On your trip to the Italian Dolomites, the hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is a must-do for hiking enthusiasts. This short but stunning hike offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, a unique perspective of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and the jagged peaks of the Cadini di Misurina.

Location: Auronzo di Cadore, Belluno, Italy

Distance: 3.2 km (2 miles) round trip
Elevation: +/-120m
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1-2 hours

How to Get to Cadini di Misurina

To access the easiest hike to Cadini di Misurina, you need to reach Rifugio Auronzo, which serves as the trailhead. You can hike there on foot or arrive by car or public transport. The directions and information are the same as those for getting to Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

To begin this hike, park at the Rifugio Auronzo parking lot, which is also the starting point for the popular Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike. This large lot fills up quickly, often by 9:00 to 9:30 am, so arriving early is crucial. The parking lot is located 7 km from SP49, with the road starting just north of Lago Misurina. There is a €30 toll per vehicle, €45 for motorhomes payable at a toll booth just after Lago d’Antorno. This is until midnight of your arrival day and if you stay overnight you’ll need to pay again on the way down. Parking at Rifugio Auronzo is included in the cost of the road. There is a daily limit on the number of cars allowed, so check the availability displayed at the toll booth.

If the parking lot is full, as it was during our visit, the road is closed, and parking is relocated to a lower area on the mountain. When we arrived, these spots also filled up quickly, so it's best to plan your visit to either arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon when spaces at Rifugio Auronzo tend to become available again. Additionally, apps like EasyPark can be used to pay for your parking, making the process more convenient.

Alternatively, consider taking the more economical and eco-friendly public bus from Cortina or other nearby locations. A return ticket costs around €10.

Hiking Cadini di Musarina

From the Rifugio Auronzo parking lot at a height of 2320m, cross the street to the terrace viewpoint. Avoid the trailhead for Tre Cime di Lavaredo on the left. Instead, head right past the terrace to find the trailhead for the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint.

Starting from the Rifugio Auronzo, you will follow trail #117 in the direction of Rifugio Col De Varda. The trail initially descends before climbing up the opposite ridgeline. As you progress, make sure to turn around frequently to enjoy the stunning views of Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Rifugio Auronzo. At about 1 km (0.6 miles), the trail splits—take the second left trail (not the first left turn), especially if you are comfortable with heights, for the best views along a cliff edge. Continue until you see a long outcropping of rock with a thin trail running along the top—this is the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. For less exposed views, take the right fork at this point, as it's the easier route. This path will lead you around and uphill to a plateau, providing a clear view of the peaks you are heading towards and being much safer to navigate.

During our hike, the trail was quite crowded, but there were no queues at the viewpoint itself. However, people tended to stay at the viewpoint for quite a long time. After lunch and into the early afternoon, the trail became much less crowded, suggesting that it gets quieter later in the day.

Best Time to Visit Cadini di Musarina

The best time to visit the Dolomites is from late June to early October, offering the most favorable weather conditions. Due to the state of the hiking trail in some areas, it is not advisable to attempt the hike on rainy days. Heavy rainfall can loosen rocks, increasing the risk of slipping and falling into the ravine. Additionally, avoid the hike when the trail is covered in snow or roped off for safety reasons, as the snow can obscure the trail's ridge, making it dangerous. However, the second viewpoint is safe to reach under any circumstances.

Things to Do after Hiking Cadini di Musarina

After returning to Rifugio Auronzo, consider enjoying a meal at the rifugio or extending your adventure by hiking the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop if you haven't already.

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You’ll find many great activities in the Dolomites nearby. Besides the Tre Cime Nature Park, Lago di Sorapis and Lago di Braies are all within an hour’s drive. This area is perfect for a few days' stay, allowing you to enjoy the relatively short hike to the viewpoint at sunrise or sunset, depending on the weather, if you like.

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