And although it's not as long as some of its counterparts, the beautiful Tomaselli ferrata is widely considered one of the best in the Dolomites. It's also touted as the most difficult. You can easily get there from Cortina d'Ampezzo or by taking path 402-401.

While difficulty is subjective, the Dolomiti Extreme Trail (DXT) is widely cited as one of the most grueling and technically challenging endurance challenges in the region. Specifically, the 103k "Ultra" route involves a staggering 7,150 meters of vertical gain, traversing untamed paths, vast scree slopes, and incomparable rock formations in the Val di Zoldo. For traditional hikers, the Alta Via 2 is often considered the hardest of the "High Routes," as it features significant exposure, high-altitude terrain, and requires several via ferrata (iron way) sections where hikers must be clipped into cables. Another contender for the most "scary" or difficult day hike is the Sentiero delle Odle or certain technical ascents in the Sesto Dolomites, which involve steep gradients and rugged limestone terrain. These routes require not only peak physical fitness but also significant experience with alpine weather, navigation, and potentially basic climbing equipment to safely navigate the steep, crumbly "Dolomia" rock that characterizes this UNESCO World Heritage site.