Hiking Tour: Dolomites “Tre Cime di Lavaredo” (Italy)

Extremely promising tour around the “Tre Cime di Lavaredo”

The tour starts at the parking Rifugio Auronzo (GPS: 46.612453, 12.294022), first passes by the Rifugio Auronzo hut and then follows the gravel road north-eastwards towards the Lavaredo hut. There, turn left and follow the hiking path towards the Forcella Lavaredo crossing which allows you the first time a view towards the Tre Cime (left hand side). You might consider walking a few meters towards them and feel them by touch. From the Forcella Lavaredo crossing, follow the gravel road north-ways towards the Dreizinnen Hut. After a refreshing break there, walk back a couple of meters and then turn right into the hiking trail towards the Langalm, which traverses in front of the Tre Cime. Follow the hiking trail south-westwards back, passing some awesome lakes, till approaching the Forcella del Col de Medo crossing. There keep left and follow the trail back towards the parking.

Tip: The tour can be done both directions but the mainstream is following the direction as described here. Although I personally recommend going the reverse direction, this will mean a lot of contraflow

Tour Description

00:00	Start at the parking Rifugio Auronzo (GPS: 46.612453, 12.294022) and walk towards the Rifugio Auronzo hut.
00:05	Pass by the Rifugio Auronzo hut and follow the gravel road north-eastwards.
00:10	At the crossing, stay on the gravel road (keep slightly left).
00:25	Just before the Lavredo Hut, turn left and follow the small trail upwards.
00:30	At the Forcella Lavaredo crossing, the Tre Cime becomes first time visible (left hand side). Consider a detour by following the small trail towards the first of them (Careful: loose scree).
00:35	Touch and feel the almighty Tre Cime, a perfect place to enjoy a self-brought refreshment (). Turn around back to the crossing.
00:50	Follow the gravel road north-ways towards the Dreizinnen hut (visible).
01:30	Well-deserved break ( ) at the Dreizinnen hut. Enjoy the view towards the almighty Tre Cime.
02:30	Follow the same route backwards for a couple of meters.
02:50	Turn right into the small (barely visible!) trail traversing in front of the Tre Cime with a descent view distance.
03:10	Enjoy a majestic view towards the Tre Cime (left hand-side).
03:30	At the crossing, turn left towards the Langalm hut.
03:35	Enjoy a cold refreshment at the Langalm hut ().
03:45	Pass by the awesome lakes in front of the Tre Cime and follow the trail westwards.
04:10	At the Forcella del Col de Medo crossing, turn left and follow the trail southwards back to the parking.
04:20	Pass by the stone sculptures.
04:30	Back at the parking, end of the tour.

At a glance

Level	easy
Technique
Shape / Fitness
Experience
Scenery
Best time in the year
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

General Tour Data

Area:		Dolomiti, South-Tirol, Italy
Distance:		9.6km
Ascent:		315m (1h 30min)
Descent:		314m (1h 00min)
Highest Pt:		2459m
Lowest Pt:		2230m
Duration:		3h 30min (without breaks) 4h 30min (with breaks)
Stop/Rest:		Rifugio Auronzo (2333m) Lavaredo Hut (2344m) Dreizinnen Hut (2450m) Longolbe / Langalm (2283m)
Equipment:		Backpack with standard hiking equipment Proper hiking shoes Snacks, water Sun & Weather protection Camera