Tre Cime di Lavaredo circuit is undoubtedly the most spectacular hike in the Dolomites. The trail goes around three distinctive jagged limestone towers: Cima Ovest (the Western Peak) – 2,973 meters, Cima Grande (the central and highest peak) – 2,999 meters, and Cima Piccola (the Little Peak) – 2,857 meters. Renowned for their majestic appearance, the peaks are a symbol of the Italian Dolomites and enjoy the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We took a few hikes in the Dolomites last summer and absolutely fell in love with this area. In this guide I’ll give you all the information you need for hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo circuit like a pro.
Table of Contents
Practical Information
How to Get to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Trailhead
If planning to hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo circuit, it is a good idea to stay closer to it. The closest accommodations are near Lake Misurina (about 15-20 minutes from the toll road) or in the immediate area of Auronzo di Cadore. However, for better amenities I recommend staying in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The main trailhead for Tre Cime di Lavaredo is at Rifugio Auronzo (2,320m). This is accessible by car via a paid toll road from Misurina, or by bus (No. 444 from Toblach/Dobbiaco and No. 50 and 51 from Cortina). Buses operate from June to October, with tickets costing roughly €9.50 – €12 one-way. By car, the drive takes about 40–50 minutes and parking costs €40 per car.
Tip: As of summer 2025, an online reservation is mandatory to drive to the Refugio Auronzo. You must book a specific slot in advance via the official municipality of Auronzo website.
Plan your hike for early morning and try to arrive before 8:00 am to avoid crowds and secure a spot closer to the Refugio. The parking lot is long and linear and lies directly at the base of the trail. If you are parked further down, it may take 15-20 minutes to hike from your car to the Refugio.
Do You Need to Arrive at the Exact Time You Booked?
No – and this is where most people get confused.
When you book a time slot it simply marks the beginning of your 12-hour access window. You can arrive anytime after your reserved time, as long as it’s within that 12-hour period. For instance, we booked a 8:00 a.m. entry and didn’t arrive until around 10:00 a.m., so we were still all right. This flexibility is especially helpful if you’re adjusting for sunrise, weather conditions, or a relaxed start to the day.
What Time of the Year Does the Toll Road to Tre Cime Open
The toll road to Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Rifugio Auronzo) typically opens from late May to late October. However, opening dates depend heavily on snow conditions. If visiting at the start or end of the hiking season, it’s best to check whether the toll road is open by contacting the Auronzo tourism office – [email protected]
Hiking Options for Tre Cime di Lavaredo
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit (The Big Loop). This is a 10–12 km (6–7.5 mile) moderately challenging hike that loops around the iconic, jagged peaks. It starts counterclockwise at Rifugio Auronzo, passing Rifugio Lavaredo, and looping around to Rifugio Locatelli.
- Refugio Auronzo to Refugio Lavaredo and back. This is an easy an shorter alternative which still offers outstanding views of the three peaks. Instead of the full loop, hike directly to Rifugio Lavaredo and back. The trail is flatter and is only 4 km long. Great option if you are short on time and don’t want to do the full loop.
- Rifugio Auronzo to Refugio Locatelli and back – Out-and-back 9.5 km trail to the iconic Rifugio Locatelli and the famous view of the north face of Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The hike is moderately difficult with an elevation gain of 350m-400m and takes about 2-3 hours.
- Rifugio Auronzo to Rifugio Langalm. This is a quieter, scenic 1.5 to 2 hour walk (approx. 5 km) with direct stunning views of the Tre Cime’s vertical walls. It is best done by taking the 105 trail behind Refugio Auronzo (clockwise). The trail is generally flat/easy-moderate, following marked paths past Forcella Col de Mezo towards the hut.
- Lago d’Antorno up to Refugio Auronzo. If you just want to see the three peaks and avoid the high toll road fee, you can take this short (but steep!) ascent.
What to Expect When Hiking the Tre Cime Big Loop
Tre Cime was one our most exciting hiking experiences, topped only by our hike to Laguna de Los Tres in Argentinean Patagonia. The trail is not particularly difficult, but it is rather long and it poses a few minor challenges.
Hiking Direction: For the best experience, recommend starting the Tre Cime di Lavaredo big loop in a counter-clockwise direction starting from Refugio Auronzo on Path 101. Here is why:
- Best Views: You start with the scenic, wide-open panoramic views, gradually approaching the iconic, steep north faces of the peaks for the ultimate “reveal” later in the hike.
- Better Pacing: The path to Rifugio Lavaredo and the Forcella Lavaredo saddle is gradual and relatively flat.
- Optimal Photography: Hiking in this direction puts the best views of the peaks on your left. And if you start your hike in the morning you’ll have optimal light.
- Popular Direction: Most hikers and guides recommend this direction, making it easy to follow the main flow of traffic.
Return via Path 105: Head back to Rifugio Auronzo via the valley, completing the loop, with options for further refreshments at Langalm/Lange Alm.
Distance: The classic Tre Cime di Lavaredo big loop is typically 10-11 km (about 6.5 miles) long, usually starting and ending at Refugio Auronzo.
Hiking Time: If you want to do the full Tre Cime di Lavaredo circuit, plan on 4-5 hours (including time spent at mountain huts and exploring some of the hidden gems around the Three Peaks).
Elevation and Altitude: The total elevation change you can expect is approximately 400 m-500 m (1,300-1,600 feet). The altitude is roughly 2,300 m (7,500 ft), so most people don’t need to acclimate themselves prior to hiking this trail.
Hiking Difficulty: The trail is crowded, but well-marked and considered manageable for hikers in reasonable condition. If you are a young and experienced hiker, you will find the circuit relatively easy. Older or less experienced hikers will find some segments moderately difficult. For us, the most difficult part of the hike was the final section moving toward Malga Langalm which involved a steep ascent with deep, loose gravel. Some hikers also find the steep trail leading up to or down from the Forcella di Lavaredo challenging, although this is usually considered less technical than the gravel section near the end.
Terrain and Safety: The majority of the Tre Cime loop consists of steep, loose gravel and loose stones, which requires careful footing, particularly with steep, exposed sections.We recommend hiking poles even if knees are not an issue!
Places to Eat: There are four mountain huts located on the trail. They are spread out nicely so you can enjoy a meal, drinks and dessert on your hike.
What Not to Miss: During World War I, Tre Cime di Lavaredo was a battleground and fortress for Italian soldiers fighting Austro-Hungarian forces. Therefore, you can still see the tunnels, trenches and artillery where the battles took place. The WWI tunnels, known as the Gallerie del Monte Paterno are carved in the rock of Monte Paterno, adjacent to the main hiking trail from Refugio Auronzo leading to Forcella Lavaredo.
How to Pack for your Hike
For a Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike, pack essentials for rapidly changing mountain weather: sturdy ankle-support hiking boots, rain jacket, insulating fleece/down layer and a small daypack with sunscreen, sunglasses, toilet paper and water. You’ll need at least 1.5-2 liters of water for this hike. Although there are huts (refuge) along the way, it’s always safe to carry some water with you when you hike. And speaking of Refugios, if you plan to buy food bring some cash with you because they don’t accept cards.
I also strongly recommend a hat and hiking poles, which will help your stability. If you are hiking in late September, you may also want to bring a lightweight pair of gloves.
If you are planning to visit the WWI tunnels, make sure you bring a flashlight, a helmet, and sturdy shoes as the tunnels are dark, damp and require Via Ferata gear.
Note: toilets at the rifugios along the Tre Cime di Lavaredo trail do require payment. Typically they charge €1 per use, so having some change on you is helpful.
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