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Sentiero Bonacossa – The Hidden Balcony of Cadini di Misurina

Discover Sentiero Bonacossa, the Dolomites’ hidden balcony above Cadini di Misurina — a trail of dramatic peaks, Alpine solitude, and breathtaking views.

11/6/20256 min read

a man standing on a mountain top with a sunset in the background

The Hidden Balcony of the Dolomites

The first thing that strikes you about Cadini di Misurina is its geometry — jagged spires rising like frozen lightning bolts, slicing the sky with impossible sharpness. The peaks, often dusted in snow even in summer, radiate a haunting majesty that stops you mid-breath. Below, the turquoise mirror of Misurina Lake glimmers in delicate morning light; above, the clouds drift like soft sails across the endless Dolomites sky.

Somewhere between these realms of earth and ether, there runs a trail — narrow, curving, and bold — called the Sentiero Bonacossa. Often described as the “hidden balcony” of the Dolomites, this route threads precariously through the Cadini group, offering scenes that feel suspended between dream and mountain reality.

Nestled within the UNESCO-listed heart of northern Italy, Sentiero Bonacossa is part of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo trails, a network of paths renowned among hikers and photographers as the epitome of alpine perfection. But unlike its more famous neighbor, this trail whispers rather than shouts. It invites solitude, reflection, and awe — a quieter kind of adventure, where each step feels like unlocking a secret of the mountains.

Trail Overview & Difficulty

A Trail for the Passionate Hiker

The Sentiero Bonacossa trail stretches approximately 9–11 kilometers (5.5–7 miles) depending on the route taken. Most hikers begin from the Rifugio Auronzo near the Tre Cime di Lavaredo toll road, following the signs for Sentiero n. 117. The path then winds northward, crossing rocky slopes, narrow ledges, and breathtaking ridges before descending toward Misurina Lake.

Length: ~9–11 km
Elevation gain: Around 500–700 meters
Duration: 4–6 hours
Starting points: Rifugio Auronzo (2,320 m) or Misurina Lake (1,756 m)
Trail difficulty: Moderate to challenging (for experienced hikers; not suitable for beginners)

The path includes several sections equipped with iron cables and ladders, typical of Dolomites hiking routes, especially those touching via ferrata terrain. Though not a full-fledged via ferrata, a helmet and harness are strongly recommended, especially for less confident hikers.

As a Dolomites travel guide recommendation, Sentiero Bonacossa offers a sublime mid-level challenge — physically thrilling, yet accessible to those prepared with proper gear, awareness, and respect for the mountain’s temperament.

Panoramic view of Cadini di Misurina from Forcella Misurina on the Sentiero Bonacossa trail.

Scenic Highlights Along the Way

A Balcony Above Misurina and Beyond

The strength of Sentiero Bonacossa lies not only in its difficulty, but in its sheer drama. From the first steps out of Rifugio Auronzo, the world opens like a canvas painted in alpine hues — delicate blues, iron greys, glowing whites.

At the trail’s early stages, you’ll find yourself walking along narrow ridges that seem to hang above the Cadini peaks, giving rise to its “hidden balcony” nickname. As sunlight shifts throughout the day, these soaring spires transform from silver to gold to flaming orange, providing endless opportunities for Dolomites photography lovers.

Every turn offers something cinematic — mist weaving through stone teeth, an eagle hovering beneath the sun, silence so complete you can hear your heartbeat.

Must-See Panoramic Points

Viewpoint at Forcella Misurina (2,390 m): The defining moment of the trail, a sweeping view across the Cadini di Misurina, framed by the distant Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
Rifugio Fonda Savio (2,367 m): A perfect resting spot mid-hike, nestled among limestone towers. Order a cappuccino or strudel and watch clouds drift past like silent travelers.
Cadini di Misurina Balcony: Perhaps the most striking photography location in the Dolomites — this scenic point near the trail’s high section feels like standing on a ledge above the world.

Hiker equipped with helmet and harness on exposed section of Sentiero Bonacossa trail.

