Planning your first hiking trip to the Dolomites? Let me cut through the overwhelm. These are the 10 hikes I’d recommend to a fellow solo lady (or lad) who only has a few days, wants views that will blow your damn mind, and doesn’t have time to faff around with trails that feel like a punishment.
Updated: April 2025

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If you’ve ever Googled “best hikes in the Dolomites” and ended up drowning in maps, mountain names you can’t pronounce, and 3000m elevation gains that make your thighs scream just thinking about them — yeah, same.

I’ve hiked a lot of trails in this part of northern Italy, and I’ve made all the classic mistakes: choosing the most “famous” hike and hating every slippery switchback, showing up without poles, getting distracted by cows, thinking I could just “wing it.” (Spoiler alert: I could not.)

This guide is different. It’s curated for people like us – solo, curious, camera-toting, occasionally-under-caffeinated adventurers who’d rather marvel at golden larches and inhale rifugio cake than nurse another soul-sapping blister.

These are the day hikes I’d actually recommend to a friend. Ones I’ve personally hiked, photographed, and definitely sweated through while toting way too many camera lenses. Most are doable without a car. All are worth your time.

And the best part? You can break up your hikes with stops at rifugi or alpine restaurants. It’s basically mountain hiking for insatiable foodies.

Whether you visit in spring, when the wildflowers carpet the meadows, or hold out for autumn’s burnished golds, these are the hikes that belong on your shortlist.

The features in this post were hand-selected by an obsessive travel nerd with strong opinions who doesn’t gatekeep good shit (hi, that’s me). Some of them are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my work and the occasional wine along the way – Cat.

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Each hike below includes the start point, distance, time, difficulty, and key logistics — because wasting your precious Dolomites time trying to decode trail routes is a crime against joy. I’ve also included how to get there (even without a car), food stops worth the calories, and any sneaky extras you’ll want to know.

Some trails are loops, some are out-and-back, and most are totally doable solo without tears — but I’ll always flag when poles, patience, or pre-booked parking might just save your sanity.

PLAN IT | Use my map to visualise where each hike starts so you can group hikes together and dodge unnecessary backtracking. It shows the trailheads and the closest parking areas — some hikes have multiple options, and if you’re up for a short walk-in, you can often park for free nearby.

Want to keep the map handy? Just hit the little star next to the title to save it to your own Google Maps.

Day Hike 1: Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Trailhead | Rifugio Auronzo
Distance | 10km
Time | 3.5h
Elevation | ± 400m
Difficulty | Easy – Moderate

If you only do one hike in the Dolomites, make it this one. Tre Cime is the most iconic loop in the region — the hype is justified. Picture cathedral-sized limestone towers, wildflower-dusted meadows, turquoise lakes, and more jaw-dropping views than your camera roll can handle.

Best of all? It’s a surprisingly manageable trail. You’ll be puffing, sure — but not weeping into your trekking poles.

Trail Overview

Start at Rifugio Auronzo and follow trail 101 past Rifugio Lavaredo, climbing gently to Forcella Lavaredo for your first gasp-worthy views. Continue down to Rifugio Locatelli (Dreizinnenhütte) — this is the iconic Tre Cime photo spot, so give yourself time to soak it up (and maybe demolish a snack).

From there, switch to trail 102, then veer left onto trail 105, which drops steeply before winding through rolling pastureland and eventually climbing again to Forcella Col di Mezzo. You’ll pass Malga Langalm, a lovely spot for lunch, before looping back to Rifugio Auronzo.

READ THIS | Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo: best route, top tips, zero faff

Getting to the Tre Cime Trailhead

BY CAR

To drive to Rifugio Auronzo, you’ll need to pay for the toll road — open daily in summer, with payment machines available when booths are closed. In shoulder season, it’s physically closed outside of posted hours (usually 8am–6pm), and there’s no road access in winter.

The toll is €30 for cars and €45 for motorhomes — valid for 12 hours and includes parking.

It’s a 40-minute drive from either Cortina d’Ampezzo or Dobbiaco to reach the car park.

