6 Epic Hut-to-Hut Hiking Trails in the Dolomites

The best time to visit the Dolomites is from late June through mid-September. During this period, mountain huts are open, and most of the snow should be gone. July and August are the busiest months, so you’ll need to book far ahead if you plan to hike in that time period. Since you'll be hiking at a high elevation on these long-distance treks, be aware of snowfields in early summer and possible early snowfalls in late summer and early autumn.

Weather in the Dolomites can be unpredictable, so it's important to be ready for all conditions. Pack waterproof and warm clothing, not just shorts. Before heading out, always check trail conditions and local weather forecasts to stay safe.

The Palaronda Trek is a four-day hut-to-hut tour over 25 kilometers, perfect for anyone who wants to head into the heart of the Dolomites. The multi-day trail keeps you at a high altitude and you’ll have a chance to hike across the Pale di San Martino plateau. It’s a fantastic path for mountain lovers, and you won't bump into many other people each day.

If you like via ferrata or are already familiar with climbing routes, there's an alternative: the Palaronda Hard Trek. This version takes six days instead of four and is a bit more challenging. Aim to tackle this route later in the season since snow can linger on the via ferrata until early July. 

The Alta Via 1 takes you through gorgeous peaks and dramatic cliffs over 125 kilometers, usually in about 12 days. The Austrian magazine that introduced the route in 1966 called it “a magnificent route, a walk that could not be grander. A true conquest of the Dolomites, a continuous contemplation, delight, and dreaming.” Since then, this route has grown in popularity because of its accessibility. Except for the final stage, which includes a via ferrata section, the rest of the trail is on well-trodden paths with plenty of signposts. It passes many refuges where you can stop for refreshment and shelter along the way. While the route isn't exactly easy due to the continuous ups and downs typical of the Dolomites, the abundance of huts means you can customize your stages to suit your needs.

The Ring of the Frulian Dolomites is a great option if you want to get off the beaten path. Though this long-distance trail is fairly short, only 38 kilometers in 4 days, it’s challenging, with 3,300 meters of elevation gain.

The Friulian Dolomites, part of the UNESCO Dolomites since 2009, are one of the wildest natural parks around. They’re known for their sharp spires, narrow valleys, and rock pinnacles. Here, you’ll meet only a few other people; the rest of the area is wild and uncrowded. This region, largely unknown to foreign tourists, remains in the shadow of the more famous Dolomites. This area is popular with rock climbers, making it a great spot to combine hiking and climbing. You could easily spend a week or more exploring these peaks.

Far from the crowded Dolomites, you can enjoy a true hiking adventure. Over four days, you’ll visit the Giaf, Flaiban-Pacherini, Pordenone, and Padua mountain huts. The route traverses the beautiful and wild valleys of the Pramaggiore, Monfalconi, Spalti di Toro, and Cridola groups at high altitudes. There are many options for varying difficulty levels and even alpine climbs to the peaks.

The 176-kilometer Dolomites UNESCO Geotrail is a bit of a longer trail, but it is a challenging and rewarding adventure. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique way to understand the geological history of the Dolomites, with informative plaques and stunning viewpoints scattered along the route.

This trail takes you back to a time of ancient oceans, coral reefs, and dramatic geological changes. The variety of the region, from sheer cliffs to deep valleys, reveals the Dolomites' unique character with each stage of the hike.

Designed for more advanced hikers, the Dolomites UNESCO Geotrail winds through four nature parks. Highlights include the Schlern-Rosengarten and Puez-Odle Nature Parks, known for their rich biodiversity. You'll also get a chance to explore the wilderness of the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park and take in the iconic peaks of the Tre Cime Natural Park, including the famous Tre Cime or Drei Zinnen.

The Val di Zoldo, known as the Zoldo Valley Ring, is encircled by stunning peaks that form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 90-kilometer, six-day circular trail winds through forests, scree slopes, and gorges.

Despite its incredible beauty, this valley often goes unnoticed by visitors, overshadowed by the bustling tourism in neighboring valleys. What keeps it hidden isn't the lack of majestic views but rather the ruggedness and challenge of its trails. You might not see another soul for days! The Zoldo Valley Ring is demanding, with sections tailored for experienced hikers, yet always offering easier alternatives.

The valley is shaped by five distinct mountain groups: Mezzodì, San Sebastiano, Moiazza-Civetta, Pelmo, and Bosconero. Each group has unique characteristics, from high-altitude meadows like Prampèr and Le Mandre to solitary glacial cirques such as Vant di Moiazza and di Moiazzetta.

Similar to the Alta Via 1, the Alta Via 2 stretches along the ridges from Valle Isarco to the Piave, linking the northern fringes of the Dolomites with the pre-Alps overlooking the Veneto plain.

The second of the 11 official High Trails is notably more challenging than its older counterpart, Alta Via 1. At first glance, they may appear similar, with Alta Via 2 being just two days longer. However, when you look closer at the stages, elevation gains, and distances, you’ll see that the Alta Via 2 is more demanding. Only a well-prepared hiker, capable of walking 7-8 hours daily, can expect to complete the entire journey in 13 days. The technical difficulty is also higher: while Farangole ferrata is the only official via ferrata on this extended-length trail, there are numerous exposed sections, equipped paths, scree slopes, and small rock passages.

Overall, it’s a stunning, lengthy, challenging, and rugged high-altitude route that will thrill you. The views are breathtaking throughout: from the majestic Odle and the iconic Marmolada—the only glacier in the Dolomites—to the jagged Pale di San Martino and the untamed Vette Feltrine. A Dolomite adventure like no other!

Ready to plan your hut-to-hut Dolomites adventure? Check out our guide on how to book a hut-to-hut hiking tour in Europe.