The hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is one of our favorite short hikes in the Dolomites. This is a gorgeous hike every step of the way, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, a unique view of the “backside” of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and of course, an awesome view of the Cadini di Misurina.
We did this hike in July 2022, on the same day that we hiked Tre Cime di Lavaredo. On the Cadini di Misurina hike, we only saw a handful of people, which was a much different experience than almost every hike we have done in the Dolomites.
If you are looking for a short, beautiful hike and want to escape the crowds, the Cadini di Misurina hike belongs on top of your Dolomites to-do list.
In this guide, learn how to hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint, with helpful tips, photos, and a map.
Table of Contents
Cadini di Misurina Hiking Stats
Distance: 3.2 km (2 miles) round trip
Total Ascent: 210 meters (690 feet)
Lowest Elevation: 2,260 meters (7,415 feet)
Highest Elevation: 2,355 meters (7,725 feet)
Difficulty: Easy
Length of Time: 1 to 2 hours
When to Go: best in the summer months, when the trail is free of snow
Parking: Rifugio Auronzo parking lot (the same lot for Tre Cime di Lavaredo)
Best Time for Photography: Midday and early afternoon (our photos were taken between 12:30 and 1:30 pm)
Toilet: At Rifugio Auronzo
Exploring further: After the viewpoint you can follow the main trail further for additional views. You don’t have to go far, only another 0.25 km (0.15 miles) or 5 minutes each way, but extra caution is needed as you follow this narrow trail around a cliff edge.
Cadini di Misurina viewpoint elevation profile. This profile is slightly different on the return hike because we took a different route back to the trailhead.
Cadini di Misurina trail map with both viewpoints (image generated from my Garmin Fenix watch). The blue color is the lowest elevation along the trail and the red color is the highest elevation along the trail.
Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife.
Parking for the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint
For this hike, park in the lot for Rifugio Auronzo. This very large parking lot is the same parking lot for the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike. Due to the popularity of this hike, the parking lot will fill early in the day, sometimes as early as 9 to 9:30 am.
To get to the parking lot, it is a 7 km drive on a road that connects the Rifugio Auronzo parking lot and SP49. This road starts just north of Lago Misurina.
There is now a daily limit to the number of vehicles that can drive up this road. Just after Lago d’Antorno is a toll booth. It is here that you will pay a €30 per vehicle to drive to and park in the Rifugio Auronzo parking lot. Next to the toll booth is a sign that shows the number of available parking spaces. It is my understanding that once this gets to zero, cars will no longer be permitted to drive up the road to the parking lot. This can happen as early as 9:30 am, so get here early!
The road to the Rifugio Auronzo parking lot typically opens in early June and closes in early fall. Get updates on road conditions and pricing here.
You can also get to Rifugio Auronzo by taking the public bus.
Once in the parking lot, the closer you can park to Rifugio Auronzo the better. The trailhead is located very close to the rifugio, so parking near it will save you some steps.
How to Hike to the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint
Step-By-Step Trail Guide
Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint Trailhead
From Rifugio Auronzo, cross the street to the terrace viewpoint of the nearby valley. To the left is the trailhead for Tre Cime di Lavaredo. You DO NOT want to take this trail.
Instead, walk away from the Tre Cime trailhead, to the right side of the terrace. A few steps after the terrace ends, you will see a trail sign and a trail leading downhill through the grass. This is the trailhead for the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint.
Cadini di Misurina Trailhead
From Rifugio Auronzo, you will follow trail #117 and head in the direction of Rifugio Col De Varda.
Hiking to the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint
From Rifugio Auronzo, the trail briefly heads downhill and then climbs up the opposite ridgeline. The trail is a bit steep at times, and tiring, and when we did this it was very windy. Hold onto your hat if you’re wearing one!
The trail to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint.
As the trail climbs up the hill, turn around and look back. From here, you have a great view of the “backside” of Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Rifugio Auronzo. I turned around so many times to take photos and the farther you go, the better the view.
Looking back to Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Rifugio Auronzo.
Near the top of the hill, the trail splits (at about 1 km/0.6 miles). Both trails get you to the viewpoint, but we recommend staying to the left, if you are not afraid of heights. This trail runs along the top of a cliff and from the trail, you have an amazing view looking east through the valley to the town of Auronzo.
Update for 2024: Since June 2023, we have received mixed reports on the cliff trail conditions. Two people have reported that the trail is eroded in some spots and another reader is reporting that the trail does not have any issues. I recommend reading the comments sections for updates on trail conditions. If you have hiked this trail recently and want to add any updates to help future hikers, you can do so in the comment section below. Thanks in advance!
The cliff trail and the first good view of the Cadini di Misurina.
