Home›Dolomites›Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop

Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop encircles three iconic peaks of the Dolomites: Cima Grande (2,999 m), Cima Ovest (2,973 m), and Cima Piccola (2,857 m), in the Sesto Dolomites Nature Park. Starting from Rifugio Auronzo, the route is accessible to most hikers and passes through four mountain huts and two passes, offering impressive views of the north faces of the Tre Cime.

The downside is that it is one of the most popular hikes in the Dolomites and access is now strictly regulated.

Remarks

Parking: Starting in 2025, online reservations are mandatory via the official website, auronzo.info. Indicative rates in 2025: €40 per car, €26 per motorcycle, and €60 per camper van. All rates are valid for 12 hours. The best time slots sell out several weeks in advance during peak season.

Bus alternative: Shuttles run from Cortina d'Ampezzo, Misurina, and Dobbiaco to Rifugio Auronzo from early June to mid-October. Online booking is recommended.

Best time of year: From late June to early October. The access road generally opens in late May or early June, depending on snow conditions, and closes in winter. Late September often offers the best balance between stable weather and fewer crowds.

Description and difficulties of the hike

The hike is easy and follows wide, well-marked trails. There are no exposed sections or technical difficulties, so the hike is suitable for families.

From the Rifugio Auronzo parking lot (2,230 m), follow wide, nearly flat Trail No. 101 eastward beneath the southeast faces of the Tre Cime. Pass the Cappella degli Alpini and the Rifugio Lavaredo before climbing briefly to Forcella Lavaredo, where you will get your first view of the north faces of the three peaks and Monte Paterno. The trail then descends toward Rifugio Locatelli (Drei Zinnen Hütte), facing the Tre Cime and offering one of the best viewpoints on the route. The small stone chapel (Chiesetta Alpina) and the Laghi dei Piani (two small lakes), just behind the refuge, complete the scene.

From Rifugio Locatelli, switch to Trail No. 105, which descends into a rocky valley—the only somewhat steep section of the route—and then climbs back up toward Malga Langalm, the last refuge on the itinerary. The trail then skirts the Tre Cime to the northwest, crosses Forcella Col di Mezzo, and gently descends toward the Rifugio Auronzo parking lot. I recommend going counterclockwise: the views open up gradually, and the three peaks remain in your sight the whole time.

What you'll love

The view from Rifugio Locatelli, one of the most famous in the Dolomites. It faces the Three Peaks and Monte Paterno.
The abundance of photogenic viewpoints: Cappella degli Alpini, Chiesetta Alpina, the reflection pools near Malga Langalm, and the caves above Rifugio Locatelli.
The return trip, which is significantly less crowded than the outbound route.