Lago di Sorapis Itinerary: Day Hike Schedule

Lago di Sorapis is a single day hike on Trail #215 — out-and-back from Passo Tre Croci. Lee's top tip: at the trailhead by 8:00 am or expect parking queues, ladder traffic and selfie-stick bottlenecks.

Also read: Complete Guide · Difficulty · Trek overview

At a glance

Distance	~12 km round trip
Duration	3.5–5 hours
Elevation gain	~460 m
Trail	#215 (out-and-back)
Start / finish	Passo Tre Croci
Summit	Lago di Sorapis at 1,925 m
Season	June–September

Recommended schedule

Time	Stage	Notes
7:30	Arrive Passo Tre Croci	Secure parking before 8 am
8:00	Start Trail #215	Forest path, steady climb
9:30	Cable / ladder sections	Queues start mid-morning
10:30	Lago di Sorapis	Lake time, photos, snack
11:00	Begin descent	Crowds hiking up as you leave
12:30	Back at car/bus	Cortina lunch reward

Stage breakdown

Section	Distance	Time	Highlights
Passo Tre Croci → Forest	~3 km	~1 h	Shaded climb, Dolomite views opening
Forest → Cable sections	~2 km	~45 min	Exposed ledges, steel cables
Cables → Lake	~1 km	~30 min	Turquoise Sorapis payoff
Return	6 km	~1.5–2 h	Same route — knees work on descent

Alternative timing

Option	When	Why
Sunrise start	Leave 6:00–6:30	Stayed at Passo Tre Croci hotel or rifugio
Late afternoon	Start after 14:00	Fewer crowds; watch daylight
2-day	Night at Rifugio Vandelli	Sunset/sunrise at the lake

Combine with Alta Via 1

Lee hiked Sorapis as a Dolomites add-on after AV1. Base in Cortina for rest days between big stages.

See Alta Via 1 complete guide.

Booking checklist

• Check MeteoDolomiti forecast
• Download offline Trail #215 map
• Bus ticket or parking plan
• Cash for Rifugio Vandelli
• Start before 8 am in July/August

Related planning

• Getting there — Passo Tre Croci access
• Navigation — Trail #215 waymarks
• Packing list — daypack load
• Food guide — lakeside lunch