Best Hiking Trails in the Dolomites Mountains

The Dolomites, the majestic mountains in northeastern Italy, are a dream destination for adventurers worldwide. This is the part of the world where you can witness stunning peaks touching the sky, lush meadows bursting with color in different seasons, and ancient forests whispering secrets of the past.

The Dolomites are also a top hiking spot with well-marked trails that take you through mountains and valleys. From easy routes and challenging hikes to single-day treks and multi-day adventures, beginner and experienced hikers will be treated to ever-changing landscapes and the raw beauty of nature on the hiking trails in the Dolomites.

With many options to choose from, we’ve put together  a list of the best multi-day hiking trails in the Dolomites. Read on!

Best Hiking Trails in Dolomites

1. Alta Via 1 - Classic High Route to the Dolomites

Distance: 90 miles (125 km)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Duration: 6-10 days

Experience Level Required: Intermediate

Alta Via 1, also known as the Dolomite High Route 1, is one of the Dolomites' most popular and easiest long-distance hiking trails. It runs from Lago di Braies in the north to Belluno in the south. This trail offers spectacular views of the eastern Dolomites and along the way, you’ll encounter towering peaks, lush meadows, serene lakes, and charming mountain huts.

Trail Highlights:

• Lago di Braies: The trail begins at Lago di Braies. This lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque mountain backdrop.

• Sennes Plateau: This high-altitude plateau offers breathtaking views with stunning alpine pastures dotted with wildflowers and grazing livestock.

• Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park: This nature park is one of the top attractions in the Dolomites. Here, you’ll encounter more than just a rich biodiversity with dramatic cliffs, lush pastures, and tranquil meadows adorning the region.

• Lagazuoi: At an altitude of 9,022 feet (2,750 mt), Monte Lagazuoi is the highest point and the most stunning attraction of Alta Via 1. From here, you can enjoy a cable car ride to Falzarego Pass.

• Cinque Torri: As you walk along the trail, pass by the iconic Cinque Torri, a group of five towering rock formations. Spend some time here to admire the historical artifacts and trenches from World War I.

• Civetta Massif: This is one of the most popular mountain groups along the Alta Via 1 trail. One of its walls is known as “the Wall of Walls” as it offers many challenging climbing routes and trekking trails. 

• Via Ferrata: This term is used for the protected climbing route present along the Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites. These climbing routes are equipped with steel cables or ladders that allow you to hike safely. Hiking these on your Dolomites hiking tour sections is optional. 

Best Time to Hike: The best time to hike the Alta Via 1 is from late June to early September when the weather is pleasant, and the refugios are open. Snow can linger in higher elevations until early summer so it's essential to check trail conditions before setting out onyour journey.

Pro Tip: Alta Via 1 is a long trail and can be physically draining. It's advisable to go slow but steady and take regular breaks to stay energized.

2. Alta Badia to Cortina d’Amprezzo Hiking Trail

Distance: 18 miles (29 km)

Difficulty Level: Easy

Duration: 5 days

Experience Level Required: Beginner

One of the easiest  Dolomite hiking trail begins from Alta Badia, a beautiful ski resort in South Tyrol. While crossing the sunning pastures, mountain passes and biodiversity-rich Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park, the route culminates at Cortina. 

Trail Highlights:

• Alta Badia: This stunning valley in upper Val Badia is known for its charming landscape and welcoming hospitality. This has been a regular venue for the Ski World Cup. Before you begin your trekking tour, spend some time here to explore local Ladin culture and cuisine.

• Alpe di Sannes: Continuing through the park, the Sennes Plateau provides a more rugged and remote feel with rocky outcrops and alpine pastures. This area is ideal for those seeking solitude and a deeper connection with nature.

• Croda Rossa: While hiking to the Alpe di Sannes, you’ll come across the stunning Croda Rossa mountain group adorned with lush evergreen and deciduous jungles. Take your time admiring the soaring red-colored Croda Rossa Massif at the height of  9,245 feet (2,818 mt).

• Malga Ra Stua: A charming alpine hut-cum-dairy farm located between Croda Rossa and Lavinores Dolomites Groups, Malga Ra Stua is a great place to rest and enjoy some classic mountain vibes.

