?

As many as possible. If you simply want to drive through the Dolomites and visit a few highlights, two to three days is all you need. If you love hiking, really, spend as much time here as you can. I recommend five days at a minimum. So far, we have spend 12 very busy days in the Dolomites and still have more that we want to come back and do. So, if you have the time in your schedule, you could easily spend 7 to 10 days hiking in the Dolomites. To help you plan your time, take a look at our Dolomites Itinerary.

Do I need a car to get around the Dolomites?

A car is not absolutely necessary but it will give you more freedom and you will be able to get to some places where the public buses do not run. Pick up your rental car in Venice, Bolzano, Verona, or Milan and once finished in the Dolomites, return it and resume your trip through Italy by using the trains.


What do you do think are the best hikes in the Dolomites? Let us know in the comment section below, and feel free to write in if you have any questions about which ones you should do.

More Information for Your Trip to Italy

DOLOMITES: For links to all of our articles about the Dolomites, take a look at our Dolomites Travel Guide. We cover important things to know before you go and travel tips in our article How to Plan a Trip to the Dolomites. And for ideas on what to do, read our article Best Things to Do in the Dolomites (with Little to No Hiking).

BEST OF ITALY: In our Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Italy, we list 25 beautiful destinations to consider for your next trip to Italy. 

VENICE: Learn more about what to do in Venice in our Venice Bucket List. To help you plan your time, we have a detailed one day Venice itinerary and a 2 day Venice itinerary.

VERONA: Verona is a beautiful city in northern Italy. Learn how to spend one perfect day in Verona.

ITALY ITINERARIES: If you are just beginning to plan your Italy itinerary, take a look at our 10 Days in Italy Itinerary for four different ways to spend 10 days in Italy. We also have a detailed 10 day itinerary that includes Rome, Florence, the Cinque Terre, and Venice. For those with more time, check out our 14 day Italy itinerary, which covers the highlights of Italy.

MORE GREAT HIKES IN EUROPE: From thrilling trails in the Alps to easy walks along the coast, read our article 20 Best Hikes in Europe for some beautiful hiking trails to put on your travel wish list.

We have TONS more information about Italy in our Italy Travel Guide, including Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, the Dolomites, the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre, Basilicata, and Puglia.

 

Best Dolomites Hikes Italy

 

Best Hikes in Dolomites Italy

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Comments 68

  1. Avatar for Luana
    Luana

    Thank you very much for your content!!! The photos are impeccable! Could you help me think of the best strategy formy trip to the Dolomites? I will arrive (by car and near Cortina D’ampezzo) on a Sunday around lunchtime, and I will leave on a Wednesday at the same time. I would like to visit Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Lago di Sorapis. I would also like to do some bike rides (my boyfriend really wants to hahaha).
    Could you give us some tips, please?? We aren’t sure how to allocate the tours and creat an itinerary to make the most of it

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      I’d love to help! Both Lago di Sorapis and Tre Cime are fairly substantial hikes that take a good chunk of the day. I recommend doing each of these on Monday and Tuesday morning. We have been getting reports that Tre Cime has been very busy this year so it is best to start that hike around 8:30 am or earlier. On any of the afternoons, or the Wednesday morning, you could do a bike ride (I don’t know much about how to do this in the Dolomites unless you bring your own bike). Other good things to do in the afternoons are to ride the cable car to Tofana di Mezzo, hike the Cadini di Misurina (great add on to Tre Cime), or visit Lago di Dobbiaco or Lago di Misurina. On Wednesday morning, if you don’t do a bike ride, you could hike the Cinque Torri, since it is a short hike. Cheers, Julie

  2. Avatar for sara
    sara

    Hi,
    I love your beautiful pictures and very useful info.
    Can you recommend a moderate hike for a family of mostly older teens in the dolmites- mid Aug, that we can find parking at 10 AM and will not be completly crowded that you need to stand in line to take picures at the best view points etc.

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      Your best options are the Adolf Munkel Weg (less busy trail with a large parking lot) and Lago di Sorapis (busier trail but has a large parking lot and we started it at noon without any issues). The other hikes on this list are either short and easy, very long, and/or have major issues parking later in the day. Cheers, Julie

  3. Avatar for sara
    sara

    Hi,
    Your website is so helpfua nd beautiful at the same time!
    We plan to be in the Dolmites in mid AUg.
    Canyou reocmmend a hike that is moderate level, we can get there at 10 AM and still park and will not have tons of crowds?
    And still beautiful?

    thank you!

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      Hello Sara. To meet all of those requirements is going to be tricky. Many parking lots and trails are very crowded at that time. Your best options I think are the Adolf Munkel Weg (that was one of the least crowded trails we hiked) or Alpe di Siusi. We did Lago di Sorapis at noon and the trail was busy but didn’t feel overly crowded, plus there is a very large parking lot. Have a great time in the Dolomites! Cheers, Julie

  4. Avatar for Loic
    Loic

    Thank you for your blog! I spent the last week of June between Val Gardena and Cortina and did a few of the listed hikes:
    Cinque torri + refugios: a bit busy but worth going to refugios
    Alpe de Siusi: great landscape
    Tre Cime: very crowded even arriving at 9am the road up was closed. Least liked due to crowds
    Lago federa + croda de lago: excellent especially when done counter clock wise
    Puez Odle altopiano: great tour, long downhill.
    Great xp for 1st time in Dolomites.

