Hiking the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop in the Dolomites

Last Updated on May 17, 2026 by Charlotte

Hiking the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop is one of those bucket-list experiences that was even better than I ever could have imagined. The trail wraps around three jagged limestone peaks that are so iconic they’ve become the unofficial symbol of the Dolomites. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop is not a hidden gem, and it doesn’t need to be. The path is easy to follow, the views keep getting better around every bend, and the whole thing feels like walking through a postcard for several hours straight.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your own Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop hike: how to get there, where to park, when to go, what to pack, a turn-by-turn look at the loop itself, and honest notes on the rifugios along the way.

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Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop Hike at a Glance

• Distance: 6.3 miles / 10.1 km
• Time needed: 4 to 6 hours
• Elevation: 1,532 ft / 466 m
• Best Seasons: Late June through September
• Trail Type: Loop
• AllTrails Profile

Your Complete Guide to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop

Most hikers complete the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop counterclockwise, because walking this direction means you climb gradually toward Forcella Lavaredo before looping around the wilder back side of the peaks, giving you the best angles on the towers throughout.

The Adventure Begins: Rifugio Auronzo to Rifugio Lavaredo (35–45 min walk)

After a quick detour to the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint, we finally began our trek along the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop, following the crushed white gravel path toward Rifugio Lavaredo. This early section of the path was a steady procession of visitors, a menagerie of people from all walks of life, from families with young children to hiking clubs in their 70s.

And I was practically bouncing with excitement with every step. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop had been one of my most anticipated hikes in the Dolomites, and we were blessed with the most beautiful weather for our trek.

Wildflowers erupt from the rocky crevices along this section: violet, buttercup, baby pink. Tre Cime is more rocky and barren than other corners of the Dolomites, but what it lacks in lushness it more than compensates for in raw geological drama.

We stopped by Rifugio Lavaredo, but we were shocked to find that there was a 30+ minute long wait to order food. So instead, we made a quick side quest to the Laghi di Lavaredo, three little alpine lakes that sometimes have a lovely reflection of the Tre Cime Towers. On our visit, the water levels were a bit low, and the wind was texturing the surface so we didn’t get that perfect reflection, but I still thought it was worth a visit.

Climbing the Saddle: Rifugio Lavaredo to Forcella Lavaredo (15 min)

From Rifugio Lavaredo, the trail steepens briefly and winds upward in switchbacks. This short rocky ascent is one of the most dramatic stretches of the whole hike, and perhaps the most strenuous section.

The views back toward Rifugio Auronzo and the Cadini range grow with every step. Cresting the saddle at Forcella Lavaredo is a genuine wow moment: your first head-on view of all three towers at once.

Far above on Cima Piccola, rock climbers dangled from the sheer rock faces, looking like brightly coloured ants from our perspective below. Plenty of hikers turn back here if they’re doing one of the shorter out-and-back routes. They snap a photo and call it a day, but in my opinion, they miss the best part!

The Backside of Tre Cime: Forcella Lavaredo to Rifugio Locatelli (35–50 min)

From the saddle, the trail swings behind the towers and into a more rugged and open moonscape. The peaks are beside you, above you, catching you off guard over your shoulder.

The crowds thin noticeably beyond the saddle, and for the first time all day, the place starts to feel like it belongs to you.

The terrain here is more varied, the trail crossing rocky pastures, where we hopped over boulders, and carefully made our way across little streams.

Keep an eye out for trail junctions along here because this is where detours to the WWI tunnels branch off, and the alpine lakes are accessible nearby. Rifugio Locatelli (also called Dreizinnenhütte) is the most scenically situated hut on the loop. From Rifugio Locatelli, a marked trail leads down to the Laghi dei Piani, a pair of small alpine lakes.

Visiting these lakes adds about an hour to your total time and roughly 180 m (~590 ft) of extra elevation gain, but if you’ve got the energy, most hikers rate it as a highlight of the whole area.