PLAN IT | Getting to Tre Cime (Tolls, Buses + Sneaky Tips)

BY BUS

The 444 bus from Dobbiaco runs from late June to early October and takes about 45 minutes. From mid-July to mid-September, you’ll need to book tickets in advance here — seats fill up quickly!

BY FOOT

You can avoid the toll by parking 4km down the road and walking up, or start from Misurina for a more epic 7km hike with major elevation gain. Great if you’re training for Everest. Otherwise, just pay the toll or take the bus.

PRO TIP | Combine your hike at Tre Cime with the short hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint to complete an awesome day of walking.

Facilities on the Trail

This is one of those classic Dolomites hikes where you can pack light and snack often. In summer, you’ll pass no fewer than five rifugi, all serving food, drinks, and glorious toilets. Bring cash just in case, and double-check seasonal opening dates — most close by mid-October.

Outside of summer, the rifugi are closed, but there are paid (squat) toilets for €1 near Rifugio Auronzo.

Day Hike 2: Croda da Lago / Lake Federa

TRAILHEAD | Ponte Ru Curto
DISTANCE | 14 km return (loop option available)
TIME | 5-6 hours
ELEVATION | ± 800m
DIFFICULTY | Moderate

Autumn is the Dolomites’ secret season — and this trail? The cherry on top.

Croda da Lago is autumn magic in trail form — golden larches, mirror-perfect lakes, and a rifugio that serves up plates of comfort with a side of mountain air.

Lake Federa is the star here: calm, glassy, framed by fire-bright foliage and jagged peaks. Hike it in late October, and you’ll understand why this is the hike photographers won’t shut up about. (Yes, I’m the problem. It’s me.)

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Trail Overview

Start from Ponte Ru Curto and follow trail 437, winding steadily uphill. When you hit a fork, stay left on 437 and tackle a few spicy switchbacks to reach Val Negra, a ridgeline viewpoint that’ll stop you mid-step.

Continue through the meadow gate and keep following the trail until Lake Federa reveals itself — cue audible gasp. Rifugio Croda da Lago sits right on the shore, making it a dreamy spot for lunch (or an overnight if you’re a softie for starlit mountains and schnapps).

Short on time? You can retrace your steps from here.

THE FULL LOWDOWN | Croda da Lago, the Ultimate Autumn Dolomites Hike

Got more energy and decent boots? Take the full loop.

From the rifugio, follow signs toward Forcella Ambrizzola, then climb again over the next saddle. This section is hard — think scree scrambling, careful footing, and maybe some inner dialogue about your life choices. Trail 437 eventually spits you back into the valley where you started.

Getting to the Croda da Lago Trailhead

BY CAR

Park at Ponte Ru Curto along the roadside — spots are limited, so aim to arrive before 9am in high season. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo.

BY BUS

From mid-June to mid-September, you can take the 30/4 Dolomiti bus from Cortina or Pescul to the trailhead stop Pian del Pantan.

Facilities on the Trail

There are no facilities until you reach Rifugio Croda da Lago — but once you’re there? It’s glorious. Expect hearty meals, drinks, toilets, and enough alpine charm to make you seriously consider quitting your job and staying forever.

The rifugio usually stays open until early November — but always check the current season dates, especially if you’re banking on cake.

Day Hike 3: Seceda Circular Trail

Trailhead | Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda cable car (Ortisei) or Col Raiser cable car (Santa Cristina)
Distance | 12km
Time | 4h
Elevation | +/- 450m
Difficulty | Easy – Moderate

You’ve seen the photos. Those shark-fin ridgelines that look like they belong in a fantasy novel? That’s Seceda — and hiking here is every bit as good as it looks.

The best part? You don’t even have to be a hardcore trekker to enjoy it. This is one of the most accessible alpine hikes in the Dolomites, thanks to the magic of cable cars and well-marked trails. Whether you start in Ortisei or Santa Cristina, this loop trail serves up dramatic views, wildflower meadows, and enough mountain huts to keep your stomach and camera roll happy.

Trail Overview

If you’re starting from Ortisei, hop on the Ortisei–Furnes gondola, then switch to the Seceda cable car. You’ll be whisked up in 15 minutes flat to views so good they’ll make you forget the price tag.

