Hike Monte Popena (Map & Instructions)

The Monte Popena hike is one of the most scenic trails in the Dolomites, offering breathtaking views of Lake Misurina, the Sorapiss group, and the mighty Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Unlike some of the more famous Dolomite hikes, Monte Popena remains relatively uncrowded, making it the perfect adventure for hikers who want spectacular views without the tourist rush.

At 2,315 meters, Monte Popena is not the highest peak in the Dolomites, but the trail provides a rewarding mix of alpine meadows, rocky scrambles, and panoramic ridges. On a clear day, the summit offers 360° views that rival even the most iconic Dolomite hikes.

I loved this hike because it strikes the perfect balance between challenge and accessibility. You’ll tackle some steep sections and loose scree, but you won’t need technical climbing skills. Good boots, decent fitness, and a love for wild mountain scenery are enough to get you to the top.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about hiking Monte Popena, including the trail overview, how to get to the trailhead, and detailed step-by-step hiking instructions.

MONTE POPENA HIKE OVERVIEW

Start / Finish: Passo Tre Croci (near Lake Misurina)
Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles (there-and-back)
Duration: 4 to 4.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 750 meters
Difficulty: Medium

This hike starts at Passo Tre Croci, just a short drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo. From there, the trail winds through alpine meadows before climbing steadily up rocky paths toward the summit of Monte Popena. The reward is an unforgettable view across Misurina and the Tre Cime, a panorama that feels straight out of a Dolomites postcard.

WHY HIKE MONTE POPENA?

While Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Lago di Sorapiss draw massive crowds every summer, Monte Popena offers a quieter yet equally stunning experience. I personally found this trail less busy and more serene, which made the views feel even more magical.

Highlights of the Monte Popena hike include:

Lake Misurina Views: Early on the trail, you’ll catch incredible views of the turquoise-blue Misurina Lake framed by rugged peaks.
360° Panorama: From the summit, you can see Tre Cime, Cristallo, Sorapiss, and Marmarole ranges all in one sweep.
Peaceful Trail: Compared to other Dolomite hikes, Monte Popena is less known, so you’ll likely enjoy stretches of solitude.
Wildflowers & Meadows: In summer, the meadows are full of alpine flowers, adding vibrant colors to the hike.

BEST TIME TO HIKE MONTE POPENA

The best months to hike Monte Popena are late June to mid-September. By this time, the snow has melted from the high sections, rifugios in the area are open, and the weather is generally stable.

I hiked it in early July, and the conditions were fantastic—warm sunshine, clear skies, and just a light breeze at the summit. Mornings tend to be the clearest, so I recommend starting your hike early. This way, you’ll avoid both the afternoon clouds and the midday rush of hikers heading to nearby Tre Cime.

GETTING TO THE TRAILHEAD

The Monte Popena hike begins at Passo Tre Croci (1,809 m), a famous mountain pass located between Cortina d’Ampezzo and Lake Misurina.

By Car: From Cortina d’Ampezzo, it’s about a 20-minute drive to Passo Tre Croci. From Dobbiaco or Auronzo, it takes around 30–40 minutes. There is a parking area at the pass, but it can fill up quickly in summer, so I recommend arriving before 9:00 AM.
By Bus: Local Dolomiti buses run from Cortina to Passo Tre Croci during the summer months. They usually run every 30–60 minutes. If you don’t want to deal with parking, this is a convenient option.
Nearby Landmark: Passo Tre Croci is also the starting point for the famous hike to Lago di Sorapiss, so you may see plenty of hikers heading in the opposite direction. Don’t worry—you’ll be on a quieter trail!

MONTE POPENA HIKING INSTRUCTIONS

PASSO TRE CROCI TO FORCELLA POPENA (1 hour 30 minutes)

From the parking area at Passo Tre Croci, look for trail markers indicating Path 213 towards Monte Popena. The trail starts gently, winding through alpine meadows and sparse larch trees, with early glimpses of Lake Misurina below.

After about 30 minutes, the trail becomes steeper as it climbs over rocky terrain. The path is well-marked but narrow in places, with loose scree underfoot. Take your time here—trekking poles are a huge help.

Eventually, you’ll reach Forcella Popena (2,200 m), a wide saddle between rocky ridges. From here, the views already stretch across Misurina to the Sorapiss peaks. This is a great spot for a quick break before tackling the summit push.

