Tre Cime di Lavaredo with a Toddler

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peak of Lavaredo) is the iconic Italian Dolomites viewpoint. The three peaks are probably the first photo that pops up on your search. It is located within the Tre Cime Natural Park in Northern Italy and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore this region on a day trip from Cortina d’Ampezzo or spend the night in an alpine hut (during Summer) to experience the natural beauty of the Dolomites. There’s plenty of adventure for families to enjoy and we have all the tips about visiting Tre Cime di Lavaredo with a toddler. Be sure to check out our full guide on the Dolomites with a Toddler as well!

About Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike has a few different route options, which may appear overwhelming at first. Truly, this is an easy hike and can be completed by all ages and walks of life. If your goal is to only see the three peaks (iconic limestone photo above), then you do not have to walk very far to witness the dolomite structures in person. If you want to do the full loop, this is an all day event due to its length, but not difficult. Our family completed the full 6.2 mile loop and really took our time exploring and roaming around.

If you just want to see the peaks and turn back around, walk to Rifugio Locatelli for the best viewpoints of the peaks. This hut is about an hour walk from Rifugio Auronzo (start of trail), which is an easy walk with minimal elevation loss/gain on stone path. We saw people of all physical fitness levels on this portion. There was much less completing the full loop, which was the most peaceful part of the hike and slightly more challenging IMO. I think it’s worth escaping the tourist central start of the trail and hiking the full trail.

Cadini di Misurina Hike

Be sure to make time for the Cadini di Misurina hike. This short, yet exhilarating walk will provide some of the most epic views in the Dolomites (especially at sunset). Sadly, we were so tired by the end of the Tre Cime hike that we couldn’t bare to drag Maya along the Misurina hike as well.

Tip: If you don’t want to make two trips out to Tre Cime Natural Park and are concerned about completing both the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina in a single day, I would recommend only hiking to Rifugio Lavaredo and turning back around afterwards. You can do the Cadini di Misurina at either sunrise or sunset. I would take preference on twilight time there over Tre Cime.

Hours of Operation & Fees

- - - Tre Cime Nature Park is open 24 hours a day and has no entrance fees.
    - The Toll road to Rifugio Auronzo is open from Late May to Late October (condition dependent).
    - $40 per car for tolls (pay online in advanced)

Mountain Huts & Restaurants

1. 1. 1. 1. Rifugio Auronzo
        Starting point for Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike. Parking access and hike info available here
      2. Rifugio Lavaredo
        About a 20 minute walk from Rifugio Auronzo
        Round the corner for epic views
      3. Rifugio Locatelli/Dreizinnenhütte
        Perfect spot for photography. Located on the north side of the peaks. Ideal at sunset. Find your Cave Viewpoint here
        The hut was not open when we visited end of June
      4. Malga Langalm (restaurant)
        Stop here to enjoy a beer towards the end of the hike. Located halfway between Rifugio Locatelli & Auronzo.
      5. Rifugio Pian di Cengia (Reach this rifugio from more challenging paths. We did not visit this hut)

Cave Viewpoint (Grotta dell Tre Cime)

Finding the cave vantage point of Tre Cime was a little difficult despite our directions from online bloggers. I have listed the coordinates for Google Maps here and you can use our photos to assist with your navigating. You will find the cave just past Rifugio Locatelli. If you are facing the rifugio, the entrance is a pile of rocks to the left. You’ll most likely notice others climbing up this random section and you won’t be able to see the cave from the trail. It was not as sketchy as it appeared from the bottom. I was very pregnant, so I slid down on my bottom to prevent slipping, but that was probably unnecessary.

When to Hike

Time of the Year

Late June to late September is the best time to visit the Tre Cime di Lavaredo with a toddler (or anyone!). We visited in late June and found the crowds to tolerable. Resources suggest avoiding August, if possible, due to overcrowding of tourists. If you are planning on staying overnight in a rifugio, make sure to book in advance online and note that they are not open until July. I’m not going to lie, it would have been fun to go inside Rifugio Lavaredo, but it was closed and we had packed sandwiches thankfully. To our surprise Rifugio Locatelli was open and we enjoyed the beer and views! Check online to see when each Rifugio opens up for the season.

Time of the Day

By far the best times to complete this hike are around sunrise and sunset times. Witnessing the sun gleaming on the limestone peaks is something we missed, but regret seeing. Granted, these twilight hours can be challenging traveling with young kids. Do your best to get here as early as possible to avoid crowds. We arrived to the park late morning and the first portion to Rifugio Lavaredo was pretty packed. If you arrive later than anticipated, don’t fret. It’s possible to lose the crowds if you plan to continue on to the full loop hike.

What to Pack

Visiting Tre Cime di Lavaredo with a toddler in the Summer consists of pretty light layering when it comes to attire. There was a small patch of snow we came across that had fallen most likely the night before. However, it was perfect hiking weather in the 60-70’s. Pack a light jacket and wear good hiking sneakers and you’ll be good to go. I don’t think hiking poles are necessary. Be sure to pack enough snacks for the day if you are completing the full loop. If the rifugios are open, you should be able to get water there, so don’t overpack waters if you’re visiting in July or August. Ultimately, pack for any mild summer mountain weather and include the following:

- - - Child Hiking Carrier (we love the Osprey Poco line)
    - Hiking Poles
    - Hiking sneakers
    - Lightweight base layers
    - Light jacket or fleece sweatshirt
    - Water
    - Plenty of snacks (apples, PB&J, trail mix & snickers are our go to’s)
    - Diapers/Wipes
    - Milk bottle (if needed)
    - Portable changing pad (depending on age of child)
    - Sunglasses or hat (minimal shade)
    - Sunscreen for sensitive babies in the summer
    - Camera, Go Pro, Drone, Tripod (for the photographers out there)
    - Mini first aid kit

Toddler Tips

Tre Cime di Lavaredo with a toddler is one of the most family-friendly hikes you will do in the dolomites. The paths are well-maintained and there is plenty of space for your little one to roam around. Most of the hike is relatively flat and your little on can walk safely as much as they like. I recall one “steep” section that still consisted of a wide path. Maya had the opportunity to run around quite a bit, which was unusual considering most of the hikes we’ve done in the area and in the Dolomites. At no point was I nervous about her getting too close to the edge or anything dangerous, which was nice for a change 🙂

Our biggest recommendation is to spend the entire day here and not to rush the hike. Come with a plan to hike just to Rifugio Locatelli or complete the full loop before arriving. Also, factor in whether or not you want to brave the Caldini di Misurina with your little one (more dangerous of a trail). Have a plan, pack enough snacks, and let your toddler enjoy nature!

Final Thoughts

Overall, this is a perfect hike for any family looking to explore the stunning Dolomites. If you’re visiting with a toddler or young children, this hike is a must do as it is well suited for individuals of all fitness levels and can be shortened if necessary. Be sure to read our full Dolomites with a Toddler guide for information on the rest of the region and itinerary suggestions. As always, follow our adventures on social media for more trip inspiration and family travel tips!