Best easy hikes in the Dolomites with cable cars
You do not need to hike for six hours or climb 1,000 meters to have a great walking day in the Dolomites. Some of my favorite easier days use a cable car to remove most of the climbing, then combine a shorter walk with a rifugio lunch and plenty of time to enjoy the views.
These are the ones I would look at first if you want mountain scenery without committing to a long or difficult hike.
For the full picture of which lifts are worth using, what you can do at the top, how much walking to expect, and which ones suit hikers versus non-hikers, see my Dolomites cable cars guide.
What I mean by an easy hike
Easy does not necessarily mean flat, paved or suitable for every mobility level. These walks use lifts to remove most of the major climbing, but you can still encounter uneven paths, loose rock and short uphill sections.
The advantage is that you can keep the walking short and turn around when you have had enough.
Before you start: a few quick tips
Always check lift opening times – they’re seasonal and can change with weather
Take a light layer, even on sunny days – it’s cooler at the top
Wear supportive walking or trail shoes. Good-grip sneakers can be fine for the shortest options in dry conditions, but these are still mountain paths.
Start earlier in July/August if you want quieter trails
Best easy hikes in the Dolomites with cable cars
1. Seceda Ridge (Val Gardena)
Region: Val Gardena – Ortisei or Col Raiser side
Why it’s special: One of the most iconic views in the Dolomites for very little effort.
For the easiest version, take the Ortisei–Furnes–Seceda lifts from Ortisei. You arrive close to the famous ridge, although there is still a short uphill walk from the mountain station.
Col Raiser from Santa Cristina is another way into the Seceda area, but I would not describe it as the easy option for reaching the main Seceda viewpoint. From Col Raiser, you still have a substantial uphill walk.
Easy option
Short walk from the lift station to the main viewpoint
Walk as far along the ridge and surrounding meadow paths as you feel comfortable, then return to the lift.
Perfect for
First full day in Val Gardena
Anyone who wants a “wow” moment without a big hike
More Val Gardena resources:
2. Pralongià Plateau (Alta Badia)
Region: Alta Badia – Corvara / San Cassiano
Why it’s special: Rolling meadows, 360° views, and rifugi every time you turn around.
Use the lift network from Corvara or San Cassiano to reach the high plateau, then choose how much walking you want to do.
Easy option
Choose a short loop between 2–3 rifugi
Build the walk around lunch at one of the rifugi.
Perfect for
Low-pressure “vacation day”
Mixed groups – people can walk as much or as little as they like
Plan more Alta Badia days:
• Corvara, Alta Badia: The Perfect Base for a Dolomites Trip
3. Alpe di Siusi Meadows Loop
Region: Val Gardena / Alpe di Siusi
Why it’s special: Wide meadows, easy walking options and broad views toward Sassolungo and Sciliar.
From Ortisei, take the gondola directly to Alpe di Siusi. You can also reach the plateau using the Siusi–Alpe di Siusi cable car from the western side.
Easy option
Short loop from the lift station towards the classic hut views and back
Mostly flat or gently rolling, with constant places to stop for photos
Perfect for
Families, beginners, or an “easy day” between bigger hikes
4. Lagazuoi Summit Walk
Region: Between Alta Badia and Cortina (Falzarego Pass)
Why it’s special: Big-mountain feel with very little effort and a stunning sense of history.
From Passo Falzarego, take the Lagazuoi cable car to the top. The views from the terrace are already incredible, but a short walk along the summit paths makes it even better.
Easy option
Stay around the upper cable-car station and Rifugio Lagazuoi for the easiest version. There are short walks to viewpoints nearby, but the terrain becomes rougher and more exposed quite quickly once you move away from the station.
Explore some of the WWI tunnels and viewpoints if you’re comfortable
Perfect for
Clear days when you want huge views with minimal walking
Combining with a scenic drive over the passes
5. Dantercepies Ridge Walk
Region: Val Gardena – Selva / Passo Gardena
Why it’s special: Higher, rockier scenery than the meadow walks on this list.
Take the Dantercepies cable car above Selva. From the top, there’s an easy path with views over both Val Gardena and towards Alta Badia.
I would put this at the harder end of this list. The lift removes the big climb, but the paths are more uneven than Pralongià or Alpe di Siusi and there can still be some uphill walking on the return.
Easy option
Out-and-back or short loop along the ridge, then ride the lift back down
Plenty of viewpoints without needing to commit to a long hike
Perfect for
People staying in Selva
A half-day outing you can combine with a café stop or spa later
6. Santa Croce Meadows
Region: Alta Badia – Badia
Why it’s special: Peaceful meadows, a little church, and views that feel straight out of a painting.
Take the Santa Croce lifts up and you’ll arrive at a tiny church and rifugio with mellow paths stretching out along the hillside.
Easy option
Simple out-and-back walk along the meadows
Lots of places to sit, snack, and just enjoy the quiet
Perfect for
Slower day after a bigger hike
Travellers who want beautiful scenery without steep trails
How to choose which easy hike to do
Staying in Val Gardena?
Prioritize Seceda and Alpe di Siusi. Add Dantercëpies if you are comfortable with slightly rougher walking.Basing in Alta Badia?
→ Do Pralongià + Santa Croce, and add Lagazuoi as a drive/hike combo.Short on time?
→ One “wow” view (Seceda or Lagazuoi) + one softer meadow day (Pralongià or Alpe di Siusi).
Want help building these into a real trip?
The easy part is choosing beautiful places. The harder part is putting them into days that make sense from your base, your lift access, your walking ability, and the weather.
If you want to plan it yourself, my DIY Dolomites Itinerary Toolkit helps you choose bases, build realistic days, and avoid overloading your itinerary.
If you want a tailored plan, my custom itinerary service can map out lift days, easy hikes, scenic drives, and rest time around your dates and travel style.
