The Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike is famous in the Dolomites. Three big rocky peaks stand out against the beautiful Dolomite landscape. You'll see stunning views and lots of wildflowers in the summer. Lykkers, this guide has all the info you need for hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
<h3>Why you should hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo:</h3>
On this hike, you'll walk around three huge rock formations known as Tre Cime. These peaks are one of the most famous sights in the Dolomites and symbolize the area's UNESCO World Heritage status. Because Tre Cime is high in the mountains, you can see it from many places in the Dolomites, like the trail to Lago Sorapis, Lago di Misurina, and even Marmolada. However, the best views of its iconic north faces are from the hiking trail itself.
Throughout the hike, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Dolomites and see Tre Cime from different perspectives. There are also side paths you can take to extend your hike, leading to various viewpoints or alpine lakes.
<h3>The hiking details for the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop:</h3>
<b>• Distance:</b> 8.8 km (5.5 miles) Loop
<b>• Total Ascent:</b> 425 m (1,400 feet)
<b>• Difficulty:</b> Moderate
<b>• Lowest Elevation:</b> 2,185 m (7,170 feet)
<b>• Highest Elevation:</b> 2,455 m (8,055 feet)
<b>• Time:</b> 2.5 to 5 hours
<b>• Best Time to Go:</b> Summer months are ideal, especially when wildflowers are blooming. The road to Rifugio Auronzo usually opens in early June.
<b>Remember these guidelines when hiking:</b> Plan ahead, stick to trails, take all your trash with you, dispose of waste properly, leave nature untouched, respect others, and avoid wildlife.
<h3>Where to park for the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike:</h3>
The parking lot is next to Rifugio Auronzo, which is quite large and can accommodate hundreds of vehicles. However, it fills up quickly, often by 9 to 9:30 am in summer.
To reach the parking lot, drive 7 km on the road connecting Rifugio Auronzo and SP49, just north of Lago Misurina.
There's now a limit on vehicles allowed up this road. After Lago d’Antorno, there's a toll booth where you pay €30 per vehicle (€45 for campervans) to access and park at Rifugio Auronzo. A digital sign near the toll booth displays available parking spaces; once it reaches zero, no more cars can proceed up the road. This can happen as early as 9:30 am, so arrive early!
The road to Rifugio Auronzo opens from early June to early fall. Alternatively, you can take a public bus to Rifugio Auronzo.
<h3>Step-by-step guide for hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo:</h3>
<b>Direction:</b> You can hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop in either direction, but most people go counterclockwise. This direction offers better views and follows the main flow of hikers.
<b>Trailhead at Rifugio Auronzo:</b> From the parking lot, walk to Rifugio Auronzo. Depending on where you park, it could be a short or uphill walk. The trail starts on the left side of the terrace at Rifugio Auronzo, marked by a trail sign. It's a wide gravel path with plenty of hikers.
<b>Trail #101 to Rifugio Lavaredo:</b> Follow trail #101 from Rifugio Auronzo towards Rifugio Lavaredo.
<b>Rifugio Auronzo to Cappella degli Alpini:</b> The first part is easy, a flat gravel trail alongside the southeast faces of Tre Cime. Enjoy views of Auronzo valley and Cadini di Misurina across the valley.
<b>Optional Detour: Mirante do Vale dos Tres Picos de Lavaredo:</b> After about 1 km, reach Cappella degli Alpini. Here, you can continue on the main trail or take a short detour for a stunning view of Tre Cime.
<b>• Distance:</b> 0.65 km (0.4 miles) round-trip
<b>• Ascent:</b> 45 m (145 feet), all uphill on the return
<b>• Time:</b> 15 to 30 minutes
Look for trail #101A marked by a trail sign near the chapel. Follow it downhill to two monuments for a unique view of Tre Cime and the valley. Retrace your steps uphill to return to the main trail.
This addition offers great views and is worth the short extra hike.
Adventure awaits at Tre Cime di Lavaredo! From jaw-dropping vistas to pristine trails, this guide has everything you need for an unforgettable trek. Have you hiked here before or is it on your must-do list? Share your excitement and any hidden gems you discover in the comments below. Let's inspire each other's next adventure!