Pro Tips for Hikers

Gear & Equipment

Footwear: Durable, broken-in hiking boots with solid grip.
Essentials: Helmet, harness, gloves (for cable sections).
Clothing: Lightweight layers, rain jacket, and warm layer even in summer.
Extras: Trekking poles, water (min. 2L), sun protection, packed snacks.
Navigation: Follow the red-and-white CAI trail markings (No. 117) carefully.

Best Time to Go

The Dolomites hiking season runs from late June to mid-September, when snow usually melts from the trail’s higher stretches. Start early — around sunrise if possible — to catch the alpenglow and avoid afternoon storms, common in the high Alps.

Safety Advice

Always check the weather forecast before setting out; fog and lightning storms can appear suddenly.
Carry a topographic map or GPS device.
If you’re new to high-altitude hiking, consider hiring a local mountain guide in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The trail can be slippery when wet — use caution on narrow ledges.

Sunrise light over Cadini di Misurina seen from the Sentiero Bonacossa high section

Weather & Seasonal Conditions

The Dolomites weather is famously changeable — serene mornings can swiftly turn stormy by midday.

June: Trails reopen; wildflowers bloom; snow possible on shaded sections.
July–August: Warm days (15–25°C), lively mountain huts, and long light for photography.
September: Crisp air, golden larch trees, quieter paths, magical sunrise colors.

For photographers, the best light dances across Cadini’s peaks at sunrise and sunset, when the interplay of shadow and flame-like glow turns stone into spectacle.

A note for Dolomites photography enthusiasts: bring a polarizing filter and wide-angle lens for capturing the scale and depth of Cadini’s spires.

Morning reflections of Cadini di Misurina in Lake Misurina near the Sentiero Bonacossa trailhead.

How to Get There

Sentiero Bonacossa lies in the eastern Dolomites, near the resort village of Misurina and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

By car from Cortina d’Ampezzo: 30 minutes (17 km) via SR48 and SP49 to Misurina Lake.
Parking: Large paid parking areas near Misurina Lake or Rifugio Auronzo (reachable via toll road).
Public transport: Buses run from Cortina to Misurina during summer (June–Sept).
Nearest airports: Venice Marco Polo (170 km) and Innsbruck, Austria (160 km).

Accommodations:
Stay overnight in Misurina or Auronzo di Cadore for easy early access. Popular mountain huts include Rifugio Fonda Savio and Rifugio Auronzo, both offering cozy alpine hospitality and hearty meals with unforgettable views.

Hiker standing on the balcony viewpoint of Sentiero Bonacossa overlooking the Cadini di Misurina pea

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hike the Sentiero Bonacossa trail?

Depending on weather and experience, expect 4–6 hours from Rifugio Auronzo to Misurina Lake, including stops for photos and rest.

Is the Sentiero Bonacossa suitable for beginners?

Not ideal for beginners. The trail involves exposed sections and minor via ferrata elements — suited for confident hikers with some alpine experience.

What’s the best month to hike the trail?

July and September are superb: stable weather, open huts, and breathtaking visibility.

Do I need special gear or via ferrata equipment?

Though not a full via ferrata, a helmet, harness, and via ferrata lanyard are recommended for safety.

Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Leashed dogs are technically allowed, but due to exposure and metal ladders, it’s safer not to bring pets on this route.

A Balcony Above the Clouds

In the end, Sentiero Bonacossa is more than a hiking route — it’s a balcony of silence and wonder suspended above the Cadini di Misurina. From this high terrace, the Dolomites unfold like a painting — peaks layered against the distance, forests breathing beneath forests, the world spilling away into light.

Few places in Italy’s hiking routes offer such intimacy with raw mountain grandeur, yet such moments of calm reflection. Each meter gained brings not just new scenery, but a sense of gratitude — for the air, the challenge, the company of stone and sky.

If you’re chasing the essence of the best hikes in the Dolomites, let this be your guide, your promise, and your pilgrimage.

Bring your courage, your camera, and your quiet. And when you stand at the edge of the balcony, clouds swirling below, take a moment to simply look. This is what freedom feels like — fragile, fleeting, and endlessly beautiful.