Monte Cernera Hike
Key facts about the hike
- Duration
- 2h45 Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
- Distance
- 5.9km
- out and back
- Elevation gain
- 530m
- Type of route
- Out and back
- Maximum altitude
- 2,664 m
- Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
- Moderately
- Marked
- Yes
- Popularity
- Low
- Start point
- 46.48255, 12.05369
- Activity
- Hiking
Hike overview
Monte Cernera (2,664 m) rises south of Passo Giau, away from the streams of hikers heading north toward the popular peaks of Nuvolau and Cinque Torri. This is precisely what makes it so appealing. With moderate effort, you reach a summit that offers a 360° panorama of the most famous peaks of the Dolomites — Pelmo, Civetta, Tofane, Cristallo, and Marmolada — in an almost surprising calm for the Cortina d'Ampezzo area.
Note, however, that the route includes three cabled sections that require at least some confidence on rock.
Map and elevation profile of the hike
Monte Cernera Hike
Description and difficulties of the hike
From the Passo Giau parking lot, take trail no. 436, which starts next to the small chapel, heading toward Forcella Giau. The nearly flat path crosses high-altitude meadows and passes through Forcella Zonia (2,229 m) and then Forcella Col Piombin (2,239 m) in about twenty minutes.
At Forcella Col Piombin, the path to Monte Cernera is not marked by a sign. You must leave trail 436 and take the narrow path marked with red dots to the right. This path is sometimes referred to as the "Sentiero Alpinistico del Cernera." This trail is unnumbered.
The route first runs along the mountainside on grassy slopes that gradually steepen. You will then encounter three cabled sections — re-equipped in 2025 with via ferrata-style cables. The first two are traverses across slabs where handlines secure your progress. The third section, a steeper rocky gully, is the most technical part of the route, especially when descending. However, via ferrata equipment is not necessary as the sections are short and the cables serve only as handholds for progress.
After the cable sections and up to the summit, the terrain alternates between rock and scree. Navigation relies on cairns and red markings, which are frequent enough that they are not difficult to follow in good visibility.
What you'll love
- The 360° summit panorama: Pelmo, Civetta, Tofane, Cristallo, and Marmolada — a complete overview of the great peaks of the Dolomites.
- The tranquility of the route, that contrasts with the hustle and bustle on the trails north of Passo Giau.
- The remarkable effort-to-reward ratio: just over 500 meters of elevation gain for a view that rivals much longer climbs.
Practical information
Parking
Free spots are available along the road to Passo Giau, one of the region's busiest mountain passes. In high season, these spots fill up quickly, so plan to arrive before 8:00 a.m.
Navigation
At Forcella Col Piombin, turn right to leave trail 436. The fork is not marked by a sign (as of 2025). Then, follow the red markings and cairns.
Photos
See all 19 photos →
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Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/hiking-dolomites/monte-cernera-hike/