From the top station, follow path 1 to the Seceda summit cross for a classic panoramic shot (bring your wide-angle lens). Then cruise down the gently rolling path past Troier Hütte — coffee stop mandatory — and on to Rifugio Firenze (Regensburger Hütte).

Here, switch to path 2, then path 5, and descend to the Col Raiser cable car. From there, complete the loop by hiking back uphill via Rifugio Fermeda, Baita Daniel, and Baita Sofie to the Ortisei cable car.

READ THIS | Seceda Hiking Guide: Routes, Views & Which Cable Car to Choose

You can, of course, do this entire hike starting in Santa Cristina via the Col Raiser cable car – it’s an uphill slog to the views at the start, but a blissful downhill all the way home!

SHORTCUT MAGIC | Want a one-way hike without the climb? Take the Ortisei cable car up and the Col Raiser cable car down, then catch the bus back. Easy peasy, knee-sparing lemon squeezy. Bus routes are the 350 Bolzano-Val Gardena (year-round) or 352 Express Ortisei-Selva Val Gardena (summer only).

Getting to Seceda

From Ortisei

THE ORTISEI-FURNES-SECEDA CABLE CAR
To get to Seceda from Ortisei, you’ll need to take a gondola to Furnes and then change to a cable car for the trip to Seceda. The entire trip takes about 15 minutes.

Open: Late May to November | 8:30am–6:00pm. Check exact dates here.

Cost: €39 one way / €52 return (I KNOW)

From Santa Cristina

THE COL RAISER CABLE CAR

Open: Mid-May to mid-October | 8:30am–5pm (5:30pm mid-June to mid-Sept). Check exact dates here.

Cost: €21 one way / €32 return

Facilities on the Seceda Trail

This trail is peak alpine indulgence. Between Troier Hütte (my lunchtime pick), Baita Sofie, and Rifugio Firenze, there are no wrong answers — just plates of polenta, strudel, and valley views that’ll ruin all future lunches for you. Want to stay overnight? Rifugio Firenze / Regensburgerhütte is your best bet for that real-deal Dolomites sleepover.

Day Hike 4: Adolf Munkel Trail / Sentiero delle Odle

TRAILHEAD | Zanser Alm car park
DISTANCE | 9 km
TIME | 3 hours
ELEVATION | ± 370m
DIFFICULTY | Easy

If you only had one day to fall in love with the Dolomites, I’d send you here.

The Adolf Munkel Trail hugs the foot of the Odle peaks — those jagged, dramatic spires you’ve probably seen a million times on Instagram — but the vibe here isn’t “influencer circus.” It’s quieter, softer, and if you go in autumn? Straight-up enchanted forest vibes.

You’ll wind through pine forests, stroll across open pastures, and eventually find yourself beneath the sheer rock walls of the Geislergruppe, with some of the most cinematic mountain backdrops in all of South Tyrol. And the food. Oh my god, the food. Bring your extra-stretchy hiking pants.

Trail Overview

Start at the Zanser Alm car park and take trail 6 (you’ll be on a wide gravel road at first). After about 20 minutes, you’ll cross a bridge — this is where you switch onto the Adolf Munkel Weg (trail 35) towards Geisler Alm.

The forest opens up into meadows as you near Gschnagenhardtalm, switching to trail 36 until you reach Geisler Alm itself, where you should definitely stop for lunch — the views of the Odle are outrageous from their terrace.

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Once you’ve eaten enough dumplings to power a small village, continue on trail 36 via Dusler Alm, and loop back down to Zanser Alm.

Getting to the Adolf Munkel Trailhead

BY CAR

Drive to Zanser Alm in Val di Funes — the road is paved and well signed. Day parking is €6. The lot is large but fills early, especially in summer , so aim to arrive by 8am. Alternatively, you can drive to Santa Maddalena and catch a shuttle bus during the summer season.

BY BUS

Bus 330 or 330-S runs from Bressanone / Brixen train station to Santa Maddalena, from where you can catch the shuttle to the parking area at Zanser Alm in summer. Outside of summer, you’ll need to walk from the last stop to the trailhead (around 45 minutes uphill).