If you want to take the same photo of the cliff trail, look for this outcropping (on the left hand side of the photo above). You also have a great view out to the valley (photo below).
From the same viewpoint, this is the view of the valley.
The trail twists and turns for a little bit, and you will pass under a few outcroppings of rock.
Looking back at the trail with Tre Cime in the background.
The Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint
Then the Cadini di Misurina comes into view. These jagged peaks look a lot different from the rest of the Dolomites, which is one of the reasons we liked this hike so much. And you can see from our photos, we saw just a few other people (and these photos were taken midday in July).
At about the 1.5 km point (about 1 mile), keep a lookout out for a long outcropping of rock with a thin trail running along the top of it. This is the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. Here is a photo of it:
We took our photos right from the end of the viewpoint. Be careful here, because it is a narrow spot, with lots of big tree roots, and it is possible to fall. For another photo idea, someone can stand here, at the viewpoint, and the photographer can walk back up to the main trail, and capture more of the mountains in the photo (I saw photos like these after we hiked this trail).
A view of the viewpoint, which is a rocky outcropping of rock covered with roots.
This is looking back at the main trail from the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint.
IMPORTANT! Do not hike out to this viewpoint if it is wet or it has been raining. The trail will be slippery and you risk falling from the trail. Save this hike for a day when the weather is clear and dry…not only is it safer but you will have a better view of spiky pinnacles.
Once you get your photos, you can retrace your steps or explore a little farther.
Going Farther Along the Trail
We hiked another 400 meters of the trail beyond the viewpoint. It’s a fun trail, as it winds along the cliffs here. Just be very careful! The trail is narrow and slippery, as it is covered with loose gravel. Like the viewpoint, it is possible to slip and fall here. If you don’t feel comfortable, turn around and hike back to the trailhead.
Looking back at the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint (look for the three hikers).
The second viewpoint of Cadini di Misurina is the big gray rock in the center of this photo.
About 400 meters beyond the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint, we found a second smaller outcropping of rock that also makes a great viewpoint (viewpoint #2 on our map).
From that same spot, here is the view into the valley.
We turned around here, but you can keep going farther. This trail runs all the way to Rifugio Col de Varda.
On the hike back, we passed the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint and at the trail split, took the trail to the left for different views on the return hike (if we stayed right, we would have hiked the same trail we took to get to the viewpoint). By going this way, we got to see more of Tre Cime, which is an awesome sight to see.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo on a picture perfect day.
Once back to Rifugio Auronzo, you can grab a bite to eat or hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop, if you did not do that yet.
What to Bring on the Hike
Hiking shoes. You need to wear a pair of hiking shoes or boots for this trail. Parts of the trail run near the edge of a cliff, and with the loose gravel, the trail can be slippery.
Water. I recommend bringing a liter of water per person. It’s not a long hike, but it can be warm in the summer, and it might be nice to have some cool water to drink during the hike.
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. The trail is fully exposed to the sun.
If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails.
Things to Do near the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint Hike
Hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop
This popular hike starts at the same parking lot as the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. Since you paid a hefty fee to park here, you might as well get two hikes out of it! We did Tre Cime di Lavaredo first, since it is longer and more crowded. In the mid-afternoon, we hiked to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Spend some time at Lago di Misurina
Lago di Misurina is a beautiful lake that is located less than 10 km from Rifugio Auronzo. You can go ride paddle boats, ride the chairlift, relax in the sun, or have lunch or dinner. We ate at Pizzeria Edelweiss and it was just what we needed after hours of hiking.
Lago di Misurina
Visit Lago di Dobbiaco
This is another beautiful lake to visit. From Rifugio Auronzo it is a 30-minute drive to get here. You can have lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants next to the lake or take a stroll along the lakeshore.
Lago di Dobbiaco
More Information about the Dolomites
For links to all of our articles about the Dolomites, take a look at our Dolomites Travel Guide.
In our article Best Hikes in the Dolomites, we cover 15 epic trails in the Dolomites. Which ones do you want to do?
The Cinque Torri is a wonderfully short, easy hike that circles around giant pillars of rock and includes a visit to a WWI open air museum. This hike can easily be combined with Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau for BIG views of the Dolomites (and a great meal with a view).
Lago di Braies is a beautiful alpine lake. Hike the loop trail around the lake, paddle around on a rowboat, or hike high into the mountains from here.
Learn how to visit Marmolada, the highest mountain in the Dolomites.
With our Dolomites Itinerary Planner, put together the perfect trip to the Dolomites, whether you have 2 days, 4 days, or a full week.
If you have any questions about how to hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint, or if you want to share your experience, let us know in the comment section below.
