Tre Cime is probably the most iconic and well known area of the Dolomites. The trailhead services two of the most photogenic spots, there’s numerous amazing rifugios to eat/ stay the night at, and gorgeous views all around. One thing that doesn’t come across in photos is just how high up these mountain peaks are. At the base of the cliffs and on the main trail, you already feel like you are in the clouds- and sometimes- you literally are. 

Our experience at Tre Cime:

As we were visiting in late summer/ peak season we were worried the parking lot would fill up. So after a quick breakfast at our hotel, we started out as early as possible to the trailhead. Plot twist – the was still plenty of parking. As we got there a light rain started to fall and it was the chilliest it had been on our entire trip. I actually had to change out my shorts for leggings. (which is saying a lot for me as I needed those leggings to sleep in later..) We also threw on our rain jackets and not knowing what else to do, started the trek to the Locatelli hut and destination for this hike. 

The entire way we had next to no views at all. Clouds everywhere. Rain, constant. What a trip. Even in these conditions though there were still many people hiking both directions of the trail. 

After 1.5 hours we reached the Locatelli Hut with absolutely no view of the 3 peaks and at only about … 10AM. Great only 5 hours to go until we could check in at 3. 

Inside the hut was a mad house. The dining area was completely full as was the hallway. Just as you walked in there were people everywhere stripping out of their wet clothes into something dry and it was hard to find anywhere to get out of the way. Eventually we started scouring for somewhere to sit and lucked out with a spot near the window. We ordered a cappacino to justify sitting there and since what’s better than a hot drink on a cold, wet day. 

After about an hour, it finally started to clear so we head out to take advantage of whatever views we could (not knowing what the rest of the day would hold). We explored around the nearby caves but after a short time the clouds rolled right back in. So we head back inside to our same spot which was thankfully still free and ordered some lunch and … another cappuccino. 

The menu was only in Italian and German but we saw most everyone around us eating a dish called Gholash and it looked good so why not. We got it to share.. Most everything was delightful except for the sauerkraut which neither of us were big fans of. We killed another 1,5 hours sitting there in the dining room, sometimes talking to other people. Eventually the sun truly came out! 

We had 2 hours still to go but I was so excited to finally get to frolic in the sun and see all the gorgeous views! We took some pictures, explored, and eventually wound up at the small lakes skipping rocks. 

Right at 3 we rushed to check in which was the slowest and longest line we ever saw at checkin. (probably due to taking payment at checkin and in cash) From there we were relaxed in our room, got some snacks, and played cards until dinner at 7 which was probably my favorite mountain hut dinner of the bunch. (easily the most food)

All in all, a wonderful day on the Tre Cime trail even if we did only hike half of it! We would have to skip the rest of the loop because the next day, we were taking the Mount Paterno Via Ferrata back! 

Tre Cime Trail Details: (To Rifugio Locatelli as an out and back) 

Distance: 5 miles RT
Elevation gain: 1500 feet on the way to the hut, and another 300 feet or so on the way back
Difficulty: moderate
Time: 3-4 hours

Facilities on the trail:

• Toilets at Auronzo hut (trailhead): 1 euro and note these are squat toilets only.

• Toilets at Lavaredo hut: 50 cents and note these are squat toilets only. 

• Toilets at Locatelli: Standard toilet and free! If you can make it, I recommend over the Lavaredo hut whole heartedly. All of them provided toilet paper. It’s also not a bad idea of course to visit the establishment for a bite to eat or drink. 

Trailhead:

The trail starts from Rifugio Auronzo. Take the scenic road from the town Misurina. Note the final 7 km are an expensive toll road. It costs 30 euros per day that you are up there. So don’t make the same mistake we made thinking it’s just 30 euros to drive the road. If you are staying the night in one of the huts, it is 60 euros for both days and you WILL have to pay the second 30 euro charge when you exit. There are much cheaper and pretty good public transport options that I would HIGHLY recommend doing especially if you will be there for 2 days.

Option 1: Park in Misurina and take the bus. The bus from Misurina costs 8 euros round trip per person but you may be paying more money in parking fees.

Option 2: Park at Lago Antorno further up the scenic road at the last bus stop before the toll road starts. Parking here is free! The bus will still cost 8 euros round trip per person from this stop.

Option 3: Self-drive to the trail head and pay 30 euros per day.

I’m not a fan of buses but this bus system was easy to use, prompt on schedule, and a much better price. So I’d save the money and take the bus if I had a do- over.

Trail Description:

Follow signs for Lavaredo hut from Rifugio Auronzo. There are a few different trail splits but most of them are continuing in the same direction. There’s a split on the right near the beginning of the trail (before the Lavaredo hut) that heads down to a nice memorial visible from the trail. If you aren’t hiking in conditions like we had, your huts should be visible along the way as you turn corners, and the trail is overall very easy to navigate.

Tre Cime details if hiked as the loop:

Distance: 6.2 miles RT
Elevation gain: 1645 feet
Difficulty: moderate
Time: 3-5 hours

Trail Description:

Take the same path to Rifugio Locatelli. On the way back from Rifugio Locatelli look for a trail branching off to the right. There are 2 paths, one that goes down into the valley and climbs back up that is the main part of the loop. However, save yourself some time and energy, and take the 2nd right that branches off a little over halfway back to the Forcella Lavaredo. This trail will cut across the opposite side of the valley from the Locatelli hut and will lead you just under the peaks themselves. Follow signs for Malga Langalm which is another hut/ restaurant. Here there are some more small lakes to enjoy before continuing on around the other side of the 3 peaks (opposite Forcella Lavaredo).

The trail ends back at the Rifugio Auronzo parking area but in a slightly different spot than you started. The trail can also be hiked in either direction, just try to make it to the Locatelli hut (even though there are short cuts to make the loop smaller) as the lakes on the other side really are worth the visit.

And that’s it! After hiking the trail in all these different weather patterns, I can honestly say I don’t regret any bit of it and I highly recommend booking a bed in the Locatelli Rifugio.