FORCELLA POPENA TO MONTE POPENA SUMMIT (45 minutes – 1 hour)

From the saddle, follow the marked trail as it zigzags up toward the summit ridge. This section is steeper and rockier, requiring some light scrambling in places, but nothing too technical.

As you climb higher, the views get more dramatic with every step. By the time you reach the summit of Monte Popena (2,315 m), you’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular panoramas in the Dolomites:

To the north: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, standing tall and unmistakable.
To the west: Cristallo group, sharp and jagged.
To the south: The Sorapiss massif, including Punta Sorapiss.
To the east: The Marmarole mountains, rugged and wild.

I spent nearly an hour here just soaking it all in—it’s the kind of summit where you don’t want to rush.

DESCENT BACK TO PASSO TRE CROCI (1.5 to 2 hours)

From the summit, retrace your steps back down to Forcella Popena and then back toward Passo Tre Croci. The descent on loose scree can be slippery, so I highly recommend trekking poles to save your knees and help with balance.

By the time you return to Passo Tre Croci, you’ll have completed around 4 to 4.5 hours of hiking. If you have time (and energy), I suggest stopping at Lake Misurina, just 5 minutes away by car, to cool off and enjoy the postcard-perfect setting.

RIFUGIOS NEAR MONTE POPENA

One of the great things about hiking in the Dolomites is the chance to relax at a rifugio (mountain hut) either before or after your hike. While Monte Popena itself doesn’t have rifugios right on the summit trail, there are several excellent options nearby.

Rifugio Lago d’Antorno (1,866 m)

Located just a few minutes from Passo Tre Croci, this rifugio is a cozy stop for a meal after your hike. They serve hearty Tyrolean dishes like speck, dumplings, and strudel. Plus, it sits right next to the tiny Lago d’Antorno, a hidden gem compared to the larger Lake Misurina.

Rifugio Lago di Misurina (1,754 m)

Right by the famous lake itself, this rifugio is perfect if you want a scenic spot to celebrate your hike. Grab a cappuccino or a cold beer and enjoy panoramic views of the Sorapiss and Cristallo groups reflecting in the lake.

Rifugio Vandelli (1,926 m)

If you want to combine hikes, Rifugio Vandelli is located along the Lago di Sorapiss trail, also starting from Passo Tre Croci. It’s a longer detour, but possible if you’re planning a multi-day adventure in the Dolomites.

WHAT TO TAKE ON THE HIKE

Monte Popena is not a long trek, but the terrain is steep and rocky in places. Packing smart will make your hike safer and more enjoyable.

Hiking Boots: Sturdy boots with good grip are essential. Sneakers are not enough for the scree sections.
Trekking Poles: These make both the ascent and descent far easier.
Layers & Waterproof Jacket: The weather in the Dolomites changes quickly. Even in July, I needed a windproof layer at the summit.
Sun Protection: Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen—especially since much of the trail is exposed.
Water & Snacks: There are no huts on the trail itself, so bring at least 1.5 liters of water per person plus snacks or a packed lunch.
Map/Offline GPS: I recommend Kompass Map 55 (Cortina – Misurina – Tre Cime di Lavaredo) or offline apps like Maps.me or AllTrails.

TIPS FOR HIKING MONTE POPENA

Start Early: Parking fills quickly at Passo Tre Croci, and morning weather tends to be clearer.
Check Weather: Avoid the trail if thunderstorms are forecast. The summit ridge is very exposed.
Combine with Misurina: After your hike, take time to visit Lake Misurina—it’s only a 5-minute drive away.
Crowd-Free Alternative: If Tre Cime feels too busy, Monte Popena offers equally stunning views with fewer hikers.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Hiking Monte Popena is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in the Dolomites. The trail is just challenging enough to feel adventurous, but not so technical that you need special gear. The summit views are absolutely world-class, and the fact that it’s less crowded makes it feel even more special.

If you’re staying in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Dobbiaco, or Misurina, this hike is a must-do. Whether you’re chasing panoramic photos, looking for a quieter alternative to Tre Cime, or simply want to spend a few hours immersed in the raw beauty of the Dolomites, Monte Popena delivers.

It took me just under 5 hours including breaks, and I’d happily do it again in a heartbeat. Next time, I plan to combine it with a stop at Lago di Sorapiss for a full day of Dolomite adventure.

So lace up your boots, set out early, and don’t forget your camera—Monte Popena is waiting.