Facilities on the Trail

There are multiple restaurants open during the summer months, but the Geisler Alm / Malga Geisler is my pick of the bunch. The food is great, the staff delightful, and the location second to none. They stay open much longer than other huts in the area, not shutting until November and opening in mid-May (they also open in the winter season).

Day Hike 5: Lago di Sorapis / Sorapissee Loop

TRAILHEAD | Passo Tre Croci car park
DISTANCE | 13.5 km
TIME | 5 – 6 hours
ELEVATION | ± 700m
DIFFICULTY | Moderate – Hard

This one’s for the bold. The Lago di Sorapis loop isn’t just a pretty face — it’s a proper adventure, complete with cable-assisted scrambles, thigh-burning switchbacks, and views that will make you forget how much your calves hate you.

The reward? A milky-turquoise lake tucked between dramatic peaks, so beautiful it almost feels photoshopped. Almost.

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Heads up: that glacial blue magic fades later in the season. It’s brightest in early summer (thank you, snowmelt), noticeably lower by August, and totally frozen by autumn. Still stunning — but very different vibes.

Entering the water here is strictly prohibited. The lake’s unique colour comes from suspended minerals, and even a quick wade can mess with its fragile ecosystem. Be cool. Stay dry.

Trail Overview

From Passo Tre Croci, follow trail 215 for just over an hour — it’s mostly easy-going, with a few narrow ledges and cable sections. You’ll pass Rifugio Alfonso Vandelli just before reaching the lake. If it’s open, grab a drink and soak in the views of Tre Cime in the distance. It’s an epic coffee (or aperitivo – I don’t judge) spot.

Once you’ve admired Lago di Sorapis (and taken approximately 894 photos), continue around the lake and retrace your steps until you hit trail 216. If you’re feeling fresh, this is where the real work begins. If you’re not up for it, simply head back to the carpark along path 215.

The next hour is a steep uphill climb with loose footing and a couple of mini scrambles. You’ll earn every view — and they are chef’s kiss. Stop at the summit cairn and prepare to have your mind blown.

From here, drop into Forcella Marcoira, then climb briefly before tackling a rough, hard-to-follow descent. This bit is a knees-and-poles situation — don’t say I didn’t warn you.

At trail 213, turn right and cruise (ok, maybe stumble) back to the car park.

READ THIS | A Complete Guide to the Lago di Sorapis Hike

Getting to the Lago di Sorapis Trailhead

BY CAR

The Passo Tre Croci car park is an easy 15 minute drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo. Parking is free and readily available, with multiple parking areas. Arrive early since this hike is becoming increasingly popular. Parking is also available at the side of the road directly by the trailhead, but this fills early in summer.

BY BUS

Take the 30/31 Passo Falzarego-Cortina-Tre Cime bus to the Passo Tre Croci stop. From here, it’s a 5 minute walk to the trailhead. Check the timetable here.

Facilities on the Trail

The only hut is Rifugio Alfonso Vandelli, located a few minutes from the lake. The rifugio is only open for three months, from June 20th to September 20th, so plan accordingly. Outside those months, you’re on your own — no food, no toilets, no mercy.

Day Hike 6: Torri del Vajolet / Vajolet Towers Hike

TRAILHEAD | Malga Frommer Alm
DISTANCE | 8 km return
TIME | 5 hours
ELEVATION | ± 650m
DIFFICULTY | Moderate – Hard

If you like your hikes a little wild and a lot vertical — welcome to the Vajolet Towers.

Tucked inside the dramatic Rosengarten massif, this cluster of jagged summits rises like stone spires from the sky itself. It’s quieter than Tre Cime, more dramatic than you’re ready for, and comes with rifugios so well-placed they look like concept art for a Wes Anderson film.

This hike isn’t just a trail — it’s a mood. One you’ll want to linger in. And maybe book an overnight for.

Trail Overview

Start by parking at Malga Frommer Alm, then ride the König Laurin chairlift up to Rifugio Fronza / Rosengartenhütte. From here, follow trail 550 uphill. When the path forks, veer right toward Passo delle Coronelle — the climb is steep, and includes a short scramble plus some wooden stairs, but the views are worth every thigh tremor.

