15 Best Hikes in the Dolomites You’ve Never Heard of

Hiking in the Dolomites is an intoxicating outdoor, cultural, and culinary experience. From the tear-inducing beauty of the peaks to the charm and hospitality of the mountain huts, hiking here can easily become an addiction.

After a decade of deeply exploring the Dolomites, I’ve put together this guide to the region’s most incredible lesser-known hikes. Social media would have you believe there are only a handful of trails worth hiking across this vast mountain range, but the Dolomites encompass 26 subranges spanning three Italian regions: Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige (Trentino–Südtirol), and Friuli Venezia Giulia.

What follows are my favorite discoveries to help you plan a Dolomites hiking trip that feels unique, less scripted, and far from the crowds.

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1. Vallon Popera Hike

Deep in the Comelico sub-group of the Sexten Dolomites lies one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the Dolomites: Vallon Popera. This basin, ringed by jagged, chiseled peaks, is home to Rifugio Berti and the tiny, but bewitching Lago di Popera. 

I hiked to Vallon Popera from Kreuzbergpass, which can be easily reached by bus from Sexten. However, it’s also possible to shorten the hike by starting at Rifugio Lunelli. 

The most exciting section follows a narrow balcony-ledge across the southeastern flank of Arzalpenkopf. This passage requires comfort with steep drop offs. 

For a full trail description, read my Vallon Popera trail guide. 

Trailhead | Kreuzbergpass
Distance | 13.3 km circuit
Time Needed | 5:30 hours without breaks
Elevation Gain/Loss | 891 meters
Difficulty | Moderately Difficult 
Hiking Base | See Where to Stay in Sexten 

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2. Steviola Plateau

Steviola is a plateau in the Puez Group, high above Selva di Val Gardena. With views of the Sella, Cir, and Sassolungo mountains, this panoramic mountaintop location is one of the best kept secrets in Val Gardena.

From the Daunëi Sciuz bus stop above Selva, two steep, switchback trails, both heavily bolstered with wood, lead to Steviola: trail 17 and Troi Palota (17a). 

For the best views, I recommend tackling the route clockwise, initially ascending towards Juac Hütte and then hiking over Silvesterscharte pass to the plateau. For lunch, detour to Juac Hütte or Stevia Hütte. 

Find more essential tips in my Steviola hiking guide.

Trailhead | Daunëi Sciuz Bus Stop, Selva
Distance | 6 km circuit
Time Needed | 3:30 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 521 meters
Difficulty | Moderate – Moderately Difficult 
Where to Stay in Selva | Garni Sunela B&B, Garni Morene, or Garni Hotel Mezdi.
Recommended Itinerary | Val Gardena Summer Itinerary

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3. Armentara Meadows Trail

The picturesque Armentara Meadows lie on the western edge of Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park in Alta Badia, backed by the immense limestone walls of the Sas dla Crusc massif. This is easily one of the most fairy-tale-like landscapes in the Alps. Fortunately, this trail can be enjoyed in every season, though winter hikers should bring microspikes.

To start the hike, make your way to the village of Badia and ride the two-stage La Crusc gondola up to La Crusc Church. Beside the chapel stands Rifugio La Crusc, serving what many, myself included, consider the best Kaiserschmarrn, a shredded pancake speciality, in the region.

Beneath the arresting rock faces of Mt. Sasso di Santa Croce, trail 15 slowly and continuously descends across rolling green pastures, peppered with hay huts, to Armentara. Enjoy a bite to eat at Űtia Ranch da André and then continue following trail 7a all the way down to Badia (1:15 hours).

Though this hike presents no technical difficulty, it may be difficult for hikers who are uncomfortable with long descents (800 meters loss). Feel free to reverse the trail, descending with the cableway instead.

