Discover the best Dolomites hiking tours: guided treks, hidden gems and tips
- Massimo Fullin
- Aug 5
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 27
Explore the best Dolomites hiking tours with Welcome Dolomiti.
Discover iconic trails like Tre Cime and Alta Via 1, and hidden gems like the Marmarole Runde and Spalti di Toro.
Why the Dolomites are a Hiker’s Paradise
From jagged limestone peaks to peaceful alpine meadows, the Dolomites are a dream destination for hikers. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this alpine region offers an incredible diversity of landscapes, cultures, and trail options — all within reach of charming villages and delicious mountain cuisine.
Discover the best Dolomites hiking tours!
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned adventurer, hiking in the Dolomites means:
World-class scenery
Well-marked trails
Comfortable rifugi (mountain huts)
Local guides with deep knowledge
Most famous & iconic hiking tours in the Dolomites
These are the classic routes — beloved by travelers from all over the world. They offer breathtaking views and an unforgettable alpine experience.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo tour
The iconic Three Peaks of Lavaredo rise dramatically against the sky, offering one of the most famous and accessible hikes in the Dolomites. This loop trail circles the base of the peaks, providing a stunning variety of perspectives on these jagged limestone giants. Along the way, hikers can admire alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers, historic World War I trenches and bunkers, and crystal-clear mountain streams. The well-maintained path is suitable for most fitness levels, making it perfect for families and first-time hikers. The highlight is reaching the Rifugio Locatelli, where you can rest and enjoy spectacular panoramic views, including the distant Marmolada glacier.
This hike offers a unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance, inviting you to immerse yourself in both the rugged landscape and the stories of the past. The ever-changing light across the peaks creates magical photo opportunities throughout the day.
Alta Via 1: Hut-to-Hut adventure
Stretching over approximately 120 kilometers, the Alta Via 1 is the most celebrated long-distance hiking route through the Dolomites. This multi-day trek is renowned for its varied landscapes — from lush valleys and alpine meadows to dramatic rocky passes and serene mountain lakes. The trail is dotted with charming rifugi that offer comfortable overnight stays, local cuisine, and opportunities to connect with fellow hikers.
Walking the Alta Via 1 allows adventurers to witness the grandeur of the Dolomites in all their glory, including famous landmarks such as Lago di Braies and Rifugio Lagazuoi. Along the way, the terrain varies in difficulty, combining gentle ascents with steeper climbs and thrilling ridge walks. The constantly shifting views invite reflection and awe, making each day a new chapter in your mountain journey. This trek perfectly blends physical challenge, natural beauty, and cultural richness.
Monte Rite & Messner mountain museum
Ascending Monte Rite offers a compelling blend of nature, history, and culture. This moderate hike takes you through lush forests and old military roads, culminating at a summit perched at 2,183 meters. At the top, the Messner Mountain Museum — housed in a restored World War I fortress — invites visitors to explore exhibits dedicated to mountain traditions, climbing history, and the human relationship with alpine environments.
The panoramic views from Monte Rite are truly breathtaking, spanning the Marmolada massif, the Civetta and Pelmo peaks, and the surrounding valleys. The hike’s mix of natural beauty and cultural immersion makes it ideal for those who want a richer story behind their trekking experience. The museum’s exhibits are accessible and engaging, providing a perfect complement to the outdoor adventure.
Monte Pelmo: the dinosaur trail
Known as the “Throne of the Gods,” Monte Pelmo towers majestically over the Cadore region, offering a hiking experience that combines natural wonder with scientific intrigue. The Dinosaur Trail circles the mountain’s base, leading hikers across alpine meadows, limestone plateaus, and rocky paths. Along this route, you’ll find fossilized dinosaur footprints — preserved impressions that take you back millions of years in time.
The hike offers expansive views of neighboring peaks such as Civetta and Antelao and is rich in diverse flora, including rare alpine wildflowers. This trail is perfect for hikers who appreciate geology and paleontology, as well as those who simply want to soak in the serene mountain atmosphere. The blend of history, nature, and panoramic vistas makes this hike a truly memorable experience.
Hidden gems & Off-the-beaten-path treks
For those who prefer solitude and untouched wilderness, these lesser-known trails offer adventure and a deep connection with nature.
Val Venegia & Baita Segantini
Nestled within the Paneveggio Natural Park, Val Venegia is a tranquil valley renowned for its lush greenery, crystal-clear streams, and abundant wildlife. The trail gently ascends through forests of spruce and larch, leading to the charming Baita Segantini, a rustic alpine hut known for its warm hospitality and stunning location. From here, you can admire the dramatic Pale di San Martino peaks reflecting on the still waters of nearby lakes.
