Tre Cime di Lavaredo: A Solo Female Hikers Guide for 2025

The first time I saw Tre Cime di Lavaredo in person, I stopped in my tracks.

These three jagged limestone peaks tower over the Italian Dolomites like something straight out of a fairytale—and I was about to hike around them, solo.

This 10 km (6.2 mile) trail is iconic for a reason—it’s dramatic, accessible, and incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re solo hiking in the Dolomites like I was, or planning a girls’ trip in the Alps, this guide is here to help.

I’ll walk you through what to expect on the trail, how to navigate the new 2025 shuttle and parking rules, what to pack, safety and mindset tips for solo hikers, and nearby side adventures you won’t want to miss.

Because yes, you can hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo solo. And it might just be one of the best things you’ve ever done.

Why hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo Solo?

Because this hike is legendary. It’s dramatic, it’s photogenic, and it’s manageable.

The full loop is about 10km (roughly 6.2 miles), with a modest elevation gain and no technical climbing.

You’ll get sweeping views, WWI bunkers, alpine meadows, and—on a clear day—those jagged peaks that feel like something out of a dream.

I hiked the Tre Cime Di Lavaredo loop Solo counter-clockwise (the way most people do it) and I’m glad I did. The views just kept getting better.

Where to stay Near Tre Cime Di Lavaredo/Drei Zinnen

I based myself in Misurina for three nights, staying at the locally run Hotel Sorapis—simple, scenic, and right across from the lake.

The staff and hotel manager are pretty freaking great. One night the hotel manager noticed I wasn’t at dinner and got worried, and checked in on me! I thought that was a wonderful touch.

Bonus? The Bus to Rifugio Auronzo stops just a short walk away. I kept my car parked at the hotel for much of the time I was in the area, as it gets busy

If Hotel Sorapis happens to be booked, use this map below to help you find a place to stay near Tre Cime Di Lavaredo/Drei Zinnen.

I think proximity is important for solo hikers in the Dolomites, so I would look no further than Cortina and Toblach/Dobbiaco. Use the Zoom out function, and you can drag your mouse to find driving distances from different places!

Driving Distances from Various Locations in the Dolomites to Tre Cime Di Lavaredo

Starting Point	Driving Distance	Estimated Driving Time
Toblach / Dobbiaco	18 km	~35 minutes
Misurina	7 km	~20 minutes
Cortina d’Ampezzo	25 km	~45–50 minutes
Lago di Braies	32 km	~1 hour
Seceda (Ortisei)	110 km	~2 hours

How to Get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo in 2025

Whether you’re driving, hiking in, or catching a shuttle, here’s what to know before you go.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo is a stunner. But as of summer 2025, getting there takes a little more planning than just pulling up and parking. And honestly? That’s a good thing. More structure helps protect this fragile mountain environment and makes the experience smoother for everyone.

Driving to Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Rifugio Auronzo Parking)

Let’s start with the big change:

If you’re planning to drive the toll road up to Rifugio Auronzo, which sits right at the base of the Tre Cime loop trail, you’ll need to book your parking spot in advance online. This applies from late May through mid-October.

• Reserve your spot on the Auronzo information website

Hiking to Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Free Access on Foot)

If you’re more the “earn your views” type, you can hike into Tre Cime without paying the toll. A few well-marked trails get you there on foot:

• Trail 119: Starts at the toll road barrier and follows the paved road up to Rifugio Auronzo. It’s straightforward but not the most scenic.
• Trail 108A: Begins near Malga Rin Bianco, climbing through Forcella Col di Mezzo with better views and fewer crowds.

Public Transport to Tre Cime di Lavaredo

No car? No problem. I chose to go this route—and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. It was easier, more sustainable, and I didn’t have to stress about parking.

From Dobbiaco (Toblach)

Shuttle 444 runs from mid-June to late September, leaving from Dobbiaco train station and heading straight to Rifugio Auronzo. You’ll pass scenic Lake Landro along the way.

• Operator: SüdtirolMobil
• Reservations required: Book early—it fills up fast
• Where to book: suedtirolmobil.info

From Cortina d’Ampezzo or Auronzo di Cadore

The Dolomitibus service runs directly to Tre Cime from both Cortina and Auronzo, with convenient connections from the Calalzo di Cadore train station.

• Buses arrive at Rifugio Auronzo, trailhead for the loop hike
• You’ll want to book tickets in advance via the Dolomitibus app or website
• Always check updated timetables—schedules vary depending on season

From Misurina

If you’re staying in Misurina (which I did), take the Dolomiti Bus from the Misurina, Genzianella stop. It was stress-free, scenic, and felt like a smart choice all around.

You’ll also find trails from Misurina, Dobbiaco, Auronzo, and Val Fiscalina that lead into the Tre Cime Nature Park—ideal for longer, full-day hiking adventures. In shoulder season, when the toll road closes to cars, it remains open to walkers and cyclists.

