Cadini di Misurina is truly one of the most dramatic (and famous) views in the Dolomites! This guide explains exactly how to hike to the beautiful viewpoint, including must-know parking reservation information, when to go, alternative photo locations, and most importantly, how to avoid the inevitable crowds.

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If you've scrolled through social media looking for Dolomites travel inspiration lately, I have no doubt that you've seen that photo. You know the one! A solo hiker standing on a narrow grassy runway, surrounded by jagged shark-tooth peaks that look like they were pulled straight out of a fantasy movie.

That epic landscape is Cadini di Misurina. While the photos make it look like an expedition into another world (and I can attest, seeing it in person does feel otherworldly!), the hike to reach this viewpoint is surprisingly accessible. It's short, fairly easy, and delivers some of the most insane scenery in the entire region without requiring an eight hour trek.

However, because of its easy accessibility and online fame, this trail has become exponentially busier in recent years. It is no longer considered a "hidden gem," as many travel blogs claim. But that doesn't mean it's skippable - you just need to plan a little bit differently and more consciously to have a great experience.

So no stress! As someone who lives here in northern Italy, I've hiked this trail handfuls of times to bring you this complete guide. Here is everything you need to know to hike the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint (and I really mean everything) to have the best experience possible. Let's go!

Table of Contents

Introduction
Where is the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint?
How to Hike to Cadini di Misurina: Full Trail Guide + Essential Info

Getting There & Parking
Trailhead Location & Step-by-Step Trail Overview
Arrival at the Viewpoint

Other Viewpoints at Cadini di Misurina (Not Just the "Insta Famous" Spot)
Tips for Hiking with Sustainability in Mind
When to Visit Cadini di Misurina
Packing List for the Hike
Other Things to Do Nearby
Where to Stay Nearby
FAQ
Final Tips for Cadini di Misurina

📍Cadini di Misurina - Quick Planning Guide

Trailhead Location: Rifugio Auronzo
Trail Type: Out-and-back hike
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance: Approximately 3.2 km (2 miles) round trip
Elevation Gain: Roughly 210 meters (690 feet)
Duration: 1 to 2 hours just for hiking, not counting photo stops
Best Season to Visit: late June through late September for best conditions
Best Time to Visit: Just after sunrise or during evening golden hour
Restrictions: The seasonal access road is only open from early June - late October
Starting Point: Rifugio Auronzo parking lot (a reservation is required to drive here)

Where is the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint?

The Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is located in the eastern part of the Dolomites. To be uber-specific, it's nestled within the Tre Cime (Drei Zinnen) Nature Park, which is located right in the heart of the Sexten (Sesto) Dolomites in the province of Belluno.

The peaks around the Cadini viewpoint are famous for their epic, needle-like spires that contrast sharply with the massive, blocky towers of their equally famous neighbor, Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

The trailhead for this hike starts at Rifugio Auronzo, which sits at 2,333 meters (7,654 feet). This is the exact same starting point for the famous Tre Cime loop, meaning you can easily knock out two bucket-list hikes in a single day if you have the time and energy!

How to Hike to Cadini di Misurina: Full Trail Guide + Essential Info

Good news: the hike itself is quite easy. However, getting to the trailhead requires advance planning. This section covers everything you need to know about making a reservation, accessing the parking lot, and hiking out to the famous viewpoint.

Getting There & Parking (Reservation Required)

This is the most critical part of your planning. The road leading up to Rifugio Auronzo is a paid toll road, and due to massive overcrowding, it now operates under a strict reservation system during the entire season that it’s open. The road is typically open between late May or early June until late October or early November, depending on snowfall.

As of the latest 2025/2026 regulations, you cannot drive up to the parking lot without an online booking. You will be turned away at the base of the road without one.

