The 11 Best Autumn Day Hikes in The Italian Dolomites.

Autumn is my favourite hiking season in the Dolomites. The summer haze is finally gone, and the sunrises are back to pleasant hours, so I don’t have to be up at 4 AM to capture a decent photo or escape the heat. With daytime temperatures still hovering in the high teens during October, many autumn day hikes in the Dolomites must be tackled. Below, I present some of my top picks.

When is the best time to see autumn colours in the Dolomites?

Having spent two autumn seasons in the Dolomites, I can safely say that the best time to see the foliage is between mid-October and the first week of November.

The peak colours usually appear between October 20th and October 31st. This can shift slightly from year to year, depending on the hot and dry summer season.

It is also dependent on elevation. For example, autumn arrives earlier at high elevations, where it is colder. In the valleys, the foliage comes a week or two later.

TIP: If you are planning a visit to the Dolomites during the fall and don’t know where to start, many of these hikes feature in my Dolomiti autumn road trip itinerary.

My Favourite Autumn Day Hikes In The Italian Dolomites

1. Dürrenstein / Picco Di Vallandro

Dürrenstein (in Italian Picco Di Vallandro) reaches the height of 2842 m a.s.l. (9324 feet) It is one of the most accessible mountain summits in the South Tyrol region of the Italian Dolomites, and it attracts hundreds of visitors each day during the summer season.

This hike has been on my to-do list for several hiking seasons. I knew it was very sun-exposed, but unfortunately, the sun and I aren’t best friends. The same goes for my furry best friend pictured above.

I also wanted to hike the Dürrenstein when the crowds subsided, so I chose the second part of October for it. My timing couldn’t have been better. The valleys filled with yellow larch trees and the peaks covered in light dust of fresh snow make Picco Di Valandro a must-do autumn day hike.

The highlights of the Dürrenstein hike

The summit of Picco di Vallandro offers 360-degree views over the surrounding peaks. To the north, the snow-covered Austrian Alps stretch for kilometres. To the east, you can spot Tre Cime – the iconic Dolomiti photo spot– and some of Dolomite’s highest peaks: Monte Pelmo or Civetta. My favourite, however, is the view of the Monte Cristallo range to the south (pictured above).

The Dürrenstein hike stats:

• Total distance: 10,2 km / 6.3 mi 
• Elevation gain: 873 meters / 2582 feet
• Difficulty: challenging
• Time required: 5-7 hours 
• Nearest towns: Monguelfo, Dobiacco, San Candido

2. Sassolungo Circuit

Circuit-type hikes are among my favourites. I am most attracted to the ever-changing mountain scenery and the undulating nature of these trails.

The Sassolungo circuit, though long and with a significant elevation gain, never feels too strenuous. Sassolungo stands high above two valleys: Val Di Fassa and Val Gardena. Thanks to hiking above 2000 meters for the entirety of the trail, you will always see fantastic views below.

The highlights of the Sassolungo Circuit Hike

Marmolada – Dolomite’s highest peak, Rosengarten group, and the 90-degree walls of the Sella group are just some of the views you will admire on this hike.

At the halfway point of the hike, the famous Alpi Di Siusi plateau will be ahead. You probably have seen photos of it countless times. It’s a beloved autumn photography spot among travellers visiting the area.

Brief info for the Sassolungo circuit hike:

• Total distance: 16.7 km / 10.4 mi 
• Elevation gain: 787 m / 2720 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time required: 5-6 hours
• Nearest towns: Canazei, Campitelo Di Fassa, Santa Cristina, Ortisei

3. Vallunga

Sometimes, your knees need a break from those challenging summits and downhill battles when hiking back down. I know mine do. Vallunga is a perfect choice for an autumn hike in the Dolomites, especially if you need to rest your legs but want to see some stunning scenery. You won’t break a sweat on this one, I promise!

The Lunga Valley branches off the famous Gardena Valley. It seems to have escaped from under the tourist radar. During the Fall, I only met a few locals walking their dogs or riding their bikes along the trail.

Why is Vallunga an excellent autumn day hike?

From the moment you step onto this trail during the autumn season, you will experience the colourful foliage as thousands of larch trees grow on the steep slopes of the surrounding peaks.

The Vallunga trail is great because it can be as long or short as you want it to be. There are plenty of extension possibilities, too. You can turn it into a full-day circuit hike or overnight hut stay.

