Complete guide to hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop

BREATHTAKING VIEWS ON THE TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO LOOP

As soon as we set off from the car park at Rifugio Auronzo, an endless array of jagged peaks stretched across the horizon. We followed the well-maintained trail as it curved along the base of Tre Cime di Lavaredo. But the three towers, foreshortened by proximity, were saving their majesty for a little later.

We passed a small chapel and a cross – slightly off the path – with views across the valley before we dropped down to Rifugio Lavaredo. Being a little too early to stop, we proceeded up to the ridge at Forcella Lavaredo where we were thoroughly gobsmacked with the phenomenal view in front of us.

Hundreds of jagged peaks in a variety of twisted shapes lined the horizon like a crumbling forest of rocky skyscrapers. To our left, the light reflecting off the massive sandstone monoliths of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, made the whole scene look surreal.

The trail gently dropped below the summits of Croda Passaporto and Monte Paterno to Rifugio Locatelli (Dreizinnenhütte) which has an enviable position in front of Tre Cime’s three towers. It’s the iconic image of the Dolomites and the ideal place for lunch.

After Rifugio Locatelli, the trail dropped, rose again and followed a narrow rocky ledge. A deep drop on one side provided panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, while the other side clings to the base of the three towers. It was a spectacular part of the walk.

Soon we came to Malga Langalm. We grabbed a beer in the sun and found Sorgenti del Rienza; an idyllic location with Tre Cime reflected in a small lake. From here the trail rose to Forcella Col di Mezzo ridge where a high alpine grassy meadow shifted the scenery to a winding picturesque trail dotted with alpine flowers that delivered us back to the car park.

TRAIL CONDITIONS FOR HIKING TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO LOOP

From Rifugio Auronzo car park, the trail can be completed in either direction, but we recommend walking anti-clockwise keeping Tre Cime di Lavaredo on your left. The views are better.

The path around Tre Cime is straight-forward – although rocky in places – and easy to follow. A number of different trails traverse the area. Pay attention to the signs to make sure you stay on the correct path (see below). The Tre Cime towers should always be on your left-hand side, so it will quickly become clear if you go wrong.

The 10.3km loop has 400 m of ascent/descent with a nice mix of uphill and downhill sections. There are no particularly tricky places and no special equipment is needed.

The most challenging section is the drop from Rifugio Locatelli down the valley and back up the other side. But it is not too difficult and anyone with a reasonable level of fitness should have no problem.

If you need a rest there a many great rifugios in which to recharge.

ROUTE FOR HIKING TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO LOOP

The trail begins at the car park at RIFUGIO AURONZO. The path, a wide gravel track (PATH 101) starts from the car park and heads east past the rifugio with the three towers on the left. It gently descends to a wayside chapel and then to RIFUGIO LAVAREDO.

A number of paths meet here but turn left and remain on PATH 101 to ascend to the FORCELLA LAVAREDO ridge for a great view. Keep following the wide track (101) as it drops down the other side, passing under the peaks of Croda Passaporto and Monte Paterno, before a short climb up to RIFUGIO LOCATELLI (DREIZINNENHÜTTE).

Leaving Rifugio Locatelli – via the church tucked behind it – take PATH 102 which makes a small clockwise loop before zigzagging down the rocky valley. This is the steepest and hardest part of the walk but it’s not too difficult.

Upon reaching a junction of trails, take PATH 105 heading south-west rising up the other side of the valley, past Malga Langalm and up to FORCELLA COL DI MEZZO ridge. Follow PATH 105 as it bends round Tre Cime and drops gently back to the car park.

The paths are well signposted and clearly shown on Google Maps.

WHAT TO TAKE ON THE TRE CIME LOOP

1 / The Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop is a medium length walk and the path is sometimes rocky, so decent hiking boots are best. We use something like these. If you go with trainers make sure they’re pretty sturdy at least. Hiking poles can also help to bypass some of the strain from your legs to your arms.

2 / The hike is well marked and pretty straightforward, but if you’re anything like us, a physical map is nice to have. The on you need for Tre Cime is the Cortina Tobacco Map.

3 / There are plenty of refreshments on route with rifugios well placed along the route. All of them sell food and drink, but we recommend lunch at Rifugio Locatelli for their hearty dishes with great views. In any case, Carry plenty of energy replenishing snacks and a water filter bottle. If you’re up for making life a bit easier we highly recommend a hydration bag like this one.

4 / Weather conditions on the walk can change dramatically. Always take a waterproof and some warm clothes. Every 1,000m you rise the temperature drops about 5 degrees and if the clouds come over and the wind picks up it can get cold quickly. Similarly, clouds can clear quickly. Even if it looks overcast before you set off, the sun could be shining in no time. So pack a hat and/or sunscreen.

5 / If you want to up your photography game, we highly recommend investing in good quality ND Filters, they’ll really make your images pop. To use the filters, you’ll need a decent tripod, the Ultralight SIrui is the best we’ve come across.