• Cortina d'Ampezzo: This Dolomite hiking trail culminates in Cortina d'Ampezzo, a famous resort town known for its vibrant cultural scene and stunning mountain backdrop. 

Best Time to Hike: The best time to hike the Alta Badia to Cortina hiking trail in the Dolomites is from late June to early September when the weather is stable and pleasant. The trails are clear of snow around this time of the year and the natural beauty of the park is at its peak.

3. Alpe di Siusi Trail from Val Gardena

Distance: 22 miles (35.7 km)

Difficulty Level: Easy

Duration: 5 days

Experience Level Required: Beginner

The Alpe di Siusi Hiking Trail is one of the most iconic hiking trails in the Dolomites. The trek starts from Val Gardena and takes you through Europe’s largest alpine plateau. Located in the South Tyrolean Dolomites, the Alpe di Siusi Trail is especially popular among nature lovers for its lush meadows, breathtaking farms, and flora and fauna. 

Trail Highlights:

• Val Gardena: A perfect destination to experience the three cultures of Dolomites—German, Italian, and Ladin, Val Gardena is a stunning valley popular for mountain sports including rock climbing and skiing.

• Sciliar Massif: On your way along the route, see the towering Scillar Massif at an altitude of 8,314 feet (2,354 mt) nestled within the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park. 

• Alpe di Siusi Ridge: This stunning highland pass offers panoramic views of the Dolomites. It’s located at the head of two valleys where Val Gardena and Val di Fassa begin.

• Sassolungo-Sassopiatto: Sassolungo means ‘long stone’ while Sassopiatto means ‘flat stone’. This twin mountain group is one of the most fascinating attractions on the Dolomite hiking trail map. From a distance, the group resembles a horseshoe but get closer to find well-defined hiking trails.

Best Time to Hike: Alpe di Siusi is perfect for snow sports between mid-December and March. If hiking is your priority, visit in the summer. Unlike other parts of the Dolomites, Alpe di Siusi enjoys longer summers from mid-May to early November.

4. Val Gardena Trail

Distance: 33.5 miles (54 km)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Duration: 6 days

Experience Level Required: Beginner

 If you want to explore and discover the corners of Val Garden to the fullest, hike the scenic Val Gardena trail. Starting from Ortisei (the main village of Val Gardena), this breathtaking route is known for its panoramic views, rocky terrain, lush pastures, and stunning peaks like Seceda and Pitschburg.

Trail Highlights:

• Puez Odle Natural Park: This natural park takes you through one of the Dolomites' best hiking trails. The park is home to world-renowned mountain peaks and affords some of the most iconic scenery in the Dolomites.

• Mountain Views: On this Dolomites hiking trail,  see the views of iconic mountain groups like Seceda, Sella, Sassolungo, and Odle that are at their best at sunset and sunrise.

• Traditional Villages: The hike also takes you through charming villages like Ortisei, Antermoia, and Rodeneck where you can experience the local Ladin culture and traditional South Tyrolean architecture.

• Mount Putia: Sas de Putia or Mount Putia is an isolated mountain on the Dolomites hiking trail map. Nestled between the iconic valleys of Val Badia and Val di Funes, the pasture slopes are home to marmots and scattered old timber huts used during hay harvest time.

• Rodenecker-Lüsner Alm: As Europe’s longest alpine meadow, this region offers easy, relaxing hikes with stunning views of the Peitlerkofel mountain, Geisler peaks, and Plose area. 

Best Time to Hike: The best time to hike the Val Gardena is from May to October when, the region experiences spring and summer. The weather is milder and the trails are in excellent condition.

Pro Tip: It's best to hike around Val Gardena in the early morning or late afternoon if you want to enjoy cooler temperatures and the best lighting for photography. 

5. Val Badia Trail

Distance: 28 miles (45 km)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Duration: 6 days

Experience Level Required: Beginner

The Val Badia trekking trail is a picturesque and refreshing trail that takes you through the heart of the Dolomites. This route offers a perfect blend of serene landscapes, cultural landmarks, and stunning alpine views. Not only will you pass by towering peaks like Marmolada and Sella Group, but this Dolomites hiking trail also takes you through charming villages like La Villa and Corvara.

