The famous hike to Lake Sorapiss is a well-trodden path culminating at a crystal blue, small alpine lake, where the towering peak of Punta Sorapiss rises above it. Due to its accessibility and the recent surge in Instagram fame, the trail can become very busy in the height of summer. I have hiked this trail four times, and despite its popularity, it remains one of my favourite day hikes in the Italian Dolomites.
12 Things To Know About The Lake Sorapiss Day Hike
How do you get to Lake Sorapiss Trailhead by bus, what facilities can you expect along the trail, and how difficult is it? Please find the answers to the above questions and more in my Lake Sorapiss trail guide.
1. Lake Sorapiss trail: the stats
- Distance: 12.1 km / 7.5 mi
- Elevation gain: 520 m / 1706 ft
- Walking time: 4-5 hours
- Hiking difficulty: moderate
- Type of hike: Out and back
- When to go: May – October
- Parking: 46°33’23.0″N 12°12’13.6″E
- Map required: Tabacco Map no. 03 Dolomiti Ampezzane
2. How challenging is the hike to Lake Sorapiss?
Although the elevation difference between the start and end of the hike isn’t significant, you shouldn’t underestimate it. If you are afraid of heights, there are a few sections where the trail runs along very steep ledges that can make your head spin.
3. The best time to hike to Lake Sorapiss
The peak season, but also the busiest, is between July and September. If you travel to the Dolomites in August and plan to hike to Lake Sorapiss, go early.
I also hiked this trail in early May, but there was still lots of snow in some sections, and the lake was frozen under a layer of snow. It starts to thaw at the end of May.
October is a great time to hike in the Dolomites, thanks to the many larches filling the valleys below, creating a stunning atmosphere.
However, once you reach the lake, you might be surprised at the very low water levels. Some years, they disappear almost completely.
Read more: 11 Best Autumn Day Hikes In The Italian Dolomites.
4. Where does the trail to Lago Di Sorapiss start?
The hike starts at Passo Tre Croci. The pass connects the towns of Cortina D’Ampezzo with Auronzo. This is also the road you take if you plan on hiking another famous trail in the area: Tre Cime Circuit.
Getting to the trailhead by car
Passo Tre Croci is a 20-minute drive eastward on SR48 from Cortina – the nearest town. The trailhead for this hike is well-sign-posted and lies roughly 100m up the road from the B&B Passo Tre Croci.
There are two parking possibilities for the Lake Sorapiss trail. The most convenient is to park on the side of the road near the trailhead gate, which I have linked to in the trail stats.
The other is the official parking lot for the Lake Sorapis hike. It’s an extra 10-minute walk from this car park to the trailhead. The vehicle height limit for this parking is 2.5 meters.
Both parking lots are free, but I recommend bringing some cash with you. Due to the growing popularity of the Dolomites internationally, new fees are introduced every year.
Getting to the Lake Sorapiss trailhead by bus
From June until September, line no. 30 from the Dolomiti bus company operates daily along the route between Passo Falzarego, Cortina, and Rifugio Auronzo. The bus stop nearest to the trailhead is called Passo Tre Croci. You can check the bus schedules either on Google Maps or the official website of the Dolomiti bus company, which operates on this route.
Where to stay in Cortina D’Ampezzo?
5. Lake Sorapiss: map, trail numbers, and description
The trail is wide and well-trodden, and to be frank, you could use a toilet and a few extra rubbish bins. If you see any litter, do Mother Nature a favour and pack it with you, even if it’s not yours.
For the entirety of the hike, you need to follow trail number 215 (blue line on the map). The path slightly undulates amongst a thick larch forest.
Circa 30 minutes into the hike, you will reach a beautiful viewpoint of Monte Cristallo near a stream. If the stream is high, then some rock hopping is required.
Before you know it, you’ll reach an undulating cliff face traverse where the path narrows. A cable is provided for those who aren’t sure-footed or a bit nervous about heights.
The route then steepens up several staircases and rocky outcrops before re-entering the thick forest. In around 2 hours, you’ll be at the lake.
