Bivacco Cece and Lago di Cece are the most beautiful place in the Lagorai area in the Dolomites. I visited it recently and here is my report.
The normal route to Lago di Cece and the Bivacco Bait Lago di Cece starts at the parking which is at Ponte di Valmaggiore, deep in the forest at the end of the road that starts in Predazzo. The road is very narrow, asphalt and gravel combined, and it is around 6 kilometers long. In one hour of walk you can be at the lake.
Coordinates, numbers & details
- Lago di Cece elevation: 1879 m (6165 ft).
- Location: Lagorai, Predazzo, Dolomites.
- Mountain group: Lagorai.
- Coordinates: 46.2822656 N, 11.6699950 E.
- Route difficulty: walk-up.
- Elevation difference from the car parking: 299 m (981 ft).
- Places to sleep: 2.
- Parking coordinates: 46.2906361 N, 11.6455439 E.
- Time needed to the bivouac: up to 90 minutes.
- Hardcopy map for the tour: Val di Fiemme Lagorai-Latemar, Tabacco 014, 1:25000.
- Route number: 336.
- Parking: at Ponte di Valmaggiore.
- Opening time: always open & free to use.
Access roads and maps
The interactive map below is clickable so you can zoom out to see access roads, and zoom in to see details of the route:
You can explore the area also by using this AllTrails map that shows a round tour in the area.
Route description
The free parking is in front of the barrier visible in the photo below. When you park, you simply keep walking along the road and you will be on the route 336.
Note that a few meters before the parking on the right side you have a strong water source, so you can fill in your bottles here. The signs at the parking show some directions:
The forest is beautiful (see the photo below), but higher up you will realize that large areas have been destroyed by a storm and bark beetle infestation.
The highest point on the route is shown below, so from here you descend a bit towards the lake and the bovouac.
The lake and the bivouac are on an incredibly beautiful plateau surrounded by forest, with plenty of grassy areas to sit and enjoy the quiet atmosphere.
Here is the view of the bivouac from the lake:
The pictures below show how it is inside, a wood burning stove, lots of equipment for cooking, a dining table, and a sleeping platform above.
There is no running water around, but you can use the water from the lake as I did. Behind the bivouac there is plenty of wood for the stove.
The attic is with mattrasses and it offers plenty of space for two people. Clearly, in emergency situations several people can sleep on the floor.
My tour
It took me one hour from the car parking to the lake. There was nobody around, and when I arrived I took a long rest and then prepared a meal, the photo below, by using the stove in the bivouac.
After that three Italian people arrived and I decided to continue to the Bivacco Caserina and Lagheto Caserina. But I found the shelter locked, you will see the details in the video below.
So I went back to Bivacco Cece and took a rest again because it was raining. Later, I descended the same way back and met two Italians going up. They planned to sleep in the bivouac and asked me about the situation, so I told them that nobody was there any longer and they where happy with that.
Please see more in my video:
Other attractions and tours in the area
If you follow the path (the same 336 route) up the mountains, which is through the forest on the west side of the lake, you get to Bivacco Bait Caserina (Bivacco Cece Superiore). It is almost identical to the Bivacco Cece. It may be leased to local sheperds in summer months, so you might find it locked. But it seems that it is open in the rest of the year.
The same route will get you to the Lagheto Caserina, and if you continue walking up, you will get to Trans-Lagorai Trail.
Now, if you follow the TL trail to the east, you get to Bivacco Aldo Moro. But if you go to the west, you will arrive at Bivacco Paolo e Nicola. The previously mentioned AllTrails map shows the route to the latter.
Equipment
This is a non-technical walk-up hiking tour and you do not need any special equipment.
I used a pair of trekking poles, my Mammut Lithium 40 backpack, and Nortiv 8 hiking boots. You should always have a rain protection layer like a rain poncho and rain pants.
Final thoughts
In summary, the hike to Lago di Cece and Bivacco Bait Lago di Cece is a rewarding escape into the untouched beauty of the Lagorai Dolomites. The straightforward 90-minute trail from Ponte di Valmaggiore leads to a serene plateau where the lake and bivouac offer a perfect setting for rest and reflection.
With a well-equipped shelter, ample firewood, and the quiet ambiance of the surrounding forest, this destination is ideal for hikers seeking solitude or a cozy overnight stay. The pristine lake and open views make this trek unforgettable.
For those exploring the Lagorai further, the nearby Bivacco Caserina and Trans-Lagorai Trail offer additional adventures, though some shelters may be locked seasonally.
This hike requires minimal gear, making it accessible for most, but proper rain protection is essential given the unpredictable mountain weather.
Whether you’re cooking a meal in the bivouac or soaking in the stillness of the lake, this route delivers a true Dolomites experience. Check the provided maps and video for planning, and share your thoughts or questions in the comments below.
Thank you for reading. Let me know if you have questions or comments, there is a comment section below. For more texts about bivouacs in the Dolomites, please read my report about Bivacco Fanton and also about Bivacco Tiziano and Bivacco Toso.
Please join us at our Facebook group Dolomites Visitors Hub.
FAQ: Hiking to Lago di Cece and Bivacco Bait Lago di Cece
Is the hike to Lago di Cece suitable for beginners?
The trail to Lago di Cece is a non-technical walk-up with a modest elevation gain of 299 meters, making it accessible for beginners with basic fitness. The well-marked route 336 follows a clear forest path, but hikers should be prepared for uneven terrain and potential wet conditions.
Trekking poles and sturdy hiking boots, like the Nortiv 8 mentioned, are recommended for stability, especially for those new to hiking in the Dolomites.
What is the best time of year to visit Lago di Cece?
The ideal time to hike to Lago di Cece is from late spring (May) to early autumn (September), when the trails are free of snow and the weather is generally stable. Summer offers lush greenery and warm days, but early autumn provides stunning foliage colors in the Lagorai area.
Winter hiking is possible but requires snowshoes or crampons due to snow cover, and the bivouac may be less comfortable without proper cold-weather gear.
Are there any wildlife concerns in the Lagorai area?
The Lagorai region is home to wildlife such as deer, chamois, and occasionally brown bears, though bear sightings are rare. Hikers should stay on marked trails to avoid disturbing wildlife and make noise to prevent surprising animals.
Carrying a small bell or talking while hiking can help, especially in dense forest areas. Always store food securely in the bivouac to avoid attracting animals.
Can I combine this hike with other nearby trails?
Yes, the Lago di Cece hike connects to the broader Trans-Lagorai Trail, allowing you to extend your adventure to other bivouacs like Bivacco Caserina, Aldo Moro, or Paolo e Nicola. These routes offer more challenging ascents and longer distances, ideal for multi-day treks.
Check maps like Tabacco 014 for planning, and ensure you have sufficient supplies, as some bivouacs may lack water or be locked seasonally.
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