Hiking the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint

Last Updated on October 5, 2025 by Charlotte

At the end of a narrow knife’s edge ridgeline sits the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint. This panoramic lookout in the Italian Dolomites is surrounded by sharp mountain peaks. Just a stone’s throw from Rifugio Auronzo in the Tre Cime Nature Park, the short hike to this viewpoint is a fantastic add-on to your visit to Tre Cime (Drei Zinnen). In this guide, we share hiking information and insider tips to make your visit unforgettable.

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Explore the Trail

I had dreamed of visiting the Cadini di Misurina Lookout for years. Years ago, travelers considered this viewpoint a ‘secret spot,’ and finding its exact location took serious Google Earth sleuthing. Today, directions for the trail have been shared across the internet. Despite the influx of hikers, the magnificence of the surrounding mountain range and the easy walk make this viewpoint worth the trip.

The trailhead begins across the street from the Rifugio Auronzo Parking Lot, following Trail #117 towards Rifugio Col De Varda, and descends a rocky hill. To the left, a river snakes through a valley leading to an aqua blue lake.

Our walk to the viewpoint follows a narrow footpath along a ridge with fabulous views of Tre Cime (Drei Zinnen). We can’t see the Cadini di Misurina range quite yet. But we know it is waiting for us.

As we round a bend and crest a hill, the full extent of Cadini di Misurina comes into view. Compared to the crowds at Tre Cime, the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint feels a world away, with only a few other hikers around. I see why this spot is popular with photographers. The mountains beyond the end of the trail surround the lookout on three sides like the mountains are cradling the ridge in stone hands.

The final stretch along the ridge to the lookout is eroded and crumbling, and the last thirty feet give me a shot of adrenaline. We are grateful for clear skies and dry conditions.

We visited in mid-morning, but I could imagine how magical this place would be during alpenglow when the rock faces come alive in shades of pink and purple at first light and dusk.

Cadini di Misurina Hike Details

• Distance: 2.1 miles / ~3.2 km
• Time: 1 to 2 hours
• Elevation: 690 ft / ~210 m
• Best Seasons: Late May through early September
• AllTrails Profile
• Trail Type: Out and back

How To Find The Cadini di Misurina Trailhead

The Cadini di Misurina Trailhead starts across the street from the Rifugio Auronzo Parking Lot, following Trail #117 towards Rifugio Col De Varda.

Plan Your Visit to Cadini di Misurina Lookout

The Best Time of Year to Visit

The road to Rifugio Auronzo is typically open from June through September. In June, there might be some residual snowpack on the trail. July and August are considered the best months to visit. However, August tends to be the busiest “peak” visiting month, and you can expect busloads of day hikers in addition to the 700 carloads of people.

Nearby Facilities and Restaurants

Rifugio Auronzo is located at the start and end of the Tre Cime loop hike. This hut features a large dining room with a view of the Cadini di Misurina Mountain Chain. Rifugio Auronzo serves Cadorina and Bellunese cuisine using seasonal produce from local farms and dairies. This rifugio has toilets available for public use, however, these WCs are only open during business hours.

How to Get to the Cadini di Misurina Lookout Trailhead by Car

To reach the trailhead near Rifugio Auronzo, you’ll need to drive up a private toll road from the town of Misurina. This road is typically open from late June through September, depending on snow conditions.

• Toll road hours: Open 24/7 during the season
• Toll booth staffed: 6 AM – 8 PM
• Number of Available parking spots: ~700 at Rifugio Auronzo
• Live sign at the booth shows current parking availability

While you previously needed to arrive early in peak season (especially July and August), as the lot filled quickly, Tre Cime has implemented a new parking reservation system starting in Summer 2025.

2025 Parking & Toll Fees

• Cars: €40 per 12 hours
• Camper Vans: €60 per 12 hours
• Motorbikes: €26 per 12 hours
• Free parking for travelers with EU disability placards (with the person present)

⚠️ Travel tip: Some 2024 visitors reported that exceeding the 12-hour limit triggered an additional charge upon exit, even for just a few minutes over.

For updated fees and seasonal opening announcements, check the official Tre Cime Dolomiti website or the Auronzo.info website.

How to Get to the Cadini di Misurina Lookout Trailhead by Bus

Summer bus routes that provide public transit options servicing the towns of Cortina d’Ampezzo and Dobbaccio to the Tre Cime Nature Park.

• From Cortina: Bus #30 and #31 go to Rifugio Auronzo. As timetables change, we recommend checking the timetables online at dolomitibus.it.
• From Dobbaccio: The shuttle bus #444 operates from June through October. It is recommended to book your shuttle bus tickets online in advance here, as only unsold tickets will be available for purchase locally.

Tips for Your Visit to Cadini di Misurina

• Pack for bipolar weather: Be sure to bring warm layers, a raincoat, and sun protection.
• Don’t go in rain, ice, or snow: the trail can be extremely slippery when wet.
• Wear close-toed shoes: We wore hiking boots and trail runners and had no problem on the gravel trails. Some other visitors wearing flip-flops were struggling.
• Bring your camera:  You don’t want to miss out on your once-in-a-lifetime shots at this amazing spot.

Was it worth the trip?

100% Yes! Seeing this spot in person was everything I dreamed it would be and a fun addition to our day in the Tre Cime Nature Park.