>> Book your required €40 Rifugio Auronzo parking reservation here

Here's what you need to know about the parking reservation:

Booking is Mandatory: You must book your parking slot online in advance. You will not be allowed to drive up the toll road without your parking reservation.
Dates: This reservation is required for the entire season that the toll road is open and drivable, which is usually late May through early November. Outside of those dates, the toll road is closed for winter.
License Plate: You will need to provide your license plate number at the time of booking, or shortly before your trip. If you plan to arrive in a rental car and don't know your license plate number at the time of booking, just make sure the license plate is added to your booking at least 24 hours before your reservation time begins. This can easily be done right in the reservation portal.
Time Slots: The tickets are usually valid for a specific 12 hour window. You cannot enter the toll gate before your booked time, so do not arrive early hoping to sneak in! You can enter after your booked time, as long as it's within the 12 hour window. For example, if my reservation begins at 9:00am, I can enter at 11:00am without any issues, but I still must depart by 9:00pm.
Cost: €40 for a standard car (based on 2025 pricing).

If you cannot secure a parking reservation, you do have another option. The Shuttle Bus Line 444 runs from Dobbiaco/Toblach directly up to Rifugio Auronzo. See the summer timetable here. Important note: the shuttle tickets also require online booking in advance.

Trailhead Location & Step-by-Step Trail Overview

Once you've navigated the parking logistics and arrived at Rifugio Auronzo, the hiking part is actually super straightforward!

Find the Start: Most people arrive at the parking lot and immediately head left towards the wide flat path leading to Tre Cime, which is the trail that hugs the base of the massive rock towers. Do not go that way.
Head South: Instead, walk to Rifugio Auronzo and find the Trail #117 sign, leading towards "Rifugio Col de Varda." You'll be facing away from Rifugio Auronzo (looking south) directly towards the jagged peaks of Cadini di Misurina. You cannot miss them out in the distance! Follow the obvious path out in that direction.
The Route: The trail starts behind Rifugio Auronzo and heads away from the main crowds. You will initially descend slightly on a rocky path before the trail flattens out, and then steadily climbs up a grassy hill.
Follow the Ridge: The path hugs the ridgeline. To your left, you have plunging views down into the Auronzo valley. Directly ahead, the spires of the Cadini group get closer with every step.

This is a visual of the exact path you’ll take:

Hike Stats:

Trail Number: 117 (towards Rifugio Col de Varda)
Distance: ~3.2 km (2 miles) round trip
Time: Between 1-2 hours, not counting photo stops
Difficulty: Easy (with some steep sections)
Elevation Gain: Around 210 meters (690 feet)

Custom Trail Map:

Download this customized trail map for offline use before you arrive (also shown below).

Arrival at the Viewpoint

After roughly 20-30 minutes of hiking, you will see the famous viewpoint. It's a narrow outcrop of rock jutting out into the void, with the jagged peaks framing the background perfectly.

For the best photo, have your hiking buddy stay a good distance back and slightly to the side that you hiked in from. This will give the most dramatic perspective of the panoramic mountains surrounding the grassy "runway."

Safety Warning: Be cautious here! The path to the tip of the viewpoint is narrow, eroded, and completely exposed. If it is muddy, snowy, or extremely windy, do not risk walking out onto the spur. No photo is worth a fall.

Other Viewpoints at Cadini di Misurina (Not Just the "Insta Famous" Spot)

While everyone else lines up for the classic shot on the rock spur, I highly recommend exploring a little further. If you continue hiking along Trail 117 just past the main viewpoint, the crowds thin out immediately.

Alternatively, there is a second, higher viewpoint not even 5 minutes away from the rocky outcrop. This is my personal favorite! Here, you get an elevated perspective of the Cadini spires and you can turn around to get an incredible view of the backside of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Two epic views in one? Count me in.

How to get to the upper viewpoint: From the fork in the trail that leads left to the famous photo outcrop, take a right instead. It will lead you directly uphill to a large open ridge. As you walk up there, you can look straight down on your left side to the Insta-famous rock spur. On your right, you'll see an expansive view of Tre Cime. Win-win.

Tips for Hiking with Sustainability in Mind

We all have a roll to play in keeping these beautiful landscapes not only in great shape, but also open and accessible for everyone to continue to enjoy. Here are a few tips for hiking to the ultra-famous viewpoint with sustainability still in mind.

