If mountain ranges were musical genres then the Dolomites would be opera – like La Traviata or Eugene Onegin. You know the ones that are so beautiful that crying is the only appropriate response. We’ve visited the Dolomites five times and we simply can’t get enough. This corner of Northern Italy is one of the most sensational hiking destinations in the Alps. If milky blue lakes, jagged peaks, and jungles of stone make your heart sing, then you’re going to love hiking in the Dolomites. To help you figure out where to hike, we’ve curated all the best Dolomites day hikes.
Where are the Dolomites
The Dolomites are a mountain range in northern Italy, close to the Austrian border. Forming part of the Southern Limestone Alps (like Slovenia’s Julian Alps), the Dolomites stretch across three Italian regions: Veneto, Trentino Alto-Adige (Trentino – Südtirol), and Friuli Venezia Giulia. For a general overview of traveling in the Dolomites, read our Dolomites Travel Guide.
Also check out: Where to stay in the Dolomites in Summer
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Best Dolomites Day Hikes
- Seceda Ridgeline to Rifugio Firenze
- Resciesa Plateau to Seceda Ridgeline
- Col dala Pieres
- Adolf Munkel Trail
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit
- Lake Sorapiss
- Lake Pisciadù
- Rifugio Puez and Rifugio Gardenacia
- Armentara Meadows Trail
- Rifugio Fanes and Rifugio Lavarella
- Vajolet Towers
- Baita Segantini and Monte Castellaz
- Val Venegia to Rifugio Mulaz
- Around Pala di San Martino: Rifugio Rosetta to Rifugio Pradidali
- Cima della Vezzana Summit
- Monte Pic Summit
- Alpe di Siusi to Monte Pana
- Sass de Putia Circuit
- Rifugio Genova and the Val di Funes Alpine Pastures
- Path of the Larches
Dolomites Hiking Map
1. Seceda Ridgeline to Regensburger Hütte Day Hike
Easy Hike in Puez-Odle Nature Park

Seceda Lookout
- Hiking Region: Val Gardena, South Tyrol
- Trailhead: Seceda Mountain Station
- Cableway Ascent / Descent: Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda Cableways in Ortisei
- Distance: 8.9 km circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- Time Needed: 3 – 4 hours
- Where to Stay: Ortisei in Val Gardena
- Budget: Hotel Garni Walter
- Midrange: Chalet Hotel Hartmann
- Luxury: Hotel Angel Engel
- Look for accommodation in Ortisei.
The Seceda ridgeline is one of the most beloved photography spots in the Dolomites. The ridge can easily be accessed from the town of Ortisei (St. Ulrich) in Val Gardena via the Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda cableways.
This dazzling spot is just the beginning of a wonderful loop trail in the Puez Odle Nature Park. From the mountain summit station Seceda, you’ll follow a level path along the Seceda ridge to the dagger-like Geisler (Odle) peaks. Next, you’ll hike to the rustic alm hut Pieralongia and then ultimately to the mountain hut Regensburger Hütte (Rifugio Firenze). Enjoy lunch at the hut, before following the loop trail back to Seceda.
Learn More: Seceda to Regensburger Hütte Hike
2. Resciesa to Seceda
Moderate Hike in Puez-Odle Nature Park

Rifugio Brogles (Brogles Hütte)
- Hiking Region: Val Gardena, South Tyrol
- Trailhead: Resciesa Funicular Mountain Station
- Cableway Ascent: Resciesa Funicular in Ortisei
- Cableway Descent: Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda Cableways, or Col Raiser Gondola
- Distance: 8.5 km point-to-point
- Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
- Time Needed: 3 hours
- Where to Stay: Ortisei in Val Gardena
- Budget: Hotel Garni Walter
- Midrange: Chalet Hotel Hartmann
- Luxury: Hotel Angel Engel
- Look for accommodation in Ortisei.
The Seceda ridgeline can be approached in a number of ways. The easiest way is via the Ortisei – Furnes – Seceda cableways (mentioned above). However, a more exciting way to approach Seceda is from the Resciesa plateau.
To reach the plateau, take the Resciesa funicular from Ortisei in Val Gardena. From the top station, the trail crosses the Resciesa alp and descends to Rifugio Malga Brogles. You’ll have fantastic and varied views of the Geisler peaks from both the trail and the hut. From the rifugio, the “hard” part begins. You’ll ascend to the Seceda ridgeline via a steep trail to Panascharte.