Trail Highlights:

• La Val: The loop starts in the charming village of La Val, making it an excellent base for acclimatizing and enjoying local hospitality before beginning your trek.

• Santa Croce Sanctuary: One of the most significant cultural highlights on this loop is the Santa Croce Sanctuary. Situated at the foot of the Sas dla Crusc mountain, this sanctuary offers spiritual solace and spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.

• Pares Peak: The trail includes an ascent to Pares Peak providing hikers with panoramic views of the Dolomites. The climb is rewarding with breathtaking scenery that is particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset.

• Lavinores: As you trek through the lush meadows of Lavinores, you'll encounter alpine flowers and wildlife such as marmots and ibex. This area is especially beautiful in the summer when the meadows are in full bloom.

Best Time to Hike: The best time to hike the Val Badia hiking trail is from late June to early September when the weather is most favorable and the mountain huts are open.

6. Val di Fassa Trail

Distance: 34 miles (55 km)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Duration: 6 days

Experience Level Required: Beginner

Most of the best hiking trails in the Dolomites are hut-to-hut. If you want to experience a hotel-to-hotel hiking route, this can be your perfect option. Starting from the stunning Fassa Valley, the trail takes you through the world's most beautiful landscapes, lush pastures, and towering mountain peaks, including the highest in the Dolomites–Marmolada and the Sassolungo group.

Trail Highlights:

• Hotel Accommodation: One of the top highlights of this Dolomite trekking trail is the opportunity to enjoy a comfortable stay in a 3-star hotel.

• Val di Fassa: This Dolomites trek begins in the picturesque Val di Fassa known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant alpine villages. This valley is a great place to acclimatize and enjoy some local culture before starting your hike.

• Marmolada: As the highest peak in the Dolomites, Marmolada is a highlight of this trail. The hike includes passing the Marmolada glacier, the Dolomites’ largest remaining glacier. Also visit Marmolada Museum, the highest museum in Europe that showcases the region’s history including World War I artifacts.

• Val San Nicolò: This beautiful valley boasts of fascinating geographical sculptures, dense larch and fir forests, stunning waterfalls, and picturesque views of surrounding mountain peaks.

• Resciesa: This mountain hut is among the best in the Dolomites where you can sample  South Tyrolean cuisine.

Best Time to Hike: The best time to hike this trail is from late June to early September when the weather is most stable and the mountain huts are open.

7. Alta Via 2 

Distance: 116 miles (187 km)

Difficulty Level: Challenging

Duration: 12-15 days

Experience Level Required: Experienced

Another popular Dolomites Hiking Trail, Alta Via 2 begins from Brixen (Bressanone) in the north and culminates at Croce d’Aune or Feltre in the south. Compared to Alta Via 1, Alta Via 2 is more challenging with some of the most rugged and adventurous terrains along the way including the expansive Puez-Odle Natural Park.

Trail Highlights:

• Brixen (Bressanone): The beautiful town of Brixen in South Tyrol, is known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. 

• Passo Pordoi and Sella Group: On the trail, encounter the famous Pordoi Pass and the impressive Sella Group known for sharp cliffs and dramatic scenery.

• Passo Duran: At an imposing altitude of 5,252 feet (1,600 mt), this mountain pass in the Dolomites is a welcome respite with its beautiful atmosphere and church.

• Passo Croce d’Aune: The trail concludes in Croce d’Aune, a high mountain pass in Belluno where you can relax after an epic journey.

Best Time to Hike: The right time to hike Alta Via 2 is from late June to early September when the weather is stable and the refugios are fully operational.

8. Dolorama Trail

Distance: 38 miles (61 km)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Duration: 5 days

Experience Level Required: Intermediate

The Dolorama Trail is a breathtaking hike through some of the most stunning scenery in the Dolomites. Starting from Alpe di Luson/Lüsner Alm, around the majestic Sasso Putia, this trail offers panoramic mountain views with the trail ending in the quaint village of Lajen.