At the top, follow trail 541, which drops through a gravelly scree slope to Rifugio Vajolet — a prime pitstop for food, drinks, and strong “how is this real?” vibes.

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Feeling bold? Continue up trail 542 — a 400m ascent with steel cables to help you through the trickier sections — to Rifugio Alberto Primero / Gartlhütte, perched dramatically beneath the towers. The views here are next level, and the atmosphere is pure Dolomites magic.

If your legs are still game, tack on another 20–30 minutes to reach Rifugio Passo Santner, where the scenery goes full cinematic.

Then, retrace your steps to the chairlift — or, if you’re travelling by bus, descend to Rifugio Gardeccia, follow trail 540 to Rifugio Ciampedie, and ride the Ciampedie cable car down into Vigo di Fassa.

Getting to the Vajolet Towers Trailhead

BY CAR

Park at Malga Frommer Alm, where you’ll catch the König Laurin chairlift to Rifugio Fronza. The return ticket is €25 and valid for 7 days — also valid for Ciampedie, handy if you’re hiking in and out via different routes.

Alternately, you can park at Vigo di Fassa and ride the Vigo–Ciampedie cable car to start from the other side at Rifugio Cimapedie. This one costs €27 return.

BY BUS

Bus 180/180-S runs from Bolzano to Malga Frommer Alm and Vigo di Fassa. Check times here. If you decide to tackle the route from Val di Fasso then bus 101 from Trento is an additional option.

Facilities on the Trail

You’ll find toilets, snacks, and cafes at both cable car stations. On the hike itself, there are multiple well-run rifugi including Rifugio Vajolet and Santnerpasshütte where you can stop for lunch, a drink, or just a moment to stare slack-jawed at the towers.

And if you’re into epic overnights? Rifugio Alberto Primero is your go-to. Views, vibes, and enough altitude to earn your gnocchi.

Day Hike 7: The Puez-Odle Altopiano Traverse

TRAILHEAD | Dantercepies Cable Car Station
DISTANCE | 16 km
TIME | 6-7 hours
ELEVATION | +500m / -1100m
DIFFICULTY | Moderate

This is the Dolomites’ greatest hits album — all panoramic bangers, no filler. You’ll cross lunar-looking plateaus, lush alpine meadows, and jagged peaks that look like they were plucked from a Tolkien fever dream.

Yes, it’s a long day. Yes, your quads will have questions. But if you only do one big traverse hike in South Tyrol, make it this one.

Trail Overview

Start by taking the Dantercepies cable car from Selva di Val Gardena to the top station. From there, stroll along path 12A for about 15 minutes to Rifugio Jimmy, which is a good pit stop if you need caffeine before committing to the climb.

Next, it’s a solid ascent on path 2 up to Forcella Cier — expect scree, sweat, and sweeping views. Once you hit the saddle, you’ll cruise across the Altopiano, a high alpine plateau that feels like another planet (but with better food options). Keep going until you reach Rifugio Puez, perched dramatically on the edge of everything.

Fuel up here, because then it’s a surprisingly manageable descent along path 14. It looks sketchy from above, but a series of well-worn switchbacks lead you gently back into the valley, past wildflower meadows and storybook scenery, before dropping you into Selva.

Getting to the Puez-Odle Altopiano Hike

BY CAR

Park in Selva di Val Gardena and take the Dantercepies cable car to the top – the price of parking from 8:30am to 6:30pm is included in your cable car ticket, €18 one way.

BY BUS

Route 350 runs regularly between Bolano and Selva di Val Gardena. Check times here.

Facilities on the Trail

You’ll find restaurants, hotels, and shops in Selva if you want to stock up or crash overnight. Along the trail, you’ve got Rifugio Jimmy near the start and Rifugio Puez up on the plateau. Both serve hot meals and have toilets — check seasonal opening times, especially outside of summer (usually close in mid-October).

Lago di Braies / Pragser Wildsee

Trailhead | Hotel Lago di Braies
Distance | 3.5km
Time | 1.5h
Elevation | ± 50m
Difficulty | Easy

You’ve seen it on Instagram: wooden rowboats, turquoise water, mountains rising like a film set. Lago di Braies is the Dolomites lake — and, unfortunately, everyone else knows it too.

