The Cadini di Misurina are a tangle of spires and towers, one of the most spectacular backdrops in the Dolomites. The trail climbs to Rifugio Fonda Savio, tucked in among the peaks.
It is a demanding route with some scree and a few mildly exposed passages, so it suits hikers with a sure foot.
How to get there — Lago di Misurina (1.756 m)
The handiest start is Lago d'Antorno (about 1,850 m), just above Misurina, where a small paid car park gives direct access to the trail. Arrive by car from Cortina d'Ampezzo over Passo Tre Croci, or from the Alta Pusteria via Auronzo and Misurina. From Antorno take CAI waymark 115, which enters the forest to the Pian dei Spiriti and then climbs firmly towards the saddles of the Cadini. On peak days the lake area is hugely popular, so a morning arrival is almost a must to find a space.
The trailhead is in the Val di Sesto (Alta Pusteria) area. Check the travel guide for lift schedules, parking and access rules.
Stage by stage
1. From Misurina towards the saddles
Climb from the lake on the trail that winds into the spires of the Cadini.
2. Arrival at Rifugio Fonda Savio
Reach the hut in its panoramic spot among the towers before retracing your steps to the start.
When to go & weather
July to September is the good season, when the trail is clear of snow and Rifugio Fonda Savio is open for a break. This is a route for experienced hikers, with stretches of scree and a few passages that need a sure foot, so steer clear of damp days or those with leftover snow lodged in the saddles. July and August are the busiest months, helped by the Cadini's photographic fame. September brings cleaner light and far fewer people. It pays to set off early, both to take the exposed sections calmly and to get back before the early-afternoon thunderstorms.
Recommended gear
- Trekking boots with a well-cut sole, because the scree tests your grip
- Telescopic poles, genuinely useful on the gravel up and down
- Windproof jacket and a waterproof shell. At altitude the weather changes in a moment
- Plenty of water and something to eat, even with a stop at the hut planned
- Hat, sunglasses and sun cream for the more open, exposed stretches
- A basic first-aid kit in your rucksack
Useful tips
- Take the exposed passages calmly and with a sure foot. They ask for attention and a cool head, not rock-climbing skill
- Keep your phone or camera ready. The amphitheatre of spires of the Cadini is one of the most dramatic sights in the Dolomites
- To close a loop you can take the Bonacossa cabled route (117) towards the Forcella di Rinbianco and back to Antorno, but weigh up carefully whether you have the right experience
- The trickiest point is the scree in the saddles. Shoes with good grip make all the difference
- Not the right route with young children or if you suffer from vertigo, given how demanding some sections are
Huts and rest points
- Rifugio Fonda Savio (2367 m) — Incassato tra le guglie e i ghiaioni dei Cadini di Misurina. Details →
Frequently asked questions
Are the Cadini di Misurina suitable for beginners?
No. This is a demanding walk (EE), with scree and exposed stretches: you need a sure foot. If you are just starting out or you get vertigo, give it a miss.
Can you bring dogs to the Rifugio Fonda Savio?
Yes, if your dog is used to the mountains. The scree sections and the slightly exposed passages call for a calm animal, kept well under control on the lead. Bring water for the dog too, as there is none along the route.
Where is the best spot to photograph the Cadini di Misurina?
The most famous views open up near the Rifugio Fonda Savio and along the stretches between the saddles, where the spires line up like a natural amphitheatre. The finest light comes in the early morning.
How long is the path to the Rifugio Fonda Savio?
Out and back on path 115 from Antorno comes to almost six kilometres, with about 500 metres of ascent and the refuge at 2,367 metres. On average allow an hour and a half to two hours up and one hour down, rests aside.