In the Home Stretch: Rifugio Locatelli to Malga Langalm to Rifugio Auronzo (1.5 hr)

The final stretch loops back through increasingly familiar terrain, with the jagged Cadini range reappearing on the horizon as you approach Auronzo. Malga Langalm is the last rifugio on the loop, and it too was completely packed, with hikers stretched out on every square inch of grass along the banks of the neighboring stream.

Even though we were very hungry, we chose to keep hiking rather than waiting in a very very long line for a bite to eat.

Beyond the Malga Alm, the trail became busier again, and we had to squeeze past group after group, as it seemed that many hikers were starting to become winded in the final stretch.

As the Cadini range came back into view, we knew we were almost back at the car park. There was just one last narrow and gravelly section of the trail to complete.

Finally, the parked cars came back into view, and it felt like we had seen a masterpiece from every possible angle.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike Difficulty

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop covers 6.3 miles (10.1 km) with about 1,530 feet (466 m) of elevation gain, which is modest by alpine standards, but can honestly be difficult for your average slightly out-of-shape day hiker.

Most hikers complete it in 4–6 hours, though we personally spent about 5.5 hours taking our time, enjoying time at viewpoints, and letting our curiosity shape the route.

Trail Surface and Exposure

The terrain is mostly stony and well-worn, with a few short rocky ascents, occasional boulder scrambles, and shallow stream crossings in the back section of the loop. We saw plenty of families with young children on the trail, so don’t let the mountain setting intimidate you. While the full loop is long, this is genuinely accessible for fit beginners wearing proper footwear.

Visiting with Kids, Dogs, or Limited Mobility

We saw plenty of families with young children on the trail, although many families were doing the shorter out-and-back route rather than the full loop, which makes a lot of sense with little legs in tow.

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. The trail isn’t suitable for pushchairs, and the Forcella Lavaredo section has some exposure that’s worth knowing about in advance if you are not comfortable on narrow and rocky sections.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hiking Map

Route Variations

There’s no single “right” way to hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Here are the most popular options:

Classic Three Peaks of Lavaredo Loop

• Distance: 6.3 miles (10.1 km)
• Elevation Gain: 1,532 ft (466 m)
• Highlights: Full circuit with stops at Rifugio Lavaredo, Rifugio Locatelli, and Malga Langalm
• View on AllTrails →

Tre Cime – Laghi dei Piani Loop (adds alpine lakes)

• Distance: 6.7 miles (10.7 km)
• Elevation Gain: 1,712 ft (521 m)
• Highlights: The classic loop plus the beautiful Laghi dei Piani
• View on AllTrails →

Shorter Auronzo Refuge Loop

• Distance: 4.3 miles (6.9 km)
• Elevation Gain: 1,043 ft (317 m)
• Highlights: Peaks and key rifugios without the full back-country section
• View on AllTrails →

Family-Friendly Out & Back to Forcella Lavaredo

• Distance: 4.3 miles (6.9 km)
• Elevation Gain: 784 ft (238 m)
• Highlights: Gorgeous views without the full circuit commitment
• View on AllTrails →

Rifugios Along the Trail

Rifugios are alpine huts serving food, drinks, and often simple overnight accommodation. Along the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop, they double as scenic rest stops, bathroom breaks, and reliable sources of pasta with a view.

Rifugio Auronzo

• Located at the trailhead, which is at the start and end of the loop trail
• Serves traditional Cadorina and Bellunese cuisine
• Large dining room with views of the Cadini di Misurina peaks
• Toilets are available during business hours
• Good stop for a bathroom break before hitting the trail

Rifugio Lavaredo

• ~30-minute walk from Rifugio Auronzo
• Mountain restaurant with outdoor picnic tables and scenic views
• Often very busy mid-day so expect a wait
• Paid squat toilets available (bring coins)

Rifugio Locatelli (Dreizinnenhütte)

• Located on the far side of the loop (~2–3 hour walk)
• Indoor and outdoor seating with panoramic views of the peaks
• Cash only—no card payments
• Free toilet available for public use
• An optional detour to Laghi dei Piani is nearby

Malga Lang (Malga Alm)

• Final rifugio on the loop trail
• Cozy restaurant serving local fare
• Paid toilets (€1 coin)
• Cash only

Tip: Bring snacks and at least 1–2 litres of water per person. During peak season, rifugios fill up fast at lunch, and we couldn’t get a seat when we arrived mid-day.

