How to drive to Auronzo Refuge in the Dolomites?
Rifugio Auronzo is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 2.340m (7,677ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between the Trentino-South Tyrol and Veneto regions in Italy.
Where is Rifugio Auronzo?
Nestled in the Sexten Dolomites of northeastern Italy, this refuge serves as the starting point for ascents to the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, three remarkable battlement-like peaks.
How to get to Rifugio Auronzo?
To reach the summit, travelers use a fully paved toll road known by multiple names: Tre Cime di Lavaredo toll road, Three Peaks toll road, and the Misurina – Auronzo toll road. Speed restrictions limit vehicles to 30km/h. The toll gate's position is just north of Lago d’Antorno (Lake Antorno), a picturesque alpine lake situated 1.9 km north of Lake Misurina. From this gate, Rifugio Auronzo is just a 5-km drive away.
How long is the road to Rifugio Auronzo?
Starting from the paved SP49 to the north of Misurina, this road stretches over 7.1km (4.41 miles). Throughout this span, there's an elevation gain of 586m. The road's average gradient is a challenging 8.25%, with certain segments escalating to a steep 18%. This demanding route has even been a part of the Giro d’Italia race.
Is the road to Rifugio Auronzo open?
Typically, the road remains blocked from late October or early November through to late May or early June, contingent upon the year's snow conditions. Factors like snowmelt, snowfall, and other adverse weather conditions can influence its accessibility.
Is the drive to Rifugio Auronzo worth it?
Absolutely! At the summit, a spacious parking area awaits visitors. Remember to pack your camera, as the journey promises panoramic vistas of one of the Dolomites' most frequented routes. The region is renowned not only for its awe-inspiring landscapes but also for its historical significance, echoing remnants of World War I battle sites. Furthermore, it serves as a hub for numerous hiking trails and via ferratas.
The asphalted road finishes in the shelter. Behind the Rifugio Auronzo, just where the tarmac ends, a difficult footpath could take one down the valley on the other side or one could take an easier one going down a bit ahead from the gravel road. The unpaved continuation of the road by the refuge takes you to Rifugio Lavaredo, where it is no longer possible to continue cycling on a road bike.