If you’re looking for wilderness solitude, this isn’t it. But if you’re happy to embrace the early morning chaos for the views (and let’s be real, they are absurdly gorgeous), this short, scenic loop is still worth your time — especially if you arrive before sunrise and treat it like a detour, not a destination.

TIP | According to the South Tyrol tourism board, swimming here isn’t allowed. Your best bet if you really want a dip is to check with the staff at the Hotel di Braies.

Technically, this is a bit of a cheat since it’s a half-day at best, but you can easily extend your hike here or add some additional activities.

Trail Overview

The loop around Lago di Braies is short and sweet — a gentle wander past shingle beaches, pine forests, and that ridiculously photogenic boathouse. It’s impossible to get lost, and the lighting just after sunrise is dreamy for photos.

You’ll pass a charming little chapel, a few tucked-away benches, and plenty of selfie sticks. Consider this more of a lake stroll than a hike — perfect for your rest day, or as a gentle start to your Dolomites trip.

READ THIS | The best things to do at Lago di Braies

Getting to Lago di Braies

BY CAR

There are three car parks at the lake, but they do fill up early. You should plan to be here before 7 am in peak season to be sure of a spot. Parking costs anything from €7-€15/3h.

SUMMER ADVANCE BOOKING | An advance booking system is in place at Lago di Braies between July 10th and September 10th. You won’t be able to get to the lake without a pre-booked parking ticket or bus ticket unless you walk. All the details can be found here.

BY BUS

If you’re taking public transport, the 442 bus runs to Lago di Braies from Dobbiaco via Vallabass (Niederdorf) train station during the summer (mid-June to mid-Sept).

Facilities at Lago di Braies

There’s a restaurant and bar at the Hotel Lago di Braies, but the food’s… meh. Instead, try Gasthof Huber nearby — better food, better value. Toilets are available at the main car park, and there are plenty of picnic spots around the lake for a DIY feast with a view.

Day Hike 9: The Sassolungo Hike / Langkofel Circuit

TRAILHEAD | Passo Sella car park
DISTANCE | 17.6 km
TIME | 6 hours
ELEVATION | ± 1000m
DIFFICULTY | Moderate – Hard

If you like your mountains big, your views dramatic, and your hikes sprinkled with geological wonderlands and rifugi like pearls on a string — this is your trail.

Sassolungo (aka Langkofel) is one of the Dolomites’ most recognisable peaks, and this full-day loop is a glorious way to circumnavigate it. You’ll pass through alpine pastures, beneath jagged spires, and into a bizarre boulder field known as the City of Stone — a post-apocalyptic scene of ancient rockfall that feels like a landscape concept rejected by Peter Jackson for being too much.

You’ll also get dreamy views of Seceda, Marmolada, and the Sasso Piatto massif — all in one hike. Pack snacks. Bring your zoom lens. You’ll need both.

Trail Overview

From Passo Sella, start on path 557 (the Friedrich August Weg), a steep ascent with jaw-dropping scenery right out of the gate. You’ll pass Rifugio Friedrich August, then continue along the balcony trail past Rifugio Sandro Pertini and onwards to Rifugio Sasso Piatto — the perfect mid-hike fuel stop.

From here, descend briefly on path 9, then turn right onto path 527. You’ll skirt the southern edge of Sassolungo, with an optional detour up to Rifugio Vicenza via path 525.

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To complete the loop, follow path 526 past Rifugio Emilio Comici and through the City of Stone, a chaotic maze of giant boulders that fell from Sassolungo about 20,000 years ago. You’ll soon rejoin the road at Passo Sella.

TIP | Want the views without the full grind? Take the cable car from Passo Sella to Rifugio Toni Demetz, hike down to Rifugio Vicenza before joining path 526. Still scenic. More smug.

Getting to the Sassolungo Trailhead

BY CAR

Passo Sella is 20 minutes from Selva or 40 from Ortisei. Parking costs €3 for the first 3 hours, then €1.50/hour. It fills early in summer, especially on clear days — aim to arrive before 8am if you want a spot (and better light).