Carry a reusable water bottle to reduce single-use plastics.
Stick to established trails to help preserve the beauty and ecological balance of the area.
Pack out all of your trash, including biodegradable items like fruit peels, as they can disrupt the local ecosystem.
If you’re enjoying a picnic at the top, admire the view without leaving any trace of your presence behind.
When posting online about your hike, encourage others to respect the area and explore responsibly.
Consider carpooling or taking public transportation to the trailhead to reduce your carbon footprint.

When to Visit Cadini di Misurina

The toll road typically opens in late May or early June and closes in late October or early November, depending on snow conditions.

Best Time of Year

Mid-June to early July, and mid-September to early October are the ideal times. Summer brings wildflowers and green valleys down below, while September into October gives you that crisp air and (usually) less crowds.

August is the peak holiday month in Italy, so expect maximum crowds and booked-out parking slots. Avoid this month at all costs, if possible.

My personal top pick: October is a gorgeous month to visit the Dolomites, and if you luck out with lovely weather, then it would be my top suggestion for visiting. However, I also would keep in mind that due to early snowfall at higher elevations, the entire access road could be shut down on any given day at random. It's a riskier time to visit, but highly worth it if mother nature cooperates.

Best Times of Day

Late Afternoon/Sunset: This is my favorite time to visit, mainly due to the gorgeous lighting and the fact that it doesn't require a super early morning wake-up! The setting sun hits the spires, turning them a burning orange and pink. Plus, most hikers have left for the day. Plan to have a headlamp handy so you can hike back after the sun fully sets.
Sunrise: If you want to beat the crowds entirely, and you're happy to be an early riser, sunrise is absolutely magical. Be aware that you will need to hike out in the dark in order to catch the sun rising behind the peaks.

Packing List for the Cadini di Misurina Hike

Even though it is a short hike, you are in high alpine terrain. Weather can change in the matter of 2 minutes (trust me, it's quick and ruthless!).

Hiking Boots or Trail Runners: Parts of the trail are covered in loose gravel, which can be slippery under certain conditions. Sneakers with no grip are a bad idea here. I recommend wearing hiking boots, trail running shoes, or at least a pair of comfy everyday boots with good tread like Blundstones.
Layers: It can get extremely windy on the exposed ridge. Bring a wind-resistant and waterproof warm jacket (or at the bare minimum, a thick fleece), even in summer. I also always have a pair of gloves and a hat in my backpack, because if that cold wind hits, it can turn your fingers into icicles (ask me how I know...).
Headlamp: If you're starting your hike early in the morning or heading back later in the evening, a headlamp is an absolute must. Don't just rely on your phone flashlight, it's not bright enough or likely even reliable enough, especially if the temperatures dip and drain your device batteries.
Water: Staying hydrated is non-negotiable, of course!
Small Bag for Trash: Leave no trace! Pack a lightweight bag to carry out all your trash, including small items like snack wrappers or tissues. Keeping the trails clean ensures everyone can enjoy the beauty of nature. Unfortunately, this trail has fallen victim to a lot of littering and carelessness in recent years.
Camera: A versatile lens like the 24-70mm is perfect for capturing the vastness of the peaks, while also giving you the opportunity to zoom in on the jagged details. If you're able to pack more, I also love bringing my 70-200mm to get some gorgeous compression on the peaks against my subject standing in the landscape.

Important Note on Drones:
If I could offer one suggestion, it would be to leave the drone at home. The Cadini di Misurina and Tre Cime areas have seen an absolute overload of drone activity in recent years, so you’re likely to spot at least a few in the air during your visit. While yes, drones can capture amazing content, they’re not really needed to get those iconic shots - there are plenty of easy lookout points that offer stunning "from above" views. By leaving the drone behind, you’ll help preserve the peaceful atmosphere for everyone and can fully enjoy the beauty of the landscape with just your eyes or even a regular camera.

Other Things to Do Near Cadini di Misurina

Since the hike is short and sweet, you'll likely have plenty of time for other adventures that day.

