OVERVIEW
Tre Cime di Lavaredo is arguably the most famous hike of the entire Dolomites region. The trail circumnavigates the base of three distinct peaks (Cima Piccola, Cima Grande, and Cima Ovest), which are some of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in the Dolomites.
Similar to Seceda and Lago di Braies, Tre Cime di Lavaredo was one of the hikes on our Dolomites bucket list, and no trip to the region would be complete without it.
The trail loops around the three limestone peaks, providing incredible views of the surrounding mountain ranges and meadows for the entire duration of the hike. The terrain is variable, sometimes quite rugged while at other times quite lush, but always beautiful and impressive.
There are several rifugios scattered throughout the trail, all serving classic Italian dishes. They offer a relaxing atmosphere to recuperate and indulge in Italian cuisine while admiring the spectacular views throughout the area.
The hike itself is of moderate difficulty, with a few areas of steep ascent, but nothing technical. Oliver and Maddie were 9 and 7 years old at the time and had no difficulty at all with the trail.
Hiking the Tre Cime di Lavaredo trail was one of our favorite activities while visiting the Dolomites, and hopefully we can inspire you to also venture out on this amazing adventure.
WHERE TO STAY
The nearest major town to Tre Cime di Lavaredo is Cortina d’Ampezzo. This is a fairly large town and popular location to say when visiting the Dolomites. It has numerous lodging and restaurant options. It’s where we stayed while in the region, and is a fantastic location.
Cortina d’Ampezzo is about 150 km or a 2 hour drive from Venice and 400 km or a 4.5 hour drive from Milan. From Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo trailhead is 22 km or a 35 minute drive away.
The two main options for getting to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo are driving yourself or taking a bus. There are a few large parking lots at the trailhead near Rifugio Auronzo.
A 7 km paved but narrow mountain road leads up to the trailhead just north of the small village of Misurina. There are now visiting restrictions in place for accessing the road and a toll booth is located just after Lago d’Antorno. The toll is €30 for cars, €20 for motorcycles, and €45 for campervans.
This is a very popular hike in the Dolomites, so it’s important to arrive early in order to secure a parking spot, typically before 9 AM during peak season. Right before the toll booth is a digital sign tallying the available parking spots and after a few hundred vehicles are allowed in the road will close.
HIKING STATISTICS
Distance: 10.1 km (6.3 mile) loop with a few short detour options.
Elevation gain: 470 meters (1,530 feet).
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 5-6 hours, but quite variable and depending on the time taken for photos and eating at the rifugios.
When: After the snow melts and the road opens, usually late May through mid/late October.
OUR EXPERIENCE
Getting there
We were staying just outside Cortina d’Ampezzo, at B&B HOTEL Passo Tre Croci Cortina, which was a short drive to Tre Cime di Lavaredo. There were 30-40 vehicles in front of us by the time we reached the toll, so we waited in this line for close to 30 minutes. It appeared as though there were a few hundred parking spots left, but from the looks of it they were going to go quickly.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo is a loop hike, with a few short detour options. We took the counterclockwise route, which worked well. This way we were hiking in the same direction as most other hikers.
Trailhead to Rifugio Lavaredo
From the uppermost parking lot we made our way toward the trailhead, which was essentially at Rifugio Auronzo. The trail began by descending down the south side of the three rock pillars along a wide gravel path.
The amazing views came into sight immediately. Every few minutes we’d look behind us as the clouds floated in and out of sight and occasionally obscured Tre Cime and Rifugio Auronzo.
Off to the right and across Auronzo valley were the jagged teeth of Cadini di Misurina. This is another popular but shorter hike in the Dolomites that we were initially planning to tack on after our Tre Cime di Lavaredo adventure. Due to time constraints, however, we were unable to follow through.
After about 1 km we reached a lovely little chapel, Cappella degli Alpini. Here we detoured with several other hikers down a narrow 0.5 km dirt trail that led through a meadow to catch a view of the Mirante do Vale dos Três Picos de Lavaredo.
The view back toward Tre Cime from the meadow was one of the best of the day. After getting our fill of the valley below, and the two monuments near the cliffside, we returned to the main trail.
The path gradually ascended while heading northward until we reached a second mountain hut, Rifugio Lavaredo. There were restrooms here that cost €1 and food was also available.
Rifugio Lavaredo to Rifugio Locatelli
There were two trail options from here to reach the mountain saddle of Forcella Lavaredo. A steeper and more strenuous route made a direct approach to Forcella Lavaredo as it cut across the base of the three peaks. However, we chose the easier and more scenic, but slightly longer route to the east.
This hiking trail passed by a scenic alpine lake with stunning reflections of the Dolomites. Soon after it brought us to Forcella Lavaredo. We were greeted with incredible views of the Dolomites and got up close and personal with the three peaks of Tre Cime.
The views into the valley below and across to the mountains in the distance were phenomenal. To our right was our next stop, Rifugio Locatelli.
From Forcella Lavaredo it was a 2 km walk along a wide gravel path to Rifugio Locatelli. The final bit consisted of a few switchbacks ascending up to the mountain hut. The restaurant was packed with other hikers.
Shirlee waited in the long line for food while the kids and I staked out a table. The food was prepared quickly and we enjoyed delicious pasta dishes while soaking in the marvelous views of Tre Cime.
Make sure to go to the other side of the rifugio to get a view of two beautiful turquoise lakes (Laghi dei Piani) in the green valley below. Another fascinating sight was the Chiesetta Alpina Chapel, which was found right next to the hut.
Rifugio Locatelli to Lange Alm
After our delicious meal, we descended the switchbacks and returned to the main trail. This led down a steep path into the valley below. This was a rocky, slippery, and uneven path that was very busy with other hikers and required careful footing.
We briefly walked across the valley floor and soon after began the brutal ascent up the other side. This was exhausting and the most challenging part of the day. However, once reaching the top there were fantastic views back across the valley toward Rifugio Locatelli.
We took a short break and then pushed on to Lange Alm which was not far ahead. Here there was yet another hut, Malga Langalm.
The three peaks of Tre Cime were now on our left and this was one of the more dramatic views of the day. A small pond sat at the base of the peaks, providing an impressive reflection of the rock formation.
As we rounded the final side of Tre Cime, the jagged peaks of the Cadini di Misurina came back into view. Oliver and Maddie were getting pretty tired at this point so we pushed on and returned to the parking lot soon after.
FINAL IMPRESSIONS
Tre Cime di Lavaredo is one of the hallmark trails in the Dolomites, and after doing this hike we understand why that’s the case. The three towering peaks of Tre Cime dominate the landscape, creating a dramatic backdrop for the entire hike. Their sheer size and rugged beauty define what hiking in the Dolomites is all about.
As we traversed the trail, we were treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, plateaus, and other peaks of the region, including the Cadini di Misurina. Each turn revealed a new and inspiring vista worthy of a photo stop.
The hike took us through diverse alpine landscapes, from rocky terrain to lush meadows dotted with wildflowers. We also encountered various species of wildlife, such as marmots and birds, adding to the charm of the experience.
While the hike offered rewarding views, it also presented some strenuous terrain. This included steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and narrow trails. These obstacles added an element of adventure and excitement to the journey while also creating a challenge.
We all had a thrilling time hiking around Tre Cime di Lavaredo and it’s no secret why this is one of the quintessential trails in the Dolomites region.
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