The easiest route back to your vehicle is the same as the one you’ve taken unless you decide to challenge yourself and turn this hike into a circuit. Remember to cross safely while passing other hikers on the stairs and the narrower parts of the path.
6. Can the Lake Sorapiss hike be turned into a circuit?
Yes, it can. You can hike back to Passo Tre Croci, over trail no. 216. The trail climbs to the Marcuóira saddle before dropping to a fork and turning right onto path no. 213 back to Passo Tre Croci. It is marked in yellow on the map.
This option is significantly more challenging and will add ca. another 300 meters or 1000 feet of elevation gain and an extra 1 hour.
7. Facilities along the hike
The refuge at the lake, Rifugio Vandelli, lies on Alta Via 3 and the more popular Alta Via 4 multiday traverse across the Dolomites. Reservations for this hut can be difficult to secure, so I advise you to book as early as possible if you want to stay overnight in the area. It’s also a great place to stay if you tackle the fantastic via ferrata Giro Del Sorapiss.
Bring cash if you would like to grab a bite or drink. The food is delicious, but I guess after all the hiking, anything will taste good.
8. Lake Sorapiss hike: the extensions
Hike around the lake (45-60 mins extra time)
Walking around Sorapiss Lake is a great way to escape the crowds and photograph it from different angles. A distinct path leads around the lake. Once you reach the other side, you can see the Tre Cime in the far distance. On a windless day, the peaks reflect in the lake.
Via ferrata Giro del Sorapiss (10-12 hours extra time)
The Giro del Sorapiss is an epic circuit around the Sorapiss range, consisting of three via ferratas: Vandelli, Sentiero Carlo Minazzio, and Francesco Berti.
This full-day route will require an overnight stay at the Vandelli hut or one of the two alpine Bivouacs along the circuit. For more information, visit my guide to via ferrata Giro Del Sorapiss.
9. Is it possible to camp near Lake Sorapiss?
The lake and its immediate surroundings are strictly a no-camping zone. Unfortunately, several man-made fire pits have left scorched Earth, and used toilet paper can often be seen blowing in the wind.
The warden of the Vandelli hut checks for illegal campers, and I have seen them kick illegal campers out firsthand, so please follow the rules. They are there for a reason.
10. Is it possible to swim in Sorapiss Lake?
The water is strictly off-limits for those who want to take a refreshing dip (I am talking to you, Instagrammers). Prohibiting signs are placed around the lake. Be respectful, and if you see someone breaking the rules, please remind them that swimming in this lake is not okay.
11. What to bring on the hike?
Salewa Wildfire Edge Approach Shoes
My go-to pair of hiking shoes for easier trails or via ferrata, where I don’t need extra ankle support. They provide excellent grip on the rock and are very durable.
Shop on Amazon (Worldwide) / Backcountry (US)
Black Diamond Trekking Poles
I never leave on a trail without a pair of my trusted Black Diamond Carbon Z Poles. At 300 grams a pair, they are hard to compete with.
Shop on Amazon (Worldwide) / Backcountry (US)
HydraPak Hydration Bladder
There is no better way to stay hydrated on the trails than to have constant and direct access to your water without taking your backpack off. Thanks to its slim design, the hose coming out of the side of the bladder, and a magnet clip that makes the hose attachment easy, I find the HydraPak the best water bladder on the market.
Shop on Amazon (Worldwide)
Osprey 30+ Liter Backpack
30-40 litre backpack will be more than enough to pack everything you need for a day trip in the Dolomites, with plenty of room for water and snacks and you can also use it on multiday hut-to-hut treks. I am a big fan of Osprey backpacks and currently own the Eja 38-litre. Osprey has plenty of options in this storage volume range.
Shop on Osprey Amazon Store (Worldwide) / Backcountry (US)
Merino Wool Socks
Merino wool fibres and their unique properties make them resistant to odours. Unlike cotton socks, merino wool socks also prevent blisters.
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12. Other hikes and via ferratas to do nearby
Thanks to Cortina D’Ampezzo’s proximity, which makes it the central hub for exploring the Dolomites, there are plenty of activities to choose from. Below are some of my recommendations.