Once at the top, you can marvel at the dagger-like Seceda ridgeline. Depending on where you’re staying in Val Gardena, you can either descend to Ortisei via Ortisei – Furnes – Seceda cableways or to Selva di Val Gardena via the Col Raiser gondola.
Update August 2020: The trail from Malga Brogles to Seceda via the Panascharte is closed due to a rockfall. You can hike to Seceda via Furcela De Mesdi (Mittagsscharte), but it’s longer and more difficult.
Learn More: Resciesa to Seceda Day Hike
3. Col dala Pieres Summit
Difficult Hike in Puez-Odle Nature Park
- Hiking Region: Val Gardena, South Tyrol
- Trailhead: Col Raiser Mountain Station
- Cableway Ascent / Descent: Col Raiser Cable Car in Selva di Val Gardena
- Distance: 13.7 km circuit
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Time Needed: 6 – 7 hours
- Where to Stay: Santa Cristina in Val Gardena
- Budget: Kedul Alpine Lodge
- Midrange: Smart Hotel Saslong
- Luxury: Dorfhotel Beludei
- Look for accommodation in Santa Cristina.
This excellent Dolomites hiking trail is for confident hikers who crave intoxicating views of Sella, Langkofel and the Geisler Peaks. This hike begins with a Col Raiser cableway ascent from Selva di Val Gardena.
From the Col Raiser mountain station, follow the easy trail to Rifugio Firenze (Regensburger Hütte). That’s the same hut mentioned in the very first hike on this list. From the rifugio, you’ll ascend to Forcella Piza (2489 m), the mountain saddle between Muntejela and Mont De Stevia. From Piza, the trail continues left to Col dala Pieres summit.
We recommend making a detour to Rifugio Stevia for their hearty South Tyrolean food.
Learn More: Col dala Pieres Day Hike
4. Adolf Munkel Trail
Easy-Moderate Hike in Puez-Odle Nature Park
- Hiking Region: Val di Funes, South Tyrol
- Trailhead: Zannes/Zans
- Distance: 9.2 km circuit
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time Needed: 3.5 hours
- Where to Stay: Santa Maddalena in Val di Funes (Villnöss)
- Budget: Fallerhof
- Luxury: Hotel Tyrol
- Look for accommodation in Santa Maddalena.
The Adolf Munkel Trail is an easy loop trail that takes you to the foot of the Geisler (Odle) Peaks. The trail begins at Zanser Alm (Malga Zannes) in Val di Funes in South Tyrol. You can either base yourself in Val di Funes, or continue staying in Val Gardena. It’s a 50-minute drive from Ortisei (Val Gardena) to Malga Zannes (Val di Funes).
One of the highlights of this Dolomites hike is stopping for a leisurely lunch at Gschnagenhardt Alm (Malga Casnago).
Learn More: Adolf Munkel Trail
5. Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit
Easy-Moderate Day Hike in the Sexten Dolomites
- Hiking Region: Three Peaks Nature Park, South Tyrol and Belluno
- Trailhead: Rifugio Auronzo
- Distance: 9.7 km circuit
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time Needed: 4 hours
- Where to Stay: Dobbiaco (Toblach) or Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Budget: La Locanda del Cantoniere – Ciasa Vervei in Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Midrange: Hotel Rosengarten in Dobbiaco
- Luxury: Romantik Hotel Santer in Dobbiaco
- Look for accommodation in Dobbiaco or Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The loop trail around the iconic Three Peaks, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, is the best day hike in the Dolomites. It starts at the mountain hut Rifugio Auronzo, which is accessible by a toll road (30 EUR for private cars). From Rifugio Auronzo, you can either hike on Trail 101 (right) towards Rifugio Lavaredo, or on Trail 105 (left) towards Langealm. Both ways are beautiful.
Though most people venture here to see the Three Peaks, they soon realize that Tre Cime is just the beginning of an unending visual feast that extends in every possible direction. Remember the bit about opera? Well, we’re in the Wagnerian realm now. For a tasty lunch and the most impressive view of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, head to Dreizinnenhütte (Rifugio Locatelli).
Learn More: Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo
6. Lago di Sorapiss
Moderate Hike in Dolomiti d’Ampezzo
- Hiking Region: Cortina d’Ampezzo, Belluno
- Trailhead: Passo Tre Croci
- Distance: 12 km out-and-back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time Needed: 4 hours
- Where to Stay: Cortina d’Ampezzo
Lago di Sorapiss is a glacial lake within the region Veneto. The lake takes its name from the mountain Sorapiss. Framed by a ring of trees, Lago di Sorapiss is one of the most stunning lakes and day hikes in the Dolomites. Apart from the mountain backdrop, the most spectacular feature of the lake is its unique turquoise color. The water also has a milky quality due to suspended powdered rock. You might think you’re looking at an enchantress’ pool filled with a magic potion.
