Returning to Lago di Sorapis after several years was a nostalgic and thrilling experience for us. Having hiked this trail years ago, we were captivated by its ethereal beauty and knew we had to revisit it. The area of Cortina d’Ampezzo holds a special place in our hearts, and the magical allure of Lago di Sorapis is one of the reasons why.

However, this time, something was noticeably different—the crowds. The popularity of this trail has surged, thanks to the power of social media. What was once a serene hike with barely another soul in sight has transformed into a bustling pathway filled with eager hikers. During our first visit in the high season, we enjoyed a quiet, almost solitary experience. But now, the trail is jammed with people, and we even encountered waiting times at the more exposed or challenging sections. Despite the increased popularity and the inevitable crowds, the hike to Lago di Sorapis remains undeniably beautiful. The key to enjoying this experience to the fullest lies in timing. To beat the crowds, we recommend starting the hike extra early in the morning or opting for a late afternoon trek. By doing so, you can still capture some of the tranquility and magic that made our first visit so memorable.

As we set off on this beloved trail once more, we were reminded of why we fell in love with it in the first place. The breathtaking views, the pristine lake, and the dramatic mountain scenery are timeless. This second journey to Lago di Sorapis, though different, reaffirmed its place as one of our favorite hikes in the Dolomites.

Location: Passo Tre Croci, Belluno, Italy

Distance: 13.2 km round trip (8.3 miles)
Elevation: 725 metres (+/-)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4 hours

Hiking to Lago di Sorapis

The adventure to Lago di Sorapis starts at Passo Tre Croci, a mountain pass at an elevation of 1809 meters, positioned between Cortina d’Ampezzo and Lake Misurina. This starting point leads you to trail 215, a well-marked path that takes approximately two hours to reach the lake and the nearby Rifugio Vandelli. The route is scenic and varied, but be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season.

Lago di Sorapis Hiking Details

Following trail 215, the hike begins with a gentle ascent through a meadow and into a forest. After about 15-20 minutes, you’ll find yourself walking along a ledge with gaps in the woods that reveal breathtaking views of Monte Cristallo, Piz Popena, and Cadini di Misurina. The trail traverses a scree field and crosses a small creek, so be cautious as the rocks can be slippery.

As you continue, the path steepens and you’ll encounter several protected passages secured with steel cables and a series of metal ladders that help you gain elevation quickly. These aids are particularly helpful when the rocks are slick. The final stretch leads you through a forest and across karst pavement before reaching the lakeshore and Rifugio Vandelli.

What to Expect at Lago di Sorapis

Set in a natural amphitheater and ringed by forest and rock, Lago di Sorapis captivates with its milky-blue water color, a result of suspended powdered rock in the water. Walking along the lakeshore, you’ll be surrounded by the majesty of the northern slopes of the Sorapiss Massif, La Cesta, and Cime Ciadin del Loudo. Towering above the lake is the prominent peak known as Dito di Dio, or the Finger of God, at 2603 meters.

An Alternative Descent from Lago di Sorapis via Trails 216 and 213

While many hikers return via the same route, for a more peaceful and less crowded experience, consider descending via trail 216 and the Forcella Marcoira saddle. This route is best suited for experienced alpine hikers due to its technical and challenging nature.

From Lake Sorapis, backtrack along trail 215 for 560 meters and take a left onto trail 216. The narrow path ascends steadily through dwarf pine towards Cime del Laudo, requiring light scrambling in some sections. As you gain elevation, enjoy the panoramic views of Val d’Ansiei, Lake Misurina, and the iconic peaks of the Sesto Dolomites, including Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina.

The trail eventually flattens out, leading to a dramatic viewpoint overlooking the Ansiei valley. From here, a secured path descends quickly down the rock wall of Cime del Laudo, aided by cables, before reaching the grassy basin of Ciadin del Laudo. The ascent to the Forcella Marcoira saddle is straightforward from this point. From the Forcella Marcoira saddle, trail 216 plunges down a steep slope of scree and loose rocks. This descent can be hazardous without sufficient experience, as the path isn’t always clear, and the terrain is unstable. After navigating this tricky section, the trail becomes easier and flatter, leading through a meadow lined with larch trees.

