Tre Cime Day Hike

The Dolomites feature a great variety of landscapes and are renowned for rare architectural forms such as the spiral shapes and alone standing pinnacles. Tre Cime di Lavaredo is undoubtedly one of the most characteristic and recognizable symbols of the Dolomites. Tre Cime attracts hikers, photographers, climbers and nature lovers all year round.

The name Tre Cime, or Three Towers in English, originates from three pinnacles this group is made of. They are aligned one next to the other and they rise vertically 400 - 540 meters from the foot to the top. The pinnacles stand out vigorously in an isolated position, right in the center of a vast plateau.

The middle peak, called Cima Grande, is considered one of the natural wonders of mountaineering and was climbed for the first time in 1869. The summit of Cime Grande touches 2999 meters above sea level.

We normally start the day hike near the Rifugio Auronzo hut which is reachable by road. There are several Tre Cime itineraries to choose from. The shortest loop itinerary requires 3-4 hours. This is what most day tourists do, thus you may choose to walk deeper into the Sexten Dolomites range for more views, more wilderness and broader diversity of landscapes. If you choose to walk along our complete Tre Cime loop, you’ll reach the higher area of the Sexten Dolomites, can stop for lunch in one of the remote huts, and enjoy impressive panoramas of the Dolomites that open at the high altitude. The complete Tre Cime loop requires a full day of hiking. Tre Cime is most beautiful in late afternoon, evening and at sunset. Thus we plan the complete loop so that you reach the slopes opposite to the northern wall of Tre Cime late in the afternoon.

In terms of difficulty, the Tre Cime hike can be easy or demanding depending on the itinerary you choose. The short hike is easy and runs along normal hiking trails. The longer routes reach higher altitude where the terrain is challenging, but you will always stay on normal hiking trails. Your guide will adapt the itinerary to match your preferences, fitness level and available time.

You will need normal hiking clothes for the Tre Cime hike, and first of all - good hiking boots. If the forecast predicts unstable weather, you need to take rainwear with you.

The hike starts at the Tre Cime parking from where Tre Cime is reachable in 30 min on a normal trail. You can choose to drive your own car to the trailhead or to use a private transfer (can be arranged by us) or to use a public bus. We will provide you with the timetables if you choose to reach the trails head by bus. Depending on what way of transportation you prefer, you will meet your guide either in your hotel in Cortina or at the Tre Cime parking.

Short itinerary: ascent 420 m, descent 420 m, distance 10 km, walking time 4 hours.

Complete itinerary: ascent 870 m, descent 870 m, distance 16 km, walking time 7 hours.