To get to the lake, start at Passo Tre Croci near Cortina d’Ampeszzo. The hike takes 2 hours one-way. Follow Trail no. 215 towards Rifugio Vandelli. The first half of the trail is flat, but the second half is steep. Part of the path is secured. We saw people of all ages on this trail.
Update: This trail is overpopulated. We recommend hiking here only off-season, or early.
7. Lake Pisciadù
Difficult Hike in the Sella Group

Ascent to Cima Pisciadù
- Hiking Region: Alta Badia, South Tyrol
- Trailhead: Passo Gardena
- Cableway Ascent / Descent: None
- Distance: 8 – 12 km circuit or point-to-point, depending on the route
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Time Needed: 6-7 hours
- Where to Stay: Corvara, or Colfosco in Val Badia
- Budget: Mountain Hotel Mezdì in Colfosco
- Midrange: Lüch de Costa in Colfosco
- Luxury: Hotel La Perla: The Leading Hotels of the World in Corvara
- Look for accommodation in Corvara or Colfosco.
This is one of the best hikes in the Dolomites for experienced hikers. This loop trail begins at Passo Gardena, the mountain pass between Alta Badia and Val Gardena. From the pass, you’ll follow a lovely balcony trail to Val Setus, a steep sloping “valley” characterized by crumbling rocks and scree. The ascent up Val Setus to Lake Pisciadù is steep and partially secured (no equipment necessary).
At Lake Pisciadù, there’s a mountain hut you can stop in for food and refreshments. If you feel energized, you can hike all the way to Cima Pisciadù (1 hour one-way) for more thrilling views.
From the lake, This Dolomites hike continues steeply down to Val de Mezdi and ultimately back to Passo Gardena, or to Colfosco / Corvara (two villages in Alta Badia).
Learn More: Lake Pisciadù Day Hike
8. Rifugio Puez and Rifugio Gardenacia
Moderate Hike in Puez-Odle Nature Park

Rifugio Gardenacia
- Hiking Region: Alta Badia, South Tyrol
- Trailhead: Gardenaccia Chairlift Mountain Station
- Cableway Ascent: Gardenaccia Chairlift in La Villa
- Distance: 13 km point-to-point
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time Needed: 6 hours
- Where to Stay: Corvara, or La Villa in Val Badia
- Budget: Ciasa de Munt Lifestyle B&B in Corvara
- Midrange: Hotel Rezia in La Villa
- Luxury: Hotel Cristallo – Wellness Mountain Living in La Villa
- Look for accommodation in Corvara or La Villa.
This moderate day hike in Puez-Odle is best approached from Alta Badia. You can either start the hike in the village of La Villa or in Corvara.
From La Villa, take the Gardenaccia chairlift up and follow the trail to Gardenacia mountain hut. Gardenacia is one of our absolute favorite rifugios in the Italian Alps. From the hut, cross the Gherdenacia alpine plateau and hike to Rifugio Puez. As you approach Rifugio Puez, take in the impressive views of Vallunga (Langental) Valley.
Learn More: Rifugio Puez Day Hike
9. Armentara Meadows Trail
Easy Day Hike in Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park
- Hiking Region: Alta Badia, South Tyrol
- Trailhead: La Crusc Church
- Cableway Ascent: Santa Croce Chairlift and La Crusc Charilift in Badia
- Distance: 9 km point-to-point
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time Needed: 3 hours
- Where to Stay: Badia (Abtei), or La Villa in Val Badia
- Budget: Pensione Camoscio in La Villa
- Midrange: Hotel Melodia del Bosco in Badia
- Luxury: Hotel Cristallo – Wellness Mountain Living in La Villa
- Look for accommodation in Badia or La Villa.
Some of the most beautiful Dolomites hiking trails are blissfully easy. If you’re in the mood for a gentle saunter across sloping meadows, this is for you.
Walking across Armentara meadows is like listening to a Rossini, or Donizetti opera. It’s light, happy and effortless. That’s my last opera reference, promise!
The Armentara plateau is accessible from the village of Badia in Alta Badia.