Trailhead | La Crusc Church
Distance | 9 km point-to-point 
Time Needed | 3 hours 
Difficulty | Easy 
Where to Stay in Badia | Hotel Cavallino (3-star hotel), or Residence Lersc (apartments)

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4. Baita Segantini and Monte Castellaz Hike

The Pale di San Martino, the largest range in the Dolomites, is frequently overlooked, an unfortunate omission considering its extraordinary beauty. The most accessible way to experience its scale is via the Monte Castellaz-Baita Segantini trail starting at Passo Rolle, high above San Martino di Castrozza.

From the pass, hike to the Capanna Cervino and the continue along the road in the direction of Baita Segantini for about 10 minutes. When you reach a signed intersection, turn left towards the solitary Monte Castellaz mountain. Ascend to the summit, marked by the Cristo Pensante (“Pensive Christ”) sculpture. The drama only crescendoes from here.

The circuit continues down the north flank and then levels across grassy pastures, moving ever towards the mammoth Pale di San Martino peaks. Join the farm road to Baita Segantini and then complete the circuit back to Passo Rolle.

For the best experience, I recommend hiking this trail 3:30-4:00 hours before sunset.

Trailhead | Passo Rolle Car Park
Distance | 9.2 km circuit
Time Needed | 3:30 hours 
Difficulty | Easy
Where to Stay in San Martino di Castrozza | Hotel Vienna (midrange), or Sayonara Nature & Wellness Hotel (luxury)

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5. Sentiero Viel del Pan and Alta Via delle Cresta

Sentiero Viel del Pan (Viel dal Pan in Ladin, Bindelweg in German) crosses the southern slopes of the Padon chain from Passo Pordoi to Lago di Fedaia, delivering unparalleled views of Marmolada, the highest mountain in the Dolomites.

Since we hiked this trail in the shoulder season, when buses were running less frequently, we chose to complete a circular route. We followed the Alta Via delle Creste along the dark volcanic Padon ridge to Rifugio Viel del Pan, then returned to Passo Pordoi on the gentler Viel del Pan trail.

For an easier option, you can skip the Alta Via trail altogether and instead follow the out-and-back Viel del Pan route to Rifugio Viel del Pan.

This is a fantastic hike to do if you’re driving the Great Dolomites Road.

Trailhead | Passo Pordoi
Distance | 7 km lollipop-circuit
Time Needed | 2:30 hours
Difficulty | Easy
Where to Stay at Passo Pordoi | Hotel Col di Lana (2-star hotel)
Where to Stay in Val di Fassa | Locanda degli Artisti Art Hotel (4-star hotel. See our Locanda degli Artisti hotel review)

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6. Lago di Braies to Hochalpenkopf Peak

To be honest, Lago di Braies is a shit show these days. But, it’s the starting point of the wonderfully secret Hochalpenkopf hiking trail.

This full-day adventure in the Braies Dolomites leads through Val di Foresta (Grünwaldtal), up to the remote Ütia Fojadora, across high alpine pastures, and ultimately to Hochalpenkopf Peak. The trail ends with a steep but manageable descent back to Lake Braies.

Though this trail presents no technical difficulty, it’s very long (16.9 km total) and requires stamina. In high summer, start as early as possible, so you don’t get scorched in Val di Foresta.

Trailhead | Lago di Braies
Distance | 16.9 km circuit
Time Needed | 8 hours with breaks
Difficulty | Moderate
Where to Stay in Braies/Prags Valley | Garni Bergblick (budget)

Trail Guide: Lago di Braies to Hochalpenkopf

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7. Seceda to Monte Pic Hike

There are numerous ways to ascend to Seceda in Val Gardena, including the Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda cableways (pre-booking required), the challenging Resciesa-Seceda route, and the Col Raiser gondola (follow our Seceda-Rifugio Firenze circuit). If you want to skip the cableways, the best way to hike to Seceda is from the Cristauta/Praplan car park above Santa Cristina.

Starting at Cristauta, I recommend ascending to Seceda via Baita Gamsblut and Rifugio Fermeda and then returning via Monte Pic (Picberg), a cone-shaped panoramic mountain that rises above Ortisei and Santa Cristina.