Brief info for the Vallunga hike

• Total distance:  9 km / 5.6 miles
• Elevation gain: 230 meters /  755 feet
• Difficulty: easy
• Time required: 2-3  hours
• Nearest towns: Santa Cristina in Val Gardena, Ortisei

4. Monte Castellaz

Let’s travel to one of my favourite regions in the Dolomites – the Pale Di San Martino range. Monte Castellaz is a neat little summit in the northern part of the range. The hike is accessible from Passo Rolle.

With only circa 450 meters of elevation gain, it might not sound exciting enough, but the views from the summit prove otherwise.

Why is Monte Castellaz an excellent autumn day hike?

A beautiful panoramic view over the famous Cima Della Palla and Cima Della Vezzana in the Pale Di San Martino Range will stretch right ahead when you stand on the summit of Monte Castellaz. If you are lucky, fresh snow dust will already cover the peaks.

Below the summit is the Venegia Valley, where Larch trees grow abundantly. During autumn, they turn into a golden carpet made of trees. The fact that you stay above the treeline for the whole hike means that you will be in the sun a lot, and trust me, there is nothing better than a warm autumn sun.

Brief stats for the Monte Castellaz hike

• Total distance:  9 km / 5.6  mi
• Elevation gain: 468 meters /  1535 feet
• Difficulty: easy/moderate
• Time required: 3 – 4 hours 
• Nearest towns: San Martino Di Castrozza, Fiera Di Primero

5. Val Venegia

Another gem in the Italian Dolomites, the Val Venegia trail, offers jaw-dropping views of the Pale di San Martino range and is a great, painless autumn day hike.

Val Venegia hike can be classified as a simple walk. It doesn’t require much preparation, and it’s one of those hikes where people won’t look at you weirdly if you show up in jeans and trainers. The elevation gain is hardly noticeable along this trail, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be worth it.

Why is Val Venegia a great autumn hike?

I will repeat myself when I say this, but larch trees are why you should hike this trail in autumn. They are the only coniferous trees in the World that lose their needles in preparation for the winter season. This is preceded by them turning from golden yellow to bright orange during the Fall.

Every square meter of the slopes surrounding Venegia Valley seems covered by larch trees. This, paired with the jagged peaks of the Pale di San Martino range, which are peaking above, creates stunning views.

Brief stats for the Val Venegia hike

• Total distance:  6.6 km / 4.1 mi
• Elevation gain: 150 m / 492 ft
• Difficulty: easy
• Time required: 1.5-2 hours
• Nearest towns: San Martino Di Castrozza, Fiera Di Primero, Pie’ Falcade

6. Col De La Puina

Col De La Puina is a ridgeline located just north of Mount Pelmo, one of the highest peaks in the Dolomites. To the east, it looks into the Fiorentina Valley, and to the north, it looks into the Zoldo Valley.

This autumn day hike is perfect for an afternoon outing when the sun hovers low over the surrounding peaks, creating a beautiful golden-hour atmosphere.

Before you venture on this trail, study the map in my Col De La Puina hiking guide, as it’s relatively easy to veer off the path.

The highlights of the Col De La Puina hike

Standing on the Col De La Puina ridgeline with the towering Monte Pelmo above me or watching the last light hitting the pyramid-shaped Monte Antelao were some of the best moments I experienced on the Col De La Puina hike.

I stayed until the blue hour and captured candid images of my dog on the ridgeline. They are some of my favourite shots from the Dolomites.

A brief info for Col De La Puina hike

• Total distance:  7.2 km / 4.47 mi
• Elevation gain: 550 m / 1800 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time required:  2.5 – 3 h
• Nearest towns: Pescul, Selva Di Cadore, Mareson-Pecol

7. Croda Da Lago Circuit

If you are looking for the ultimate autumn day hike in the Italian Dolomites, this is it. It’s always my number one recommendation.

This hike has become significantly more famous in recent years. It is not as quiet as I remember it. Most people only hike to the lake and back to the trailhead. If you have the day to spare, consider doing the whole Croda Da Lago circuit.

Why is Croda Da Lago circuit a great autumn day hike?

Can you guess it by now? The larch trees, of course! But not only that. Lago Federa, one of the stops along the circuit, is the most photogenic place, offering reflections of the surrounding peaks.

The bonus is the Palmieri mountain hut built on its shoreline. It remains open in early November, allowing hikers to stay there overnight before continuing the hike the next day.