  5. Avatar for Ross Clent
    Ross Clent

    Hi.
    In regards to the Dolomites hiking,
    are the Distances / Time Frames you mention mainly loop distance / time frames, eg return back to start location.
    I note that some are point to point and not back to the original start location.
    Thank you for your help.

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      Yes, a few of these are point to point hikes (like the Puez Odle Altopiano) but most are a loop or out-and-back. We also have a separate, more detailed guide for each hike, with maps and elevation profiles, which should also be helpful. The distances are the total distance for the hike. So, out-and-back hike distances are total, including the hike out to the farthest point plus the return to the starting point. Cheers, Julie

  6. Avatar for Margaret
    Margaret

    Hi Julie,
    First of all thank you so much for sharing all of your experiences! It is so helpful when planning a trip and a great way to daydream even when not planning a trip. We used your guides on our last trip to Rome/Tuscany and enjoyed your recommendations!

    Question: We are planning a trip in mid October to Ortisei. From what I have read the cable cars/gondolas should be open until around Nov. 3. But I’m confused about the tickets. It looks like The Gardena pass is not available past summer. So if we want to use the cable cars/gondolas do we have to pay each time, even if it’s 2 times in one day? Without that pass are you limited to paying for each trip?

    We will be hiking for 3 days. We know we want to do a hike from the top of Seceda, and the Alpe de Suise. What would be your third choice for 2-4 hour, moderate route and what are the lifts we will need to purchase tickets for to get to each of the hikes ? (I see the tickets for the ride from Ortisei all the way up to Seceda).

    I’m trying to budget for all the lift tickets we will need. It gets expensive for 4 people!

    Thank you in advance!

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
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      Julie

      Hello Margaret. You will have to pay for each cable car without the pass. For Seceda you will definitely need a return ticket for the cable car. For Alpe di Siusi it is possible to drive there and save the cable car fee but you will need a rental car and it takes a while to drive there (we cover this in our guide to Alpe di Siusi). Near Ortisei is the Adolf Munkel Weg, a very nice hike and no cable car necessary. In that same area (Val di Funes) another option is to walk the path to the Santa Maddalena Viewpoints. Those would be my top recommendations. Another option is the Piz Boe hike, but this requires a cable car and you would have to check if it is running and look at photos to see if this is something you are interested in doing. Let me know if you have any other questions. Cheers, Julie

      1. Avatar for Margaret
  7. Avatar for Sherie W
    Sherie W

    Hi Julie, Your guides have been incredibly helpful to us even as our plans change. (we’ve used all of your hike advice last year in the Jungfrau region in Switzerland and every hike was amazing). Due to an slowly worsening hip issue, we are limiting our hiking to 3 days and will stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo and hike some of the trails in the East Dolomites. (happy and a little sad about that) We can either go the third week of Sept or the 1st week of October (not dependent on us) If it turns out that we need to go the first week in October, (6-9) are there things I need to research like closed lifts, hotels, restaurants, etc? (we’ll have a rental car) Also, is weather a factor that early in October? Thanks for any guidance you can give.

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
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      Julie

      Hello Sherie. That’s unfortunate you plans have to be altered but at least you still get to experience the Dolomites. I recommend researching chairlift/cable cars for those two weeks and use that to make your decision. I don’t think weather is too much of a factor the first week if October and from pictures I’ve seen, it looks like a beautiful time to go. It will be chillier than September, of course, and rain chances could be slightly increased as well. To be safe, September could be a better time to go (more lifts will be open and maybe a little less rain). I don’t think there is too much to be concerned about with restaurants and hotels in October. But again, the cable car closures could be the biggest factor in your decision making process. Cheers, Julie

  8. Avatar for Kevin
    Kevin

    Hi Julie, we plan hiking in Dolomites this Summer. Witch places (cities) do you recommand to stay to be near the Trails and services ?
    Thanks.

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  9. Avatar for Marisa Allen
    Marisa Allen

    Thank you for the fantastic hike reports which we have used to short list our hikes. We are a fit and active 50 year old couple and are fast hikers and have done a lot of practise ready for our holiday. Our 5 hikes are as below for a 7 day stay.

    I have three questions.
    1) Would you recommend a long hike/short hike approach or build on the hikes starting with easiest to longest?
    2) Would you recommend hiking every day or take some rest days?
    3) For Lago Di Sorapis, I read your hike blog. We have done similar hikes before so think this is achievable but would you leave this till the last day?

    Lago Di Braies
    Lagazuoi to Falzarego pass
    Cinque Torri Rifugio Averau Nuvolau
    Tre Cime
    Either Lago Di Sorapis or Lago Federa Croda Di Lago Circuit

    Thanks!

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
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      Julie

      Hello Marisa. If you are active and have prior experience, all of these hikes should be very doable for you (Tim was 51 when we did these hikes). The Lagazuoi hike is the shortest, easiest on the list and Lago di Sorapis and Croda da Lago are the hardest. When we were last in the Dolomites, we organized our sequence based on the weather. It would be great to do the Cinque Torri + rifugios hike on a clear day so you get the best views. It would also be very nice to do the Sorapis or Croda da Lago hike on another clear day, since you’ll be on the trail the longest and the views if you do Sorapis as a loop are amazing. We’ve done Tre Cime in the rain, which was fine (but sunny skies are always better). I also think it is nice to space out difficult hikes, so don’t do Tre Cime back to back with Sorapis or Croda da Lago. Hopefully you’ll have sunny skies the entire time, but it also looks like you have a little bit of extra time built into your itinerary, which is excellent. I hope you have a wonderful time hiking in the Dolomites! Cheers, Julie

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