More Information for Your Trip to Italy
VENICE: Learn more about what to do in Venice in our Venice Bucket List. To help you plan your time, we have a detailed one day Venice itinerary and a 2 day Venice itinerary.
ITALY ITINERARIES: If you are just beginning to plan your Italy itinerary, take a look at our 10 Days in Italy Itinerary for five different ways to spend 10 days in Italy. In our Northern Italy Itinerary, visit Venice, the Dolomites, Verona, Milan, and Lake Como. For those with more time, check out our 14 day Italy itinerary, which covers the highlights of Italy.
CINQUE TERRE: One of the best experiences in the Cinque Terre is to hike between all five towns. If you are traveling on a budget, get our money saving tips for the Cinque Terre.
BEST OF ITALY: In our Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Italy, we list 25 beautiful destinations to consider for your next trip to Italy.
MORE GREAT HIKES IN EUROPE: From thrilling trails in the Alps to easy walks along the coast, read our article 20 Best Hikes in Europe for some beautiful hiking trails to put on your travel wish list.
We have TONS more information about Italy in our Italy Travel Guide, including Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, the Dolomites, the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre, and Puglia.
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Comments 57
Just hiked this yesterday, 11 Sep 24, the trail was not eroded in any way. It does get a little narrow, so if you’re afraid of heights, I’d go right. Views are much better to the left though. Word is out though; it wasn’t as crowded as Tre Cime, but there were a number of pellet on the trail. Once there, we had to wait in a line for people to fly their drones, one woman to do a costume change and take a video of her walking to the viewpoint, others to go to the viewpoint, etc. The weather was a bit cloudy, but if you wait a few minutes, it cleared here and there. We also went on a trail/overlook higher than the viewpoint and took great pictures there. Beautiful hike, and I highly recommend it. Thanks for the info!
Author
Hello Amy. Thank you so much for writing in with this trail update!
How is it possible that one comment July 24 said that the trail was great except not being marked well and another said just 2.5 weeks later or so that it was eroded so badly and impassible? Could they have taken the wrong trail? Planning o n hiking this in the next few weeks but not sure now.
Author
I’ve been wondering the same thing…it seems strange to get such conflicting reports. If you do plan to hike it and want to write back with an update, that would be awesome! Have a great time in the Dolomites! Cheers, Julie
Hi, we are just planning our trip at the end of October. We plan to hike with kids, 11y, 6y and 1y (in the carrier). I read few confusing articles about safety at this hike, so I can’t decide if to do it with kids or better no. From the pictures it looks quite narrow. Thank you!
Author
The first part of the trail should be fine. The trail will come to a split. Stay to the right at the split and that part of the trail should be fine as well (the trail to the left at the split is narrow with a drop off to one side). You will reach a point where the split trails rejoin. I think you can hike to this point assuming you stayed right at the split. I think you will also have a view of the jagged mountains from here. It isn’t the popular viewpoint but it is a view. This would be a good place to turnaround. Proceeding further (to the popular viewpoint) from here does involve walking a narrow trail with a drop off to one side. And walking out to the popular spot where people stand to have their photo taken is narrow with a drop off to both sides. Also, at the end of October, if the area gets an early season snowfall or ice, then I do not recommend doing this trail. So, watch the weather before you go, before doing this hike or any other hike in the Dolomites. Cheers, Julie
Caution!! This entire post was spot on EXCEPT the part about going left. DO NOT go left when the trail splits. The trail actually gets less than a foot narrow at some spots where you actually have to somewhat free climb over. And at the end the trail actually disappears the last 10 feet or so. After barely getting by 2-3 times we couldn’t turn back. Had to actually free climb up to safety and back onto normal terrain. There was actually a rope indicating the trail is closed at the end but nothing in the beginning. Please remove that portion from this post. I have videos if you need them…otherwise best views I’ve seen in Dolomites! Haha
Author
Thank you for writing in with this update. Cheers, Julie
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Author
Thank you!
Hi is this an adequate hike for beginners? We don’t have any equipment with us, as we didn’t plan this ahead of our trip to Italy. Thanks a lot for the answer
Author
Yes, beginners can do this hike. Hiking shoes are ideal and it is a good idea to bring sunscreen, as there is no shade along the trail. But it is relatively short and easy, just be careful along the cliff edges. Cheers, Julie
I hiked the trail on July 20, 2024. The trail is in good condition, though there are not enough markings. To navigate, follow the blog, and you will reach the viewpoint. The scenery along the trail is amazing, and once you reach the viewpoint, you’ll love it even more. I highly recommend this trail.
Do you know if you need cash for the parking/toll here? Or can you pay by card?
Author
That’s a great question and unfortunately I can’t recall how we paid. You might be able to pay with a credit card but it is always a good idea to have some euros available. Cheers, Julie