Trail Highlights: 

• Alpe di Luson: Located in Isarco Valley, Alpe di Luson is Europe’s second largest alpine pasture. Dotted with old alpine huts and vast meadows, this peaceful place is a perfect spot to relax and soak in the natural beauty of the Dolomites hiking trail.

• Passo delle Erbe/Würzjoch: A high mountain pass that connects Val Badia to Brixen, see spectacular views here.. 

• Adolf Munkel Path: This hiking trail in Val di Funes takes you through dense forests and stunning meadows before reaching the foot of Geisler Alm. Known for its accessible routes and scenic beauty, this path offers some of the best panoramic views of the Geisler peaks.

• Lajen: This is a charming, quaint village in the heart of South Tyrol, cozily nestled between vineyards and alpine pastures. 

The Best Time to Hike: The perfect time to hike the Dolorama trail in the Dolomites is from June to mid-October when the weather is pleasant.

Travel Tips for Hiking Trails in the Dolomites

• Get Fit for the Trail

Before you begin your Dolomites hiking trip, it’s strongly advisable to strengthen your body with regular cardio and strength training exercises. Practice hiking on local trails to build endurance and confidence. AdventureTripr offers tailored fitness programs before your journey starts to get you ready for the challenges ahead.

• Pack Smart

You should choose sturdy hiking boots, and wear moisture-wicking clothing to stay comfortable along the Dolomites hiking trail. Carry a waterproof jacket and a backpack with essentials like a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a basic first-aid kit.Maps and hiking poles are also helpful.

• Stay Hydrated and Nourished

This tip is often underestimated but it’s essential. Always carry enough water to stay hydrated throughout your Dolomites hike. Pack high-energy snacks like nuts, dried fruits, and protein bars to keep your energy levels up on the trail.

• Enjoy the Journey

Take things slow and steady on your adventure. Hiking trails in the Dolomites can be challenging so listen to your body and don’t push yourself too much. This hike is as much about the journey as it is about reaching your destination.

• Choose the Right Time

The weather around the Dolomites varies throughout the year. So, it’s important to choose the right month to visit the mountains. For hiking, summer (June to August) offers ideal weather. However, if you want to enjoy the cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, fall (September to November) and spring (May to early June) are a good time. Winter (December to April) is perfect for snow sports though you’ll need to be prepared for colder conditions and shorter daylight hours.

Why Should You Book Your Dolomites Hiking Tour with AdventureTripr?

Dolomite hiking trails offer an unforgettable adventure through the best and most beautiful routes across Italy. However, planning the perfect itinerary can be challenging when hiking in the mountains. With AdventureTripr, you can enjoy a seamless and valuable experience without worrying about planning, logistics, and accommodation.

AdventureTripr connects you with local guides who have expertise of the best hiking trails in the Dolomites, ensuring you see the most stunning sights on your trip. You can even indulge in training programs that AdventureTripr offers to help you acclimatize and prepare physically for the hike.

Book your Dolomites hiking tour with AdventureTripr and  one of the world’s top hiking destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dolomites Hikes

Question 1: What are the best day hikes in the Dolomites?

Answer 1: Dolomites boast hundreds of hiking trails that can be covered in a single day. Here are some of the best day hikes in the Dolomites mountains:

• Tre Cime de Lavaredo Circuit (5-6 hours)

• Sassolungo Circuit (5-6 hours)

• Fanes Sennes Braies Nature Park (4-5 hours)

• Cinque Torri Hike (3-4 hours)

• Panorama Trail (3-4 hours)

• Vallunga Hike (2-3 hours)

• Lage di Brais Circuit (1-2 hours)

• Lago di Dobbiaco Circuit (1-2 hours)

Question 2: Can I hike the Dolomites as a beginner?

Answer 2: Absolutely! You can find a number of hiking trails in the Dolomites that are suitable for beginners. Hiking trails around popular places like Val Gardena, Val Badia, and Alpe di Suisi offer easy walks with almost zero climbs that don’t require extensive trekking experience.