Getting There by Train

You can reach Tre Cime di Lavaredo via two different train routes, depending on which side of the Dolomites you’re coming from:

Via Calalzo di Cadore (Veneto Side)

• Train from Venice or Belluno → Calalzo di Cadore
• Bus from Calalzo → Auronzo → Misurina → Rifugio Auronzo

Via Dobbiaco (South Tyrol Side)

• Train from Trento or Bolzano → Dobbiaco
• Shuttle 444 → Rifugio Auronzo

Tip: Use Google Maps with public transport mode to plan your route and check real-time connections.

Closest Airports to Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Here’s a quick reference if you’re flying in:

Airport	Driving Time	Follow-Up Route
Venice Marco Polo (VCE)	~2.5–3 hours	Train to Calalzo → bus to Auronzo or Misurina
Treviso (TSF)	~2.5 hours	Same as above
Innsbruck (INN)	~2.5 hours	Train to Dobbiaco → Shuttle 444
Verona (VRN)	~3.5–4 hours	Drive or train to Calalzo

Komoot Trail for Three Peaks/Tre Cime/Drei Zinnen

I used Komoot Maps to guide my way, but the trail itself is well-marked.

Hiking the Tre Cime Loop: What It’s Like

When I set out on the Tre Cime loop, I went counter-clockwise—and I’d 100% do it again. That route lets the views build slowly, like a story unfolding. And trust me, it’s a story worth reading all the way through.

The First Stretch: Rifugio Auronzo to Forcella Lavaredo

It starts at Rifugio Auronzo (2320m) where you’ll hop on trail #101. The first bit is easy: a wide, gravel path with views that hit you right away. On one side? The dramatic Cadini di Misurina peaks, just casually stealing the show.

About ten minutes in, you’ll pass Cappella degli Alpini, this tiny, wood-shingled chapel that kind of stops you in your tracks. I didn’t plan to pause there, but I did. It just felt right.

Soon after, you’ll reach Rifugio Lavaredo. I didn’t stop here long—it was packed when I passed by—but I did take a few minutes to snap some photos of the surrounding peaks with my Canon zoom lens. I actually caught climbers scaling one of the ridgelines, which was pretty incredible to see in action.

Forcella Lavaredo to Rifugio Locatelli

To reach Forcella Lavaredo, you have two options: a short, steep climb or a longer, more gradual path. I went with the gradual wraparound because it’s easier on the legs, and since I was hiking solo, I wanted to conserve my energy. It also gave me more time to enjoy the views.

When I reached the top, the whole world kind of opened up. However, there was still a stretch of snow covering the trail. It was opening weekend after all, and I just stood there in awe. You’ll probably do this too.

A kind young couple offered to take my photo, and it’s honestly one I cherish to this day. It captured a moment of stillness, strength, and pure joy. I lingered at the top for a while, just trying to absorb it all.

From the Forcella, it’s about 2 km down to Locatelli. The trail gets rockier but it’s not hard to follow. I kept stopping to turn around because the view of the peaks kept changing and somehow got even better from each new angle.

At Rifugio Locatelli, I found out it wasn’t open yet—it usually opens for the season on June 28th and stays open through September. So instead of a hot meal, I pulled out a wrap and one of my trusty granola bars and settled in with the view. Honestly? Not a bad trade-off. It was quiet, and the scenery was everything I’d hoped for. The view of Tre Cime and the reflective alpine lakes? Unreal. It felt like the mountains were showing off—and I was there for it. The view of Tre Cime and the reflective alpine lakes? Unreal. It felt like the mountains were showing off—and I was there for it.

The Quieter Back Half of the Loop

I decided to explore around the backside of the Rifugio and even opted to go up to Sasso di Sesto/Sextenstein. This was a nice refuge from the crowds below. It was quiet, and no one was around. I wish I had taken the time to explore a bit more and go further,r but I decided to go back down to Locatelli and Laghi dei Piani.

The Back Half of the Tre Cime Loop Had to Be My Favorite

After my sidequest, I picked up trail #105. It loops around the far side of the peaks, through a quieter valley. There’s a decent little uphill section over a rocky ridge—probably the hardest part of the loop—but it’s short. And you’ll feel like a champ after.

Next comes Malga Langalm, where there’s another rifugio if you need to rest again. I didn’t stop, but it’s nice knowing it’s there.

The last leg takes you back to Auronzo with views that feel like a final bow. We passed two mirror-like ponds that reflected the peaks perfectly. And just when I thought I’d seen it all, the Cadini peaks popped back into view.

How long, and How Busy it is

The loop took me about 4.5 hours, with time built in for snack stops, photos, and soaking in the moment. But let’s be real—this is one of the busiest trails in the Dolomites. If you’re hoping for peace, quiet, and solitude, this probably isn’t the hike for you. It’s iconic for a reason, and with that comes the crowds.