Tre Cime Loop: You are already at the correct parking lot! Even if you don't have time to do the full loop, walk out to the Forcella Lavaredo (~45 mins one way) to see the classic north face of the peaks.
Lago di Misurina: Located at the base of the toll road, this lake is a perfect stopping point for a pizza or gelato after your day of hiking.
Lago d'Antorno: A smaller, quieter lake just up the road from Misurina which is particularly beautiful during sunrise or sunset lighting. There is a nice little trail that circles the lakeside, as well.
Lago di Landro: Tucked in a gorgeous valley, this lake is pure magic. Crystal-clear water mirrors the surrounding peaks, making it perfect for a peaceful walk or a quick photo. There's also a nice little restaurant next to the lake - stop here for a delicious post-hike meal!

Where to Stay Nearby

Camping: In the Rifugio Auronzo parking lot you can technically park for 12 hours, but you cannot set up "camp." This option only works for self-contained vehicles like campervans.

Otherwise, check out camping on Lake Dobbiaco. Camping Toblacher See is about 30-35 minutes away from the Cadini trailhead at Rifugio Auronzo.

Hotels: Look for accommodation in Misurina (closest), Auronzo di Cadore (cheaper options), or Cortina d’Ampezzo (upscale, more amenities).

Here are a few of my top recommendations:

Dolomiti Lodge Alverà - A gorgeous alpine-style boutique hotel right outside of Cortina d'Ampezzo with an on-site spa, pool and restaurant.
Skyview Chalets - Upscale adults-only lakeside chalets located on the same property as Camping Toblacher See (Lago di Dobbiaco).
Chalet Alpenrose - Located right beside Lago di Misurina, this apartment-style hotel with all-around fantastic reviews is one of the closest accommodations you can get to the toll road/trailhead.
B&B HOTEL Passo Tre Croci - I've stayed here multiple times after hiking the Cadini trail, since it's quite close to the trailhead at Rifugio Auronzo (20-25 minutes). Basic but comfy and offers convenient on-site dining.

*Looking down on Auronzo di Cadore from the trail*

FAQ

Q: Is the hike difficult?

A: No, the hike is considered fairly easy for the average person. If you have a fear of heights, there is one small section that might feel mentally challenging due to the steep drop-off. However, luckily that section is entirely avoidable by taking the high ground.

Q: How far in advance do I need to book parking?

A: For July and August dates, book as soon as reservations open (typically in spring). For September, a few weeks in advance is usually safe, but sooner is always better.

Q: Can I bring my dog?

A: Yes!! Dogs are allowed on the trail and in the park, but they must be kept on a leash.

Q: Is Cadini di Misurina worth it?

A: Yes, this hike is very much worth it, even in spite of its popularity. While Cadini di Misurina is one of the most popular and recognizable viewpoints in the Dolomites, in my opinion, it is completely worth the hype. The jagged peaks and panoramic views create a dramatic scene that’s unlike anything else in the region. The key is to visit at off-peak times and dates for a significantly better experience.

Final Tips for Cadini di Misurina

In my opinion, the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is one of those rare places in the world that actually lives up to the hype. The jagged drama of the peaks is something you have to see and feel to believe.

Just remember to book your parking reservation well in advance, treat the landscape with respect, and venture a little ways past the famous photo spot. You might just find a view that's entirely your own. The Dolomites are full of hidden corners and surprises - yes, even at the most iconic locations.

Buon viaggio!
Have a nice trip!

More Dolomites planning guides:

How to Visit Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee)
How to Visit the Seceda Ridgeline in the Dolomites: Best Routes, Viewpoints & Tips
Alpe di Siusi Hiking Guide: How to Visit Seiser Alm & Best Trails for First Timers
Ultimate Guide to Lago di Carezza (Karersee) in the Dolomites
How to Visit Santa Maddalena in Val di Funes
How to Get to Cinque Torri in the Dolomites (3 Best Ways + Map)
How to Visit Passo Gardena - Everything You Need to Know

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Complete Guide to the Cadini di Misurina Hike (+ Tips for the Best Experience)

Complete Guide to the Cadini di Misurina Hike (+ Tips for the Best Experience)