The Things I Thought About While Hiking the Alta Via 1

There’s something about the rhythm of hiking that frees your mind to wander. On the Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites, I found my thoughts drifting as the landscapes shifted around me. The Alta Via 1 is a 7 to 10-day journey through some of the most stunning mountain terrain in the world, but it’s also a place where your mind takes its own journey. 

Though I had countless thoughts throughout this trek, both deep and fleeting, I thought I’d share a few. Here are three thoughts that wandered into my head while hiking—and what they revealed about the magic of the Dolomites.

1. If the mountains could talk, what stories would they tell?

Hiking along the jagged limestone peaks of the Dolomites, I couldn’t help but wonder about the ancient stories these mountains might tell. Every turn on the Alta Via 1 feels like a step into another world, one shaped by millennia of geological drama. Would they recall the soldiers who fought amongst their peaks, or the early explorers who first forged their own trails?

The Dolomites have a distinct personality—sometimes towering and intimidating, other times soft and bathed in golden light. From craggy ridgelines to sprawling alpine meadows, their moods shift with the weather. The Alta Via 1 carves through this ever-changing landscape, offering glimpses of jagged cliffs and peaceful valleys that make you feel like you’re walking through a storybook.

2. Do these sheep realize how lucky they are?

As we hiked the Alta Via 1, we often passed cows and sheep grazing in the alpine meadows. Long before we saw them, we’d hear them—the sound of the bells around their necks carrying across the valleys, creating a kind of natural soundtrack to the Dolomites. It’s a sound that became so familiar, and one I came to appreciate as the “sound of the Alps.”

I couldn’t help but think, Do these sheep even realize how lucky they are? They spend their days surrounded by some of the most stunning views on Earth, lounging in fields framed by towering peaks. Sure, they might end up as the next hiker’s meal at an upcoming hut, but man! Their current life seems pretty incredible. While we huff and puff our way through the trail, they get to relax, taking in the same scenery without a care in the world. What a life, to live in a place like this every single day.

3. Why does the food taste better up here?

Final Thoughts

As I hiked the Alta Via 1, my thoughts kept drifting—toward the mountains, the weather, the food, and the sheer wonder of being immersed in such a breathtaking place. The Dolomites have a way of capturing your imagination and grounding you