How to hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint (map, photos & helpful tips)

Located in the central region of the Dolomites, the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint provides a view that captures the true essence of Italy’s alpine region. To fellow nature enthusiasts, trekkers, and photographers, this is a short but spectacular hike that should by no means be missed while in the area. If you are planning a visit to this breathtaking scenic point, let the guidance on this trail be your checklist with vital information, location, and best practices.

The Dolomites are known for the beautiful cliffs, valleys, and great peaks made of limestone. Cadini di Misurina are included in the fifth group of among them recognized as a World Heritage by UNESCO. They are a relatively less explored but no less stunning face of the mountains. The trail guiding to the viewpoint takes a relatively short time and distance, thus can be considered appropriate to undertake by hikers of different expertise as well as most travelers. What makes this place of view unique is that one can enjoy stunning views of mountains and cliffs without having to spend many hours attempting to reach the summit of a mountain on foot.

From the viewpoint, the grandeur of the Cadini di Misurina group comes into view, jagged, pointed, and majestic. Ideally, the view is vast and one can take in the vast panoramic view of the Dolomites on the horizon.

Trail overview

The viewpoint hike to the Cadini di Misurina Italy is not long and can take up to 30 to 45 minutes only. The actual trail starts just below the Rifugio Auronzo and ends at a viewpoint situated ideally to offer wonderful views of the tops. Here’s a quick summary of the trail:

Starting Point: There is a parking lot that belongs to Rifugio Auronzo that offers a spectacular view of the peak
Distance: 1.5 kilometers
Elevation gain: It would be possible to observe it after reaching 100 meters (328 feet)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Duration: 1 to 1. 5 hours round trip

The trail to start the hike to Cadini di Misurina is at Rifugio Auronzo, a mountain shelter or a hut near Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

You can get there by car. It takes another 7 km by car through the toll road from the town of Misurina to get to Rifugio Auronzo. Rifugio Auronzo is where hikers can park their vehicles before starting the hike.

Besides, there are bus connections from Cortina d’Ampezzo or Dobbiaco to Misurina. If you are coming from Misurina, it will be possible to walk to Rifugio Auronzo, although it will take about two or three hours more, yet getting a taxi will be faster.

It starts right at the beginning of the Alpine hut Auronzo’s parking area. Search for any signs that will lead you to Cadini di Misurina. Once you locate the trailhead, it is only 1.5 kilometers away from one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Dolomites!

Route description

The trail is very distinct and starts up with a gradual incline. The ground is very stony, with some areas having large rocks and boulders, but it is quite manageable. You can rate the level of the walking effort as moderate. This trail runs along the hill, and the closer one gets to the path, the more magnificent the view becomes.

Right from the time you start the climb, you are assured that the experience is going to be wonderful since the vistas are breathtaking. On the left, the giants of Tre Cime di Lavaredo mark the sky as the challenge for the first part of the tour.

Going approximately for 20-25 minutes, you will reach the viewpoint. The ground gets slightly rocky here and there but nothing too challenging. You will be on the ridge with Cadini di Misurina snow peaks in front of you with rough, jagged outlines.

The sight of the spires towering high and the undulating hills at the base of the mountain is breathtaking. Don’t forget to be leisurely, to take numerous pictures, and to appreciate the scenery.

Best time to visit

The staking point of Cadini di Misurina is available throughout the year but the best season to visit is from June to September. This time of the year the weather is mild and there is no snow in the higher regions. The very first climb to these mountains dates to 31 August 1896.

It is strategic to capture more of the sections during early morning or late afternoon because the sun casts romantic light or the golden light on the peaks of the surrounding hills.

During the winter period, the trail is masked with snow which provides a challenge when accessing when you lack the appropriate equipment such as snowshoes. But if you are a frequent winter trekker, the mountains with snow seem to add a fairy-tale beauty to the already gorgeous landscape.

To Sum Up, the Cadini di Miserina hike is one of the shortest but most remarkable hikes in the Dolomite Alps. It reveals some of the most spectacular aspects of the Cadini peaks and is suitable for those who don’t have the time or energy for a long and grueling climb. If you take the time to plan your trip and choose your timing, the beauty of some of the best viewpoints in Italy can be captured in less than a two-hour drive. If you love photography or simply enjoy the stunning beauty of nature, this viewpoint at Cadini di Miserina is sure to take your breath away from the beauty of the Dolomite Alps.

The article How to hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint (map, photos & helpful tips) first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.