Lago di Sorapis from the Passo Tre Croci
A contouring path with a few protected sections leads to a milky-blue lake set beneath the walls of the Sorapis.
- Difficulty
- E Hiking
- Length
- 10.5 km
- Elevation gain
- +730 m / −730 m
- Time
- 4–4.5 hours
- Route
- Out and back
- Altitude
- 1687–1938 m
- Season
- Summer
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The story
The lake's colour comes from glacial flour, the very fine rock dust carried by meltwater from the Sorapis glaciers, which reflects the light. The Rifugio Vandelli, beside the lake, has been rebuilt several times after avalanches.
Why go
Because it is one of the most spectacular lakes in the Dolomites, and the contouring walk is a journey in itself.
Practical information
- Start
- Passo Tre Croci (Cortina d'Ampezzo)
- Finish
- Lago di Sorapis and Rifugio Vandelli (about 1925 m), back the same way
- Best time
- Mid-June–September
- Parking
- Car park at the Passo Tre Croci, small and full early in summer.
- By public transport
- Bus from Cortina to the Passo Tre Croci.
- Water
- At the Rifugio Vandelli.
- Shade
- Woodland in the first part.
- Huts and refreshments
- Rifugio Vandelli (seasonal).
- With children
- With care: there are exposed sections fitted with cables and ladders.
Weather at the start
The forecast for the next 7 days at this spot: sky, temperatures, rain and wind.
Forecast by Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), from the models of national weather services. Your browser downloads it directly from Open-Meteo, and only when you ask. In the mountains and at sea the weather changes quickly: check the official forecast as well before you set off.
What to see on the route and nearby
- Lago di SorapisOn the route
- Cortina d'AmpezzoOn the route
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo10 km from the start
- Cinque Torri and Lagazuoi13 km from the start
More hikes in Veneto
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Routes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), via Waymarked Trails and BRouter; elevations from a digital terrain model. Times and elevation gains are indicative: waymarks on the ground and closure orders always take precedence.