How to Get to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo 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 — but before you do, you’ll need to book your parking spot online in advance. Same-day reservations are not permitted, so this isn’t something you can leave until the morning of your visit.

2026 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)

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

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

How to Get to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Trailhead by Public Transit

From Cortina d’Ampezzo or Misurina: Dolomitibus

The Dolomitibus shuttle service to Tre Cime starts from June 2026, departing from the Misurina/Genzianella parking area.

A day ticket costs €10 per person and is valid for unlimited return trips throughout the day. Tickets are flexible, and you can buy them via the Dolomitibus app, at ticket offices, or directly on board using contactless Tap&Go (credit, debit, or mobile payment).

Cash is not accepted on board, but a vending machine is available at the terminus. Be sure to check the current timetables at dolomitibus.it before your trip, as schedules vary by season.

From Dobbiaco: Shuttle 444 (SüdtirolMobil)

Shuttle bus Line 444 runs from Dobbiaco to Rifugio Auronzo from May 31 to October 11, 2026. Round-trip fares are €22 for adults, €12 for children aged 6–13, free for children under 6, and €12 for dogs. One-way tickets are €16 for adults. Higher fares apply if purchasing remaining tickets on-site at Dobbiaco.

Online reservation and payment are required for the entire period, and both your outbound and return journeys must be reserved in advance.

You can book your shuttle ticket at drei-zinnen.bz/en/ticket. Free cancellation is available up to 72 hours before departure, and one rebooking is allowed until 3:00 PM the day before travel.

Best Times to Hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Late June–September is the sweet spot for visiting Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Snowpack typically clears from the trail by mid to late June, and the rifugios open for the summer season around the same time. July and August are peak months for visiting Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and this is when the trail is at its busiest, but the weather is warmest and most reliable.

Other Things to Do Near Tre Cime di Lavaredo

If you have extra time on the same day (or a free morning before or after the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike) the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is a short, spectacular detour that starts from the same trailhead at Rifugio Auronzo.

What to Pack for the Tre Cime Hike

You won’t need full alpine gear for this one, but a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what we recommend:

• Footwear: Trail runners or hiking boots with good grip. The trail is mostly well-worn stone, so you don’t need anything heavy (I’ve been loving Altra and Brooks trail runners lately.)
• Layers: Mountain weather in the Dolomites can shift fast even in midsummer. Bring a mid-layer and a light packable rain jacket (mine is a Mammut that squashes to the size of a large potato and weighs almost nothing).
• Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen because the alpine sun at 2,000+ metres is no joke.
• Water: At least 1–2 litres per person. A hydration bladder keeps things hands-free; an insulated bottle keeps it cold if that’s your preference.
• Day pack: Something comfortable with room for layers, snacks, and a camera. We’ve used the Osprey Talon/Tempest and the Gregory Jade.
• Cash (euros): Several rifugios are cash only, and the parking machines don’t always accept cards.
• Navigation: Download the AllTrails route offline before your hike so you’re not relying on cell service (it’s patchy up top).
• Trekking poles: Optional but useful on the downhill sections if you want extra stability. Mine came from Costco for $20 and do the job fine.

Where to Stay Near Tre Cime di Lavaredo

We stayed at Bnb Cristallo in Cortina d’Ampezzo, about a 45-minute drive from the Tre Cime park. It is the most polished option with the best restaurants and transport links. To the north, the town of Dobbiaco has a quieter and more local feel and direct shuttle access via Line 444.

Technically, the closest base to Tre Cime is Misurina, a lakeside village just 15 minutes from the trailhead.

Ready to plan your trip to the Dolomites?

Check out our 10-Day Dolomites Itinerary and 3-Day Cortina d’Ampezzo Itinerary for how Tre Cime fits into a broader alpine adventure!