Though I find Seceda astonishing, the highlight of this trail is hiking over Pic to the idyllic Seurasas alpine pastures. On your way down to Cristauta, stop by Baita Seurasas Hütte for a celebratory drink.

Trailhead | Cristauta/Praplan Car Park, Santa Cristina
Distance | 13.9 km circuit
Time Needed | 6 hours 
Difficulty | Moderate / Moderately-Difficult 
Where to Stay in Santa Cristina | Charme Hotel Uridl (midrange), Dorfhotel Beludei (luxury)

Learn More: Monte Pic Day Hike 

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8. Tullen Summit

Tullen (2653 m) is the highest summit in the Odle d’Eores (Aferer Geisler) Group, which borders the Odle Group and Sass de Putia in Puez-Odle Nature Park.

Starting in the Zannes trailhead in Val di Funes, this secret hike ascends the steep Oberer Herrensteig (“Upper Men’s Trail”) and later the Günther Messner Steig to the Tullen summit.

There are so many reasons I love this hike: the solitude, the perspective of the Geisler Peaks, and the incredible high valley trail that leads beneath the bizarre, knob-shaped pinnacles of the Odles d’Eores.

If you’re staying in Val di Funes, I also recommend the Rifugio Genova Circuit Hike. The Adolf Munkel Trail and Santa Maddalena Panorama Trail are famous for a reason, but crowded.

Trailhead | Zannes Car Park
Distance | 12.6 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 7 hours
Difficulty | Moderately Difficult
Where to Stay in Val di Funes | Hotel Fines (midrange)

Trail Guide: Tullen Peak Hike

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9. Alpe di Siusi – Rifugio Bolzano – Rifugio Alpe di Tires

Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm in German, Mont de Sëuc in Ladin), the largest high-alpine pasture in Europe, is woven with walking and biking trails that crisscross the plateau and climb into the Sassolungo Group, the Catinaccio (Rosengarten) mountains, and the Sciliar (Schlern) massif.

There are countless ways to explore the plateau, but one of the most adventurous routes traverses the pastures of Alpe di Siusi before ascending to Rifugio Bolzano. From there, the trail crosses the Sciliar plateau and descends to Rifugio Alpe di Tires, nestled between the Sciliar and Catinaccio mountains. The final leg returns to Alpe di Siusi via the rugged Forcella Denti di Terrarossa saddle.

This is an ambitious day hike that requires an early start, particularly if you are relying on the Siusi-Alpe di Siusi gondola. For something more gentle, I recommend following our Alpe di Siusi Meadows Trail.

Trailhead | Compaccio
Distance | 21.6 km circuit
Time Needed | 8 hours
Difficulty | Moderately difficult because of the length
Where to Stay atop Alpe di Siusi | Hotel Seelaus (midrange), Hotel Steger-Dellai (luxury), or Alpina Dolomites (luxury)

Trail Guide: Alpe di Siusi – Rifugio Bolzano Circuit

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10. Tofana di Rozes Circuit Trail

Tofana di Rozes is one of the most prominent mountains in the Ampezzo Dolomites. I especially love seeing it from Passo Giau, Passo Falzarego, Lago Limides, Rifugio Lagazuoi, Rifugio Nuvolau, Cinque Torri, and many other classic viewpoints around Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Few travelers realize that an exceptional hiking trail circles Tofana di Rozes, beginning at Rifugio Dibona. The loop traverses the mountain’s southern slopes before climbing gradually to the Forcella Col dei Bos saddle. From there, the route continues toward the Travenanzes Valley and then ascends steeply through the rugged Majarié glacial cirque to Rifugio Giussani. The return trail descends from the hut back to Rifugio Dibona along historic World War I paths.

While based in Cortina, d’Ampezzo, I also recommend hiking the Croda da Lago circuit.

Trailhead | Rifugio Dibona
Distance | 11.9 km circuit
Time Needed | 5:30 hours
Difficulty | Moderately Difficult – Difficult
Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo | Ciasa Vervei (3-star hotel) or Hotel Tofana Cortina (5-star hotel)

Trail Guide: Tofana di Rozes Circuit Trail

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11. Gaisl High Trail

Starting atop the Prato Piazza plateau above Braies Valley, the Gaisl High Trail traverses the northern slopes and cirques of the Croda Rossa d’Ampezzo (Hohe Gaisl) massif in Fannes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park.

