Your first Dolomites trip: choose an area and find your pace

Why start with one area?

Long drives between stops can use up the time you wanted to spend enjoying the landscape. Choose your main destination first, then accommodation or a starting point. Plan one main stop for the first day with plenty of spare time around it.

Compare how much time each possible itinerary gives to travelling and how much to visiting. If most of the day becomes driving, shorten the list, even when every photograph on it looks appealing.

Considering Misurina

The official Cortina guide describes Lake Misurina and views of the surrounding mountains, including Tre Cime in fine weather. Use this as an idea for exploring the area. A description of the view does not establish a particular path’s difficulty or current access.

Separate the landscape you would like to see from a climb you might undertake. Discovering the area does not require choosing the longest route. A day focused on views and photography can be planned differently from a full-day hike.

Choosing a hiking route

For an actual hike, use an official description of the specific route, a map and current conditions. Check distance, elevation gain, difficulty, closures and whether planned stops are open. A general article about a region is insufficient for deciding whether a route is suitable.

For a group, plan around the least experienced person. Agree on a turnaround point if anyone gets tired before you set off. Your equipment and experience should match the route you choose.

Travelling by car

Check current access, parking arrangements and restrictions with the area’s operator. Roads and car parks may have seasonal conditions. Keep a less demanding alternative ready for a day when conditions do not suit your original plan.