At the “Tardeiba” trail intersection, turn right onto trail 213, which descends through forest and meadows back to Passo Tre Croci. This final stretch is a gentler conclusion to an otherwise challenging hike, bringing you back to the starting point near the SR48 road and the B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina.

Best Time to Hike the Lago di Sorapis

The ideal hiking season for Lago di Sorapis runs from mid-late June to mid-late October, depending on snow conditions. The best times to visit are in September or early October on weekdays, as the trail is less crowded, and the weather is usually favorable. Keep in mind that as the season progresses, the lake’s water level decreases, and by late October, it may be completely frozen.

Can You Wild Camp around Lago di Sorapis?

Wild camping around Lago di Sorapis is strictly forbidden. The entire municipality of Cortina d’Ampezzo has ordinances in place prohibiting wild camping, and offenders will be prosecuted. For those wanting to stay near the lake, the best option is to overnight at Rifugio Vandelli.

Overnight Stays at Rifugio Vandelli near Lago di Sorapis

Rifugio Vandelli, situated near Lago di Sorapis, offers a cozy place to rest and enjoy a meal. Reservations for overnight stays are mandatory and can be made through the Rifugio Vandelli website. During the opening season from late June to late September, it’s best to send a WhatsApp message directly to the hut for reservations. When the hut is closed, you can email the staff. The rifugio provides an authentic alpine experience, making it a perfect base for exploring the area.

Best place to stay near Lago di Sorapis

If you prefer staying at a hotel, the B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina is a great choice. Conveniently located at Passo Tre Croci, where the Lago di Sorapis hike begins, this hotel offers comfortable rooms with newly renovated interiors. Guests appreciate the clean, minimal aesthetics and the majestic location. Plus, breakfast is included in the rate, making it a convenient and pleasant place to stay.

While we didn’t stay here, we started our day with their breakfast buffet, which cost 25 euros for two people. It was a great start before our hike, providing the fuel we needed. We also bought some snacks to bring along for the hike, and they have toilets available for guests. After the hike, we stopped at their outdoor restaurant for some well-made Aperol Spritz, enjoying the views and relaxing. The location next to the trailhead is incredibly convenient.

Getting to Lago di Sorapis Trail by Public Bus or Car

Reaching Passo Tre Croci, the starting point for the hike to Lago di Sorapis, is straightforward whether you’re traveling by car or bus. If you’re driving, it’s an 8.7 km drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo, taking about 15-20 minutes. From Lake Misurina, it’s a 6.1 km drive, taking roughly 10-12 minutes. If you’re coming from Dobbiaco/Toblach, expect a 26.5 km drive, which takes about 40-50 minutes.

For those opting for public transportation, the Dolomiti Bus line 30/31 runs from Cortina d’Ampezzo through Passo Tre Croci to Lake Misurina and Rifugio Auronzo, situated at the base of Tre Cime di Lavaredo. This bus route makes it convenient for hikers without a car to reach the trailhead.

Check departure times and route on the Dolomiti Bus site here.

Where to Park at Lago di Sorapis

The trailhead for Lago di Sorapis (trail 215) is located directly at the SR48 road (Strada Regionale 48 delle Dolomiti), just east of Passo Tre Croci and the B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina. You’ll find a metal gate at the starting point, flanked by trail signs and a large info board with a trail map and tour suggestions. Parking is available along the SR48 road near the trailhead, and it is free. However, it is crucial to arrive early, preferably no later than 9:00 AM, as the parking spots fill up quickly. If you arrive later, you may find it very difficult to secure a spot. If the roadside parking is full, you can park at the “Parcheggio per Sorapis” car park, which is just west of the trailhead.

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Besides the stunning Lago di Sorapis, don't miss the iconic peaks of Tre Cime Nature Park or the serene Lago di Braies. The charming town of Cortina itself provides a delightful mix of culture, cuisine, and history. This area is ideal for a few days' stay, allowing you to enjoy these attractions at a relaxed pace.

Have you been to Lago di Braies? Let me know in the comments below!

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