This trail moves through a shifting tapestry of landscapes, from gentle, serene stretches to more dramatic, intimidating terrain. Most of the hike is quite moderate, but there is one secured passage which may be troublesome for those that dislike exposure and narrow ledge paths.

Ambitious hikers can add on the Strudelkopf summit hike (+2 hours).

Starting Point | Prato Piazza Car Park
Ending Point | Ponticello
Distance | 12 km point-to-point
Time Needed | 4:10 hours
Difficulty | Moderately Difficult
Where to Stay in Braies/Prags Valley | Moserhof Agriturismo Refugium (budget)

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12. Torre dei Scarperi Circuit Trail

The hike around Torre dei Scarperi (Schwabenalpenkopf in German) is the most exciting approach to Tre Cime di Lavaredo in the Sexten Dolomites. This is the best alternative to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit Trail, but significantly more difficult.

The trail leads through Val Campo di Dentro (Innerfeldtal in German), a side valley of Sexten, and then ascends the western flank of Monte Mattina (Morgenkopf) to reach the narrow Passo Grande dei Rondoi saddle. After a short secured scramble, the path crosses the grassy Schwaben Alm.

To detour to Rifugio Locatelli, skirt the Torre di Toblin (Toblinger Noten) and hug the base of Sasso di Sesto (Sextener Stein).  The well-graded descent to Val Campo di Dentro is spectacular, but also long. The trail hugs the eastern flank of Monte Mattina/Morgenkopf (trail 105) and rejoins the valley trail to return to Rifugio Tre Scarperi / Drei Schuster Hütte.

Trailhead | Antoniusstein Car Park
Distance | 16.7 km lollipop-circuit
Time Needed | 6:20 hours
Difficulty | Moderately Difficult
Where to Stay in San Candido | Where to Stay in San Candido including Naturhotel Leitlhof (luxury)

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13. Col dala Pieres Summit Hike

Highly experienced hikers who are comfortable with exposure and seeking a challenge will love the Col dala Pieres hike in Val Gardena.

This adventurous summit route begins with the Col Raiser gondola ascent. From the mountain station, the trail meanders across stone-pine studded meadows, where Haflinger horses graze, to Rifugio Firenze (Regensburger Hütte).

From there, a steep, timber-reinforced, rock-strewn trail climbs to Forcella Piza (Pizascharte). After cresting Mount Stevia, hikers can either detour to Stevia Hütte or continue directly toward Col dala Pieres.

From the summit, the route becomes even more demanding. The descent to Forcella Forces de Sieles involves sections of scrambling and sustained exposure, but the rewards are extraordinary, including mesmerizing views of the Geisler Peaks. Beyond the pass, the trail gradually eases as it returns to Rifugio Firenze.

Also consider the hike to Piz Duleda, another peak in the Puez Group.

Trailhead | Col Raiser Gondola mountain station 
Distance | 13.7 km circuit
Time Needed | 6 – 7 hours 
Difficulty | Difficult 
Where to Stay in Santa Cristina | Smart Hotel Saslong (budget), Charme Hotel Uridl (midrange), Dorfhotel Beludei (luxury)

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14. Val Venegia to Rifugio Mulaz

The hike from Val Venegia to Rifugio Mulaz is remarkably diverse, weaving together idyllic alpine pastures, rolling meadows, dreamy valleys, larch forests, and soaring dolomite spires.

This memorable Trentino hike begins with an easy walk through Val Venegia to the Malga Venegiota alpine pastures, where the ascent to Passo Mulaz and Rifugio Mulaz begins in earnest.

From Rifugio Mulaz, the loop continues across Passo dei Fochet and Passo di Venegiota, revealing an ever-changing panorama of the Pala Group, Civetta, and countless surrounding peaks. Few trails showcase the sheer variety and grandeur of the Dolomites quite so beautifully.

