Exploring the Dolomites: A 2-Day Gravel Cycling Adventure

The Dolomites has been on my wish list for a long time. However, all the crowds that I’ve seen on social media kept me from going. Still, I’ve been told that is the most beautiful place on planet Earth by a very reliable source (aka my boyfriend), and I am so glad we visited. Sure, we went to see Tre Cime (with the rest of the crowds), but this 2 day gravel tour was the highlight for me.

We did this tour in June 2026, the weather was perfect. The whole of Europe was suffering from a heat wave, but here in the Dolomites it was doable. We did keep an eye on the radar though, thunderstorms are common in the afternoon. We would recommend to start rather earlier than later in the day, just in case.

This particular tour takes 2 days with a total of 106 km and 3200 high meters. It has a perfect mix of gravel and asphalt, and the climbs are gradual. On day one you will pass through plenty of small villages with ample opportunity to get drinks and food. The second day is more wild, and apart from the (very touristy) Misurina area, there are hardly places to get lunch, so plan day two appropriately.

Day 1: Auronzo – Cortina d’Ampezzo (57 km, 1900 hm)

We parked our car in Auronzo, right next to the trail at the camper parking (20 euro/night). After preparing our bikes, we were on our way. Unfortunately, we had to leave the planned route rather quickly, as there were some forest maintenance activities ongoing, so we had to follow the main road for a bit. The route then goes through back roads, through some forested areas and through small villages. There was even some single trail for some stretches, but all very well cyleable (is that a word? it should be a word!). At Tai di Cadore we stopped for an early lunch, and from here the fun started. The route follows an old railway track, which has been turned into a cyclepath. What a joy! As trains could not do steep climbs, it means that the path goes up gradually. The views are amazing and there are plenty of benches along the way. We passed through tunnels and across bridges. It is also very well signposted and mostly asphalt. Here we saw plenty of other cyclists, altough most people did it the other way around. The path goes straight to Cortina, and you get some lovely (instaworthy) views on the little town. We checked into hotel Serena, which is literally next to the route. The offered a separate bike room in their parking garage, so our bikes we safe for the night. After a much-needed shower, we explored the town and had a lovely dinner.

Day 2: Cortina d’Ampezzo – Auronzo (49 km, 1300 hm)

After a good night’s sleep and loading up at the breakfast buffet, we were all set to tackle day 2. We left Cortina, still following the cycle path, but soon it became more wild and empty. We passed by old tiny railway stations and more tunnels, and the views were breathtaking. The climbing is still gradual, and we stopped regularly to take in the surroundings. While day one was a lot of asphalt, day two had more gravel. And it was the perfect gravel; wide paths, no huge boulders, easy to ride. Gravel heaven! When we reached the village Schluderback the gravel fun was over for a while, here we joined with the main road to go up the pass at Misurina. As this is one of the tourist hotspots in the Dolomites, we suddenly were surrounded by touring buses, camper vans and day trippers. After a quick coffee break (we are in Italy after all), we left the hustle and bustle behind us. From here it was (sometimes very steep!) downhill, on a separate road; back to gravel. Although we were happy that the steepest parts were covered by asphalt, I am not sure I wouldnt have dared to go that steep down on just gravel….After the downhill, you follow the river valley, and we were almost alone. Through forests and meadows, with the towering cliffs above us. You follow the river all the way back to the car park. This route was one of the highlights of our trip in the Dolomites.