Tre Croci and Cimabanche Passes Loop from Cortina
Tre Croci and Cimabanche Passes Loop from Cortina
4.9
(27)
1,189
riders
02:12
39.4km
860m
Road cycling
Embark on the Tre Croci and Cimabanche Passes Loop from Cortina for a moderate racebike adventure through the stunning Dolomites. This route spans 24.5 miles (39.4 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2823 feet (860 metres), typically completed in about 2 hours and 11 minutes. You'll experience a varied climbing profile, from the demanding ascent of Passo Tre Croci to the more gradual climb of Passo Cimabanche, all while enjoying views of majestic peaks like Monte Cristallo and Sorapiss. The journey also brings you past the serene Lago Scin and close to the famous Lake Misurina, offering diverse scenery throughout your ride.
For the best experience on this racebike loop, consider riding it in a clockwise direction. This approach allows you to warm up before tackling the more challenging climb of Passo Tre Croci. The route primarily uses well-paved surfaces, ensuring a smooth ride for most road bikes. However, be aware that some sections, particularly those on former railway lines, might feature excellent dirt roads; your road bike should ideally have tires of at least 28mm for comfort on these parts.
This loop is situated within the Parco Naturale Regionale delle Dolomiti d'Ampezzo, an area renowned for its natural beauty and geological significance. The varied terrain, from demanding ascents to gentler slopes, showcases the diverse landscapes of this iconic region. It offers a rewarding challenge for cyclists with good fitness, providing a comprehensive tour of two significant Dolomite passes and their surrounding vistas.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Naturpark Drei Zinnen - Parco Naturale Tre Cime
Naturpark Fanes-Sennes-Prags - Parco Naturale Fanes-Sennes-Braies
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
1.05 km
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
4.22 km
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8.87 km
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
10.0 km
Highlight • Bridge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
15.0 km
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
21.7 km
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
24.7 km
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
39.4 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
29.9 km
8.65 km
286 m
261 m
165 m
135 m
Surfaces
38.9 km
327 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (1,800 m)
Lowest point (1,210 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Wednesday 3 June
13°C
1°C
18 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
This route was planned by komoot.
You can typically find parking in and around Cortina d'Ampezzo. As the tour starts and ends in Cortina, look for public parking areas within the town. Arriving earlier in the day, especially during peak season, is advisable to secure a spot.
This is a road cycling route, so while dogs are generally allowed in the Dolomites region, bringing a dog on this specific tour would depend on your setup (e.g., a dog trailer). Always ensure your dog is safe and comfortable, and adhere to local leash laws and regulations, especially when passing through populated areas or nature parks.
The best time to cycle this route is typically from late spring (May/June) through early autumn (September/October). During these months, the weather is generally favorable, and the passes are clear of snow. Early summer offers lush greenery, while autumn provides stunning fall colors. Always check local weather and road conditions before you go.
No, you do not need specific permits or to pay entrance fees to cycle this route. The roads and cycle paths are publicly accessible. However, you will be cycling within the
Parco Naturale Regionale delle Dolomiti d'Ampezzo
, so please respect all park regulations.When cycling within the
Parco Naturale Regionale delle Dolomiti d'Ampezzo
, it's important to stay on marked roads and designated cycle paths. Respect wildlife, do not litter, and avoid disturbing the natural environment. Specific regulations regarding off-road cycling or protected areas should be observed.Yes, it is often recommended to ride this loop in a clockwise direction. This approach allows you to tackle the more demanding ascent of Passo Tre Croci later in the ride, after you've had a chance to warm up. The climb to Passo Cimabanche is much gentler, offering a more gradual start if you prefer.
The route primarily features well-paved roads suitable for road cycling. While the ascent to Passo Tre Croci is an 8 km climb with an average gradient of 7.4% and some steeper sections, the climb to Passo Cimabanche is much gentler, averaging 2.2%. Some sections, particularly if you utilize parts of the old railway line, might include excellent dirt road suitable for road bikes with at least 28mm tires.
You'll be treated to spectacular Dolomite landscapes throughout the tour. Key highlights include views of majestic peaks like Monte Cristallo, Sorapiss, and Tofane. You'll pass the small Lago Scin, the Rudavoi Bridge with View of the Dolomites, and ride close to the picturesque Lake Misurina. The section around Passo Cimabanche also offers beautiful panoramic views.
Yes, this route intersects with several other paths. Notably, it utilizes sections of the E1 - La Lunga Via delle Dolomiti and the Munich-Venice - part Italy 1. You'll also find it crosses parts of the I4 - Dalle Dolomiti a Venezia and the Cammino delle Dolomiti.
This ring tour is classified as a moderate road ride, requiring good fitness. While the ascent to Passo Cimabanche is very gradual and manageable, the climb to Passo Tre Croci is more demanding, with an uneven gradient and steeper sections. It requires considerable effort despite being a relatively shorter climb.
Yes, you'll find opportunities for refreshments. Starting from Cortina d'Ampezzo, there are numerous cafes and restaurants. Along the route, particularly near Passo Tre Croci and Lake Misurina, you can find establishments. Passo Cimabanche and Schluderbach (Carbonin) also offer amenities.
Today the tour shortened so that we can stay dry. Greetings to the rain radar who has completely tricked us😉 Homeward now
The weather was nice, the bike and I got oiled and then we set off. Breathtaking impressions. You can't even capture them on camera.
A short regeneration tour before tomorrow's Dolomiti Bike Day to round off the week in the Dolomites. After the 5,000 meters of elevation gain over the last two days, my thighs refused to take the climb up to the Three Peaks. It's just a dead end anyway - so you can save yourself the trouble 😇.
Tour up first to the Passo Tre Croci then on to Lake Misurina 🤩 then we went to the toll road (free for 🚲 u hikers) tre cemi (three peaks mountain road) which is really only for the really hard RR, I was really happy when I did above was 🥵 I don't think I do that anymore. Better with a Mtb the 6km 11-17% high.