Cadini di Misurina to Rifugio Fonda Savio: among the most cinematic spires

The Cadini di Misurina are an intricate cluster of spires and towers forming one of the most spectacular backdrops in the Dolomites. The trail climbs to Rifugio Fonda Savio, nestled among the peaks.

It is a demanding route with some scree sections and mildly exposed passages, suited to hikers with a sure foot.

How to get there — Lago di Misurina (1.756 m)

The most convenient starting point 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 compulsory 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

When to go & weather

The good season runs from July to September, 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 on scree and a few passages that call for a sure foot, so it is best to avoid damp days or those with residual snow lodged in the saddles. July and August are the busiest months, helped by the Cadini's photographic fame, while September brings cleaner light and far fewer people. It is worth setting off early, both to tackle 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 both 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 though a stop at the hut is planned
• Hat, sunglasses and sun cream for the more open, exposed stretches
• An essential first-aid kit in your rucksack

Useful tips

• Tackle the exposed passages calmly and with a sure foot: this calls for attention and a cool head, not rock-climbing skill
• Keep your phone or camera ready, because the amphitheatre of spires of the Cadini is one of the most dramatic sights in the Dolomites
• To close a loop you can descend the Bonacossa cable-assisted route (117) towards the Forcella di Rinbianco and then return to Antorno, but weigh up carefully whether you have the right experience
• The trickiest point remains the scree in the saddles: shoes with good grip make all the difference
• It is not the right route with young children or if you suffer from vertigo, given the demanding nature of some sections

Huts and rest points

• Rifugio Fonda Savio (2367 m) — Rifugio panoramico tra i Cadini di Misurina, tra guglie e ghiaioni spettacolari. Details →