Via ferrata
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
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If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below!
Thank you for the tips. I have a reservation to stay the night at Rifugio Vandelli. Am i able to leave my car overnight in the parking lot you mentioned?
Thank You!
Syd
Hi Syd. Yes, I left my campervan at Passo Tre Croci more than once and it was fine. Just to give you heads up though, the last time I was there people were already parking 2 km away from the trailhead at 8AM in the morning (it was the middle of June). You need to come very early to get a good spot. Lake Sorapiss trail became a bit of madness.
Wonderful blog, very grateful to have found your site. We are planning a trip with what will be our 19month old and I was curious your thoughts on if this trail is ok with a little in a backpack. Any other trails we should or should not consider?
Hi Crystal. Thanks for your great feedback. I have seen people in all different shapes, sizes and ages on this hike including kids :). Most of the trail to Lake Sorapiss is quite wide, however there are a few sections where you traverse along ledges, that can make your head spin if you suffer from vertigo. The ledges are approx. 1 meter wide so enough for 2 people to pass. The narrow sections are also equipped with cables bolted to the rockwalls for people to hold onto. Ultimately though the decision is yours. I am not a mum so it is hard for me to give a straight answer.
As for other trail recommendations around Cortina.
You could hike to Lake Federa and back the same way as part of the Croda Da Lago Circuit.
Cinque Torri Circuit is also quite hiker-friendly and not exposed.
I hope that helps!
Hi! Lovely guide, made me decide to add Lake Sorapis into my itinerary. Would this be feasible in end may? Quite literally, 30th May. I understand that it is spring and still thawing, but how would the conditions be in 2025?
Also, would we be allowed to fly a drone?
Hi Vera. Thanks for stopping by. Regarding your question. Please refer to the section no. 3 of the Lake Sorapiss Guide where I talk about best time to walk it. You will see pics from the start of May. As for drones, I am afraid you can’t. Unfortunately a lot of people ignore that rule 🙁 I hope you have a wonderful time!
Hi Marta!
I’m going to the Dolomites next week with my Shiba Inu and I’m worried she will struggle with the cliff paths. I can carry her if needed, but only if there aren’t many of them, and they aren’t too long.
Do you remember how many and how long are they? Do they all have steel handrails?
Thank you!
Hi Izabela. The Cliff paths are around 1 meter wide so no need to carry your dog. Yes there are cables for assistance. It’s a busy trail so the infrastucture is there. The only tricky ones are the metal stairs which aren’t very comfy for the dogs. There are a few of them but each not longer than 5-10 meters. That’s probably when you will have to carry the dog.
Hi- I love this and your via ferrata guide. I just tried to plan this route as an out and back and it is showing almost 4000 feet of elevation gain. is your trail stat line for only one way? It is possible to share the GPX files?
Hey Matt. Thanks for visiting. Unfortunately I don’t share my GPX data here but I can tell you, you don’t need GPX to hike to Lake Sorapiss. It’s one single trail all the way there and there are so many people on it it’s hard to get lost. Trail markings are excellent.
As for your question about the elevation gain. The one given in my stats is elevation gain for the blue trail which I used to hike in and back out again. The elevation gain is for both ways. ca. 1000 feet there and 500 feet on the way back via trail 215.
I don’t know what the exact elevation gain is for the yellow route as I haven’t done it myself. I just know it exist. This one however definitely is harden because you need to go over a pass. Maybe that’s why your plan is coming up with a total elevation gain of 4000 feet. Although I am gonna be honest that sounds like a lot, so not sure where you are outlining this.
Hey, love your website)
I’m planning to visit the Dolomites very soon, do you think is it possible to hike Lago Di Sorapiss in mid-May?
Hi Andy. There is still lots of snow in the mountains in mid-May. However, the route to Lago Di Sorapiss might already be clear because it is below 2000 metres and has sun exposure. Unfortunately, I can’t give you a straight answer because I don’t know! I am heading to the Dolomites myself at the start of May until more or less the 8th. You are welcome to check with me then because my aim is to research what hikes are accessible in the spring.