Three Peaks of Lavaredo, Dolomites, Italy

Tre Cime di Lavaredo - The symbol of the Dolomites

Auronzo Refuge

Access

Misurina is the ideal base for visiting Three Peaks of Lavaredo.

There are only 5 km to cover on SP 49, a road that climbs very fast in tight serpentines over 500 meters difference in level to the parking lot next to the road Auronzo Refuge (2320 mdm).

The classic route

Three Peaks of Lavaredo are 3 very tall vertical limestone towers, the most famous symbol of the Dolomites. They are set, "crested" on a conglomerate base, as in Piatra Craiului. In fact there are several mega-mountains, but from a distance they look like 3.

A loop of medium difficulty circles the Three Peaks in about 3 - 4 hours. It is important to inform yourself if the route is snowy as it presents some extra risks and requires the use of sticking boots.

Most of those arriving in the area hike about a third of the loop, which is flat and boulevard-like. It passes Rifugio Auronzo, a small church, Rifugio Lavaredo and reaches the Forcella Lavaredo pass, from where several trails branch off. There is also a short cut between Rifugio Lavaredo and Forcella Lavaredo, accessible to anyone. This part of the trail is of easy difficulty.

If you want to close the loop, it is done through the northern cliffs of Tre Cime, that's why the snow persists longer here. Here is the non-bulevard portion, the mountain path, which also crosses small potholes. It mostly follows the contour and goes past some glacial lakes and the Col Forcellina peak, then the Forcella del Col de Medo and then closes the circuit at Rifugio Auronzo.

Route map

(click on objectives for extended version)

Technical box

Difficulty: very difficult

Duration / distance: 3 - 4 hours / 6 km, between points 3 - 6 (especially between 5 - 6) on the map the imaginary path at the base of the points, not as shown on the map

Bookmark: unmarked

Water sources: at refuges

Minimum altitude: 2290 meters, between the 2 refuges

Maximum altitude: 2550 meters, on the imaginary trail

Level difference: +480 m / -480 m

Comments: on the imaginary sector forbidden trail, very difficult

1. On the popular route

I had studied the map on mapy.cz and I saw some dotted lines, i.e. unmarked paths that go around the base of the towers, and even pass through them. Start trail at the beginning on the popular road admiring the mountain flowers. On the ground, I aimed the path that corresponded to my plan. I had the chance to be accompanied by a fellow caravan companion, friend and mountaineer, Ati, so the minimum conditions were met to be able to venture a little. After a little bit of "boulevard", before the little church, there are 2 branches, visible paths going up to the left, towards the base of the cliffs. We were south of Cima Grande (2999 mdm) and we are approaching its base.

up there

Kingdom of the Dolomites

mountain flowers

2. The popular trail - Hornul de sub Cima Grande

At one point the climb became difficult not so much because of the slope, which had increased anyway, but mostly because of the steepness of the climbing. The view around was breathtaking. It was as it was until we hit the snow. The trail enters a chimney between Cima Grande (2999 mdm) and his neighbor Cima Piccola (2857 mdm). To realize the grandeur of these "summits" we were barely at 2500.

Cima Grande

you can see the arm I walked on

the chimney between Cima Grande and Cima Piccola was snowed in

Cima Grande (2999 mdm)

3. Horn below Cima Grande - below Cima Piccolissima - Forcella Lavaredo saddle

We decided that it was dangerous to climb the chimney in the snow and considered alternatives. It was obvious that we wouldn't be able to try the peaks where we had taken it because if there was snow between the cliffs, surely on the north face where we would emerge between the cliffs there must have been even more snow. We saw a branch trail that went right at the base of Cima Piccola, partially marked on the map. We overcame a small obstacle, a small valley, with help, but the trail was becoming more and more imaginary, and on the map it didn't exist at all. Until the last tower Finda Point (2789 mdm) we carefully climbed up the branch. The "Boulevard", the little church, the refuge were visible below us, but you couldn't go straight down because it was steep and with a lot of bumps.

But I noticed a small ridge connecting Punta di Finda with Forcella Lavaredo saddle, passing by Cima Piccolissima (2699 mdm).

I wonder if we could balance on that ridge and sting ourselves on the popular route? I took the imaginary ridge, and just what I least wanted, I stumbled upon an unclimbing passage. Me, with my fear of heights/steepness, what do I do? How do I get through here? On the other hand, I had planned in a few months to hike the Fagaras ridge, including the famous Custura Saratii. Well, then, what better workout could I find than going over this pass from a few meters high turret! My keyboard shakes when I remember! Again with help from Ati, we did that too.

down there we must go back

on the unmarked arm

this is the way down

view from Forcella Lavaredo

Forcella Lavaredo saddle

Thank you, Ati!

4. Saddle Forcella Lavaredo - Rifugio Lavaredo - Rifugio Auronzo

God, what a marvel all around! Once we arrived in the sa, we met dozens of tourists, maybe over a hundred on the way back, via the shortcut to Lavaredo Refuge, then on "popular" in dance step until Auronzo Refuge. Our unique route lasted 2 hours and something and was undeniably difficult. It was a special tour. I've been there! And we admired.

Lavaredo Refuge

this is where we ventured

kiss of the rocks

popular way

Dolomites

Three Peaks of Lavaredo

Conclusion

If you can get to Italy in DolomitesDo not hesitate to visit Three Peaks of Lavaredo. It is something you will appreciate on the spot more than any articles you read or pictures you see. Go to Three Peaks! Have good roads!

I will also add a comment I received after hiking this route, that I exposed myself to the possibility of being fined by tackling an unmarked route. I don't know if this is true, but if you get to the Dolomites and have "novel" ideas, check the above information.

I have visited

Lake Misurina

Five Towers

Falzarego yes Lagazuoi

Lake Braies

Lake St. Catherine

All the best!