That said, other routes in the area offer quieter, equally beautiful alternatives. If you’re looking for something less popular, I’ve got you covered. I’ll be listing several Komoot trail alternatives below that you can try if you want a more off-the-beaten-path Tre Cime experience. The trail was busy, but not in a bad way. People were kind, said hi, and shared the trail with a smile.

If you’re nervous about hiking solo in the Dolomites, this is a great one to start with. It’s well-marked, filled with fellow hikers, and offers just enough challenge to leave you feeling strong by the end. I walked back into the gravel lot where the busses meet tired, happy, and completely in love with this part of the Dolomites.

Essential Gear & Packing

As a solo hiker, I double-checked my kit before setting out.

A sturdy daypack like the Osprey 38L has enough room for water, snacks, layers, and my Sony Alpha a7 II camera (for sharp landscape shots). I also brought my Cannon Rebel EOS t7 because at the time I had a 70-300 lens for this camera. It took great shots.

I also brought my iPhone 12 for navigation and emergencies.

Other essentials: hiking boots with good grip, plenty of water (1.5–2 L), electrolytes, sunscreen, a light rain jacket, a map or app with offline GPS, and a small first-aid kit.

Below you’ll find my recommended Hiking Favorites!

Safety Tips for Solo Hikers in the Dolomites

I felt safe the entire time, and honestly, this is one of the safest, most well-trafficked areas in Europe to hike on your own. You’ll see couples, families, and yes, plenty of other solo hikers too.

Here’s how I prepped (and what I recommend you do too):

Tell someone where you’re going.

I always share my plan with a friend and let the hotel staff know, just in case. Even a quick “I’ll be back by dinner” message adds that extra layer of peace of mind.

Check the weather and be smart with daylight.

The Dolomites can be sunny one minute and stormy the next. I like to start hikes by 8 AM—especially in June—so I’m off the trail before afternoon clouds roll in. Always pack a light rain jacket or fleece. Wind chill at elevation is no joke.

Layer like a pro.

When I started the Tre Cime loop, it was cold enough for a fleece. By midday? Full sun and warm. I had a base layer, a fleece, and a lightweight rain shell. Plus: sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses were non-negotiables.

Water and snacks. Always.

I carried 2L of water (minimum), a couple granola bars, and a wrap. Sure, there are huts along the trail—and they’re awesome for refills or grabbing a Coke—but I never rely on them as my only food or water source. You never know if they’ll be open (Locatelli wasn’t when I went), so be prepared.

Altitude awareness.

The trail isn’t super high, but it’s high enough (~2300m) that you might feel it. I paced myself and took breaks whenever I needed. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, take a pause, drink water, and breathe.

Pack smart.

My go-to is the Osprey 38L pack—roomy, light, and fits everything I need. I keep things snug so they don’t shift, and I always carry trekking poles for stability (especially on early morning trails that might still have ice).

And hiking boots? Non-negotiable. The trail is mostly gravel and rock, and grip matters. A Big complaint from rescue teams here is that not enough tourists come prepared with the right gear.

Navigation backup.

I use offline maps (Komoot is my go-to), and I carry a portable charger. While the Tre Cime loop is well-marked and super clear, it’s still smart to have a map downloaded just in case. Don’t count on cell service, especially once you’re behind the peaks or in valleys.

None of this has to be scary—it’s just smart. Hiking solo is one of the most empowering things I’ve ever done, and with a little prep, you’ll walk into that trail feeling confident and totally capable. You’ve got this.

And if you’re curious about what it’s actually like to stay overnight in a mountain hut, I’ve written a full blog post on what it’s like to stay at a Rifugio in the Dolomites—from bunk beds and hearty dinners to the views you’ll never forget. You can check it out here

Alternative Trail for Tre Cime Laverado

Not to confuse you, but there are alternative ways of reaching Tre Cime di Lavaredo. This trail below is equally great for solo hiking to Tre Cime Laverado.

Bonus Adventures Nearby

While staying in Misurina, I also:

• Hiked to Lago di Sorapis – STUNNING. But go early. The narrow ledge trail is not fun when crowded.
• Attempted to hike to the Cadini di Misurina lookout – It’s become an influencer circus. Think tripods, drone noise, and no peace. Hopefully, the new reservation system limits this!
• Visited the Kriegerfriedhof Nasswand, a quiet WWI cemetery nearby. It was beautiful and sobering—a worthwhile stop if you’re into history or want a moment to reflect.

Final Thoughts on Hiking Tre Cime Di Lavaredo Solo

If you’re dreaming of hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo solo, you can. Tre Cime is the perfect introduction. It’s dramatic without being too demanding, and there’s something really special about walking it alone.

This hike reminded me that I’m capable. That solitude can be beautiful. And that the world is a little less scary when you just lace up your boots and go.

Share this post if you’re planning your own Dolomites adventure, and let me know in the comments if you have questions. You’ve got this. I promise.