Trailhead | Malga Venegia
Distance | 12.6 km lollipop-circuit
Time Needed | 6:30 – 7 hours
Difficulty | Moderately Difficult
Where to Stay in San Martino di Castrozza | Hotel Vienna (midrange), or Sayonara Nature & Wellness Hotel (luxury)

Learn More: Rifugio Mulaz Circuit Hike

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15. Pala di San Martino Circuit Trail

This classic hike circles Pala di San Martino, one of the defining peaks of the central Pala Group (Pale di San Martino). It’s an unforgettable route for hikers like me who want to feel intimately connected to the mountains: hands on rock, moving through rugged alpine terrain rather than simply admiring it from afar.

The trail traverses difficult terrain and requires surefootedness, scrambling ability, and comfort with exposure. One of the route’s highlights is a lengthy secured passage along an exposed ledge. While via ferrata equipment is not essential, I recommend wearing climbing gloves, as they make gripping the steel cables far more comfortable. Of course, feel free to bring a via ferrata kit for additional security and peace of mind.

From San Martino di Castrozza, take the Col Verde gondola followed by the Rosetta cable car to the Altopiano delle Pale di San Martino, a vast lunar-like karst plateau. I recommend hiking the Pala di San Martino circuit counterclockwise, following signs toward Passo di Ball. Along the way, eat lunch at Rifugio Pradidali before continuing deeper into the rocky heart of Pale di San Martino.

Trailhead | Rosetta Cableway mountain station
Distance | 12.1 km Circuit
Time Needed | 6 hours
Difficulty | Difficult and technically demanding
Where to Stay in San Martino di Castrozza | Hotel Vienna (midrange), or Sayonara Nature & Wellness Hotel (luxury)

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Dolomites Hiking Map

Each trail mentioned in this guide is displayed on the map. If you click the trail, you can directly access the respective trail guide.

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More Hikes in the Dolomites

Val Gardena Hikes:

• Best Hikes in Val Gardena
• Resciesa to Seceda (difficult)
• Seceda Ridgeline Day Hike (easy)
• Rifugio Stevia and Col dala Pieres Day Hike (difficult)
• Val de Chedul – Vallunga Valley Circuit (moderately-difficult)
• Sassolungo Circuit Trail (moderate)

Cortina d’Ampezzo Hikes:

• Best Hikes in Cortina d’Ampezzo
• Lago di Sorapis Hike (moderately-difficult)
• Croda da Lago Circuit Hike (difficult)
• Passo Giau to Mondeval Hike (moderate)
• Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint (easy)
• Cinque Torri and Rifugio Nuvolau Circuit (moderate)
• Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop Trail (easy)

Val di Funes Hikes:

• Adolf Munkel Day Hike (easy)
• Rifugio Genova Circuit Hike (easy-moderate)
• Santa Maddalena Panorama Trail (easy)

Val Pusteria Hikes:

• Val Fiscalina (easy)
• Sexten Dolomites Hiking Guide

Val Badia Hikes

• Sass da Ciampac Summit Hike (moderate)
• Rifugio Puez Day Hike (moderate)
• Lake Pisciadù Day Hike (difficult)
• Rifugio Fanes Day Hike (moderate)
• Sass de Putia Circuit Hike (moderate)
• Path of the Larches (easy)

Hut to Hut Hiking:

• Hut to Hut Hiking in the Dolomites
• Alta Via 1
• 3-Day Rosengarten Traverse
• 3-Day Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Via Ferrata Hikes:

• Sass Rigais Via Ferrata (B/C)
• Oskar Schuster Via Ferrata (B/C)

Sentiero Attrezzato Hikes: These hikes are semi-secured with fixed cables and other climbing aids. A Sentiero Attrezzato is something between a regular hiking trail and a via ferrata. Though in most cases a full via ferrata kit isn’t necessary, a climbing helmet is advised.

• Sentiero Bonacossa North Trail
• Piz Duleda
• Gran Cir

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