BY BUS

The 471 bus runs from Ortisei and Selva in Val Gardena over Passo Sella (stopping at the car park) and then onto Canazei. It runs around every 20 to 30 minutes in the summer months only.

READ THIS | A Complete Guide to Alpe di Siusi

Facilities on the Sassolungo Hike

You’re spoilt for rifugi here. Rifugio Friedrich August wins for panoramic picnic spots. Rifugio Comici is the place for a decadent lunch and stylish Aperol Spritz with a side of glacier views. And if you want mood, Rifugio Vicenza sits in a stark amphitheatre of stone like it’s guarding Middle Earth.

Toilets, food, drinks — you’re covered, as long as you hike in season (typically mid-June to late September).

Day Hike 10: Cinque Torri Hike

TRAILHEAD |  Rifugio Col Gallina
DISTANCE | 10km return
TIME | 3 hours
ELEVATION | ± 550m
DIFFICULTY | Easy – Moderate

If you want dramatic scenery and a side of fascinating history, Cinque Torri delivers. Think towering stone spires, panoramic views, and a network of WWI trenches that’ll leave you oddly emotional mid-hike. It’s short, scenic, and flexible — whether you’re here for a gentle loop or an extra climb to panoramic glory, this one’s got you covered.

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Trail Overview

There are a bunch of ways to approach Cinque Torri, but I recommend starting at Rifugio Col Gallina and following path 440. It’s a gorgeous meander alongside a stream before the trail heads gently uphill. You’ll spot Rifugio Scoiattoli perched like a postcard long before you reach it.

From here, follow the obvious path to the towers themselves — the open-air museum and restored WWI tunnels make for an unexpectedly moving pause (and some wildly atmospheric photos). Once you’ve soaked it all in, walk the 2km Cinque Torri loop, which winds past the rock formations and Rifugio Cinque Torri, before returning to Scoiattoli.

Still got fuel in the tank? Follow path 439 uphill to Rifugio Averau for stunning views, and if you’re chasing the summit feeling, tack on another half hour and 170m of elevation to reach Rifugio Nuvolau — which looks like someone superglued it to a mountaintop. Totally worth it.

TIP | If you’re here in early summer then take the 45 minutes detour to beautiful Lago Limides on your way up the mountain, but by late summer it will have entirely dried out and isn’t worth the extra walk.

Getting to the Cinque Torri Trailhead

BY CAR

Park at Rifugio Col Gallina, about 20 minutes from Cortina on the SR48. There’s additional parking opposite at the Da Strobel restaurant. You can also start from Baita Bai de Dones at the base of the Cinque Torri chairlift, but in my opinion, the hike up from there is less enjoyable.

BY BUS

Route 30/31 from Cortina goes to the Cinque Torri stop throughout the summer season.

Facilites on the Cinque Torri Hike

You’ll find restaurants and toilets at the rifugios on the hike, as well as at the base of the chairlifts. As with almost everywhere else in the region, these close outside of the summer and winter seasons, so check the opening times if you’re planning to use their facilities.

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FAQ: Day Hiking in the Dolomites

Final Thoughts on Day Hikes in the Dolomites

Let’s be real — the Dolomites are overwhelming. There are too many peaks, too many trails, and way too many Instagram reels making it all look effortless (spoiler: it’s not). But you don’t need to hike everything to have an unforgettable trip. Just the right things.

Start early. Pack snacks. Know when to turn around. And don’t waste your precious holiday time on trails that leave you sunburnt, starving, and wondering why you thought this was a good idea.

These are the hikes I’d recommend to a friend over wine — the ones that are worth the uphill slog, the camera battery panic, and the blisters. The ones that make you feel something. Even if that something is just the joy of finally taking your boots off.

Save it for later (Pinterest is your friend), send it to your hiking buddy who’s always “just figuring it out as we go”, or leave a comment if you’ve tackled one of these trails and want to share your own top pick.

And hey — if you’ve got questions, sliding into my DMs on Instagram is 100% encouraged. I love hearing from wild-hearted folk planning their next adventure (or meltdown. I support both).

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