Read more: The ins and outs of staying in the alpine huts in the Dolomites.

Brief info for the Croda Da Lago circuit hike

• Total distance:  12.5 km / 7.8 mi
• Elevation gain: 759 m / 2500 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time required: 5-6 hours
• Nearest towns: Cortina D’Ampezzo

8. Lake Sorapiss

I will sound cliché when I write this, but sometimes the hike isn’t about the destination but the journey.

Whilst turquoise Lake Sorapiss is the ultimate target for hundreds of people who hike this trail daily during the summer season, for me, the views along the way make this trail a perfect choice for an autumn hike in the Dolomites.

The highlights of the Lake Sorapiss trail

The best viewpoint along the Lake Sorapiss trail is of Monte Cristallo, approximately 30 minutes into the hike. In autumn, the mountain is beautifully framed by a sea of yellow and orange larch trees. Several more viewpoints along the trail look down into the valley.

The lake’s water level is shallow during autumn; sometimes, it almost disappears completely. You should bear this in mind when hiking this trail in the Fall.

Brief stats for the Lake Sorapiss hike

• Total distance:  12.1 km / 7.5 mi
• Elevation gain: 520 m / 1706 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time required: 4 hours
• Nearest towns: Cortina D’Ampezzo, Misurina

9. Croda Fiscalina Circuit

This is the longest and most challenging autumn day hike on this list. Croda Fisalina is located in the North part of the well-known Tre Cime Nature Park. This part of the park receives fewer visitors than its southern counterpart, where the Three Peaks are located, and during autumn, almost none.

You can expect to spend the whole day hiking the Croda Fiscalina circuit, which has many incredible photo spots.

Why is Croda Fisalina Circuit a great autumn day hike?

My favourite thing about the Croda Fiscalina circuit is that it allows one to hike to Rifugio Locatelli and its famous deck view of the Three Peaks along a much quieter path than the Tre Cime Circuit.

The first couple of hours of the hike are spent in the larch-filled Fiscalina Valley, and the last two are spent in the equally beautiful Sassovecchio Valley.

Brief info for the Croda Fisalina circuit hike

• Total distance:  19.2 km / 11.9 mi
• Elevation gain: 1180 m / 3870 ft
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Time required: 7-8 hours
• Nearest towns: Sesto, San Candido, Moos, Dobiacco

10. Lago Di Braies Circuit

You must have lived under a rock if you haven’t heard of Lago di Braies. Together with Tre Cime and Seceda ridgeline, it is the holy trio of must-see places among first-time visitors to the Dolomites, with the lake being the busiest of all.

The only way to experience solitude by the lake is to venture on the easy circuit trail along its shoreline.

Why is the Lago di Braies circuit a great autumn day hike?

The calm and mirror-like waters, the crispy mountain air, and the sun rays cutting through the peaks are why you should put off hiking the Lago di Braies circuit until autumn.

If that’s not enough, you can expect a significantly lower number of visitors to Lago Di Braies during the Fall. That alone is a great reason to visit during the shoulder season.

Brief info for the Lago Di Braies circuit

• Total distance:  4 km / 2.5 mi
• Elevation gain: 50 m / 165 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time required: 1-2 hours
• Nearest towns: Monguelfo, Villabassa, Dobiacco, San Candido

11. Cinque Torri via Lago Limedes

The explosion of autumn colours in the area of Passo Falzarego is unreal. There are so many trails around here, leaving in all directions, that it might be difficult for a first-time visitor to pick just one.

I recommend parking near the pass and venturing towards Lake Limedes, Monte Averau and Cinque Torri. This will form an excellent circuit and give you plenty of opportunities to photograph autumn foliage around the Passo Falzarego area.

Whilst the lake won’t be there anymore (it dries out), there are plenty of fantastic viewpoints along the way of Sass De Stria or Tofane Di Rozes.

Brief info for the hike

• Total distance:  ca. 10km / 6.2 mi
• Elevation gain: ca. 400 m / 1312 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time required: 3-4 hours
• Nearest towns: Cortina D’Ampezzo

More travel and hiking resources in the Dolomites

• Photography spots in the Italian Dolomites
• Regions in the Italian Dolomites
• Itineraries for the Italian Dolomites
• Via ferratas in the Italian Dolomites
• Day hikes in the Italian Dolomites
• Hut-to-hut treks in the Italian Dolomites