The 5 Best Off-the-Beaten Track Hikes in the Dolomites

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.

The via ferrata Ivano Dibona runs along the lengthy southern ridge of the Cristallo massif, northeast of Cortina d'Ampezzo. The route features numerous equipped sections, scenic hiking trails, tunnels, and a spectacular 30-meter suspension bridge made famous by the movie Cliffhanger.

While not technically difficult, the route is demanding due to its length, altitude, and exposure to the void and the elements (wind and storms). Since the Son Forca chairlift and Rifugio Lorenzi closed in 2016, foot traffic has dropped significantly. Today, it is one of the major via ferrata routes in the Dolomites where you can still hike in relative tranquility. It is a magnificent immersion in typical high-mountain landscapes and one of my favorite routes in the Dolomites.

This hike starts at Passo Falzarego and climbs Croda Negra (2,518 m), a modest peak between the imposing Lagazuoi and Averau mountains. While Passo Falzarego is crowded, with most visitors rushing to the Lagazuoi cable car right across the road, the Croda Negra trail attracts very few people, making it a rare haven of tranquility in the Dolomites.

Yet, the summit panorama is wide open and offers a magnificent view of the area's major peaks: Tofana di Rozes, Pelmo, Marmolada, Nuvolau, and Cristallo. The route includes a short detour to Lago di Limides on the way back.

This loop hike crosses the serene alpine pastures of Valfredda to reach the Forca Rossa Pass (2,490 m), a true panoramic balcony over the Dolomites and Marmolada massif. This varied, little-traveled route winds through forests and high-altitude meadows dotted with small, traditional wooden chalets. It ends with a tasty finale at the Rifugio Fuciade.

It's an excellent option for enjoying high-altitude scenery in complete tranquility without tackling demanding alpine terrain. There's also the added bonus of abundant wildlife, including horses, cows, goats, and especially marmots.

Though the Col de la Puina (2,254 m) is modest in elevation compared to the surrounding giants, it nonetheless occupies a privileged position. Facing the north face of Monte Pelmo, the Col de la Puina offers one of the most beautiful views in the region.

The short route begins with a wide, vehicle-accessible trail that leads to the Rifugio Città di Fiume. Then, an unmarked path climbs through alpine meadows to the summit. This rarely visited trail reveals a 360° panorama of some of the greatest peaks in the Dolomites: the nearby Pelmo, as well as the Antelao, Civetta, and Marmolada.