Learn More: Armentara Meadows Day Hike
10. Rifugio Fanes and Rifugio Lavarella
Moderate Hike in Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park

Approaching Lavarella Hütte
- Hiking Region: Alta Badia, South Tyrol
- Trailhead: Capanna Alpina
- Distance: 17 km out-and-back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time Needed: 6 hours
- Where to Stay: San Cassiano, or La Villa in Val Badia
- Budget: Pensione Camoscio in La Villa
- Midrange: La Stua in San Cassiano
- Luxury: Hotel Cristallo – Wellness Mountain Living in La Villa
- Look for accommodation in San Cassiano or La Villa.
This Dolomites day hike starts in Capanna Alpina (Alta Badia) and ends at Rifugio Fanes (Fanes Hütte) and Rifugio Lavarella. The trail follows the Alta Via 1 route in Fanes Nature Park. These two rifugios are located directly across from each other and make for a scenic lunch destination. Rifugio Fanes is one of the most luxurious huts in the Italian Alps and Rifugio Lavarella is home to the highest brewery in Europe.
Most hikers will do a return-hike (out and back), starting and ending in Capanna Alpina. For a more challenging variation, you can do a point-to-point hike ending in La Villa.
Learn More: Rifugio Fanes Day Hike
11. Vajolet Towers
Difficult Hike in Sciliar – Catinaccio Nature Park
- Hiking Region Val d’Ega/Eggental, South Tyrol
- Trailhead: Kölnerhütte
- Cableway Ascent / Descent: Laurin II Chairlift in Nova Levante (Welschnofen), or the Paolina Chairlift in Carezza (Karersee).
- Distance: 8 km out-and-back
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Time Needed: 6 hours
- Where to Stay: Carezza (Karersee), or Nova Levante (Welschnofen)
- Budget: Hotel Seehauser Carezza
- Midrange: Hotel Rosengarten in Nova Levante
- Luxury: Moseralm Dolomiti Spa Resort in Carezza
- Look for accommodation in Carezza or Nova Levante.
The Vajolet Towers are six summits in the Rosengarten – Catinaccio Dolomites. These majestic towers are a worthy day hiking destination in the Dolomites if you’re staying in Val di Fassa, or in Val d’Ega (Eggental).
From Kölnerhütte (accessible by chairlift from Nova Levante), there are two ways to get to the towers. You can either take the hiking path via Tschagerjoch (Passo delle Coronelle) or the Santner Via Ferrata route.
If you take the via ferrata route up, you’ll plateau at Santnerpass. The view of Gartlhütte, the mountain hut at the foot of the towers, is glorious. We hiked here as part of our 3-day hut-to-hut hike across the Rosengarten. You can find out more details about the Santner via ferrata ascent and the trek in our guide.
Update 2020: The Laurin II Chairlift is under construction. Take the Paolina Chairlift from Carezza (Karersee) instead. From the Paolina Hütte, follow the trail to Kölnerhütte (45 min – 1 hour), to begin the hike to the Vajolet Towers.
12. Baita Segantini and Monte Castellaz
Easy Hike in Pale di San Martino
- Hiking Region: Pala Group, Trentino
- Trailhead: Passo Rolle
- Distance: 9.2 km circuit
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time Needed: 3 – 3:30 hours
- Where to Stay: San Martino di Castrozza
Learn More: Baita Segantini Trail Guide
13. Val Venegia to Rifugio Mulaz
Moderately Difficult Hike in Pale di San Martino
- Hiking Region: Pala Group, Trentino
- Trailhead: Malga Venegia, Val Venegia
- Distance: 12.6 km circuit
- Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
- Time Needed: 6:30 – 7 hours
- Where to Stay: San Martino di Castrozza
Learn More: Val Venegia to Rifugio Mulaz Trail Guide
14. Around Pala di San Martino: Rifugio Rosetta to Rifugio Pradidali
Moderately Difficult Hike in Pale di San Martino
- Hiking Region: Pala Group, Trentino
- Trailhead: Rosetta Cableway Mountain Station
- Cableway Ascent / Descent: Colverde Gondola and Rosetta Cableway
- Distance: 12.1 km circuit
- Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
- Time Needed: 6 hours
- Where to Stay: San Martino di Castrozza
Learn More: Rifugio Rosetta to Rifugio Pradidali Circuit Hike
15. Cima della Vezzana
Very Challenging Hike in Pale di San Martino
- Hiking Region: Pala Group, Trentino
- Trailhead: Rosetta Cableway Mountain Station
- Cableway Ascent / Descent: Colverde Gondola and Rosetta Cableway
- Distance: 13.8 km out-and-back
- Difficulty: Very Challenging
- Time Needed: 6 hours
- Where to Stay: San Martino di Castrozza
Learn More: Cima della Vezzana Summit Hike
16. Monte Pic
Moderate Hike in Puez-Odle Nature Park
- Hiking Region: Val Gardena, South Tyrol
- Trailhead: Cristauta/Praplan Parking Lot above Santa Cristina
- Distance: 13.9 km circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time Needed: 6 hours
- Where to Stay: Santa Cristina in Val Gardena
- Budget: Kedul Alpine Lodge
- Midrange: Smart Hotel Saslong
- Luxury: Dorfhotel Beludei
- Look for accommodation in Santa Cristina.
Learn More: Monte Pic Summit Hike
17. Alpe di Siusi to Monte Pana
Easy Hike in Val Gardena
- Hiking Region: Val Gardena, South Tyrol
- Trailhead: Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi Gondola Mountain Station
- Cableway Ascent: Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi Gondola
- Distance: 12.8 point-to-point
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time Needed: 3:30 hours
- Where to Stay: Ortisei in Val Gardena
- Budget: Hotel Garni Walter
- Midrange: Chalet Hotel Hartmann
- Luxury: Hotel Angel Engel
- Look for accommodation in Ortisei.
Learn More: Alpe di Siusi to Monte Pana Trail Guide
18. Sass de Putia Circuit
Moderate Hike in Puez-Odle Nature Park
- Hiking Region: Alta Badia, South Tyrol
- Trailhead: Passo delle Erbe
- Distance: 12.8 km circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time Needed: 4 hours
- Where to Stay: Ütia de Börz at Passo delle Erbe
Learn More: Sass de Putia Circuit Trail Guide
19. Rifugio Genova and the Val di Funes Alpine Pastures
Moderate Hike in Puez-Odle Nature Park
- Hiking Region: Val di Funes, South Tyrol
- Trailhead: Zannes/Zans
- Distance: 11 km circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time Needed: 4:30 hours
- Where to Stay: Santa Maddalena in Val di Funes
- Budget: Fallerhof
- Luxury: Hotel Tyrol
- Look for accommodation in Santa Maddalena.
Learn More: Rifugio Genova Trail Guide
20. Path of the Larches
Easy Hike in Alta Badia
- Hiking Region: Alta Badia, South Tyrol
- Trailhead: San Cassiano
- Distance: 5.8 km out-and-back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time Needed: 1:30 – 2 hours
- Where to Stay: San Cassiano in Val Badia
- Budget: Residence Ada
- Midrange: La Stua
- Luxury: Lagació Hotel Mountain Residence
- Look for accommodation in San Cassiano.
Learn More: Path of the Larches Trail Guide
The Dolomites Hiking Season
The best time to hike in the Dolomites is from late June until the end of September. During that timeframe, Dolomites hiking trails are mostly clear of snow, Rifugios (mountain huts) are open, and cableways are operating.
We tried hiking in the Dolomites in May and were shit out of luck. Too much snowfall and rain prevented us from exploring the Dolomites in Spring. October may still be promising, but many rifugios (mountain huts) and chairlifts will already be closed. Our favorite month to hike in the Dolomites is September. You can read about September in the Dolomites here.
Plan Your Trip to the Dolomites:
Hut to Hut Hikes in the Dolomites:
- Trekking Tre Cime di Lavaredo (3 days)
- Rosengarten Dolomites Traverse (3 days)
- Alta Via 1 Trek (4-10 days)
More Information for Your Trip to Italy:
- Italy Travel Guide
- Aosta Valley Travel Guide
- Epic Things to Do in Courmayeur
- How to Visit Fusine Lakes in the Julian Alps
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There are 3 comments on this post
First, your blogs are perfect and are really helping plan my last minute hiking trip to the Dolomites! Thank you!
Do you think it would be smart/worth it to combine the yellow Seceda hike and the Blue Col dala Pieres one if you stayed at the Rothenberg hut over night? Plan to go September 4/5 or 5/6 depending when I get there.
Thank you!
Hi Brytani,
Thank you! Yes, I would absolutely recommend doing both of those hikes, with the overnight in Regensburger Hütte. Have a great trip!
-Sabrina
Amazing!! Planning to go there this summer and will make sure to add some on my list. Always hard to decide which hikes to do!!