This hike is accessible to hikers of all levels and is especially rewarding in late spring and summer when wildflowers blanket the meadows. Birdwatchers and nature lovers will delight in the variety of species that inhabit the valley, including deer and marmots. The peaceful ambiance and picturesque scenery make this an ideal escape for anyone seeking connection with nature.
Marmarole Runde: true wilderness trek
For the experienced and adventurous, the Marmarole Runde offers an exhilarating multi-day trek deep into one of the wildest corners of the Eastern Dolomites. This demanding hut-to-hut circuit winds around the Marmarole massif, known for its sharp peaks, rocky ridges, and spectacular alpine scenery that remains largely untouched by tourism.
The trail challenges hikers with steep ascents, exposed paths, and variable weather conditions, rewarding them with profound solitude and dramatic views of the Antelao, Sorapiss, and other towering summits. Overnight stays in traditional rifugi allow for rest and the chance to experience authentic mountain hospitality. Each day brings new landscapes, from flower-filled meadows to rugged rock faces, making this trek a true alpine adventure that tests endurance and awakens the spirit.
Monte Schiara & the ferrata experience
Rising near the town of Belluno, Monte Schiara offers a thrilling hiking experience that combines natural beauty with technical climbing. The mountain features several via ferrata (protected climbing routes) sections, allowing hikers with some climbing experience to ascend exposed rock faces safely using fixed cables, ladders, and bridges.
The route passes through dense forests, alpine pastures, and rocky ledges, culminating in panoramic views that extend from the Dolomites to the Venetian plain below. This hike demands good physical condition and a head for heights but rewards with unforgettable vistas and a true sense of achievement. Rifugio VII Alpini, perched on the mountain, provides a cozy refuge for rest or an overnight stay.
Spalti di Toro & Rifugio Giaf: alpine drama without the crowds
The Spalti di Toro, also called the Monfalconi Group, are a rugged and lesser-known subrange located between the Cadore and Carnic Alps. Characterized by sharp pinnacles and dramatic rock formations, this area offers a raw and almost surreal mountain landscape far from the usual tourist paths.
Hiking here leads you through dense forests and up to the tranquil Rifugio Giaf, situated in a quiet alpine basin surrounded by towering cliffs. The atmosphere is peaceful and remote, perfect for hikers seeking solitude and a deep connection with the mountain environment. The rock towers, shaped by millennia of erosion, create an impressive backdrop that feels both timeless and otherworldly, ideal for geology enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Planning Tips for your Dolomites hiking tour
Best time to go:
the ideal hiking season in the Dolomites runs from mid-June to late September, when the trails are free of snow, rifugi are open, and wildflowers are in full bloom. July and August are the warmest and most popular months, ideal for high-altitude treks, while early September offers quieter trails and crisp, clear air. June may still have patches of snow at higher elevations, especially in the northern ranges.
Gear to pack:
layering is essential to handle changing weather conditions. Bring moisture-wicking base layers, a warm insulating layer (like fleece or down), and a lightweight waterproof shell. Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are a must, along with trekking poles for stability on steep descents. Also pack a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and at least 2 liters of water. For multi-day treks, include a 40–50L backpack, sleeping liner, headlamp, and basic first-aid kit.
Stay safe:
weather in the Dolomites can shift quickly. Always check the local forecast and avoid starting hikes late in the day. Carry a map, compass, or GPS app with offline access. Inform someone of your route and expected return time. Even marked trails can become disorienting in fog or bad weather. If you're unsure, consider hiking with a certified local guide or joining a small group.
Trail etiquette and rules:
Respect the fragile alpine environment: stay on marked paths, do not pick flowers, and pack out all waste. Greet fellow hikers with a friendly “Ciao” or “Buongiorno”. If staying in a rifugio, be mindful of shared spaces, remove boots at the entrance, and book well in advance during peak season. Quiet hours in mountain huts usually begin around 10 PM.
Where to stay:
The Dolomites offer a wide range of accommodation. High-altitude rifugi provide meals and basic lodging, often in dormitory-style rooms. Book these early if you're planning hut-to-hut treks. In the valleys, you'll find family-run guesthouses, B&Bs, and hotels in towns like Cortina d’Ampezzo, San Vito di Cadore, Calalzo di Cadore and Auronzo. Many lodges offer luggage transfer services for multi-day hikers.
Ready to plan your hiking holiday?
Whether you prefer an easy walk, a cultural route, or a multi-day alpine challenge, there’s a trail in the Dolomites waiting for you.
📧 Get in touch now → info@welcomedolomiti.it
🗓 Request a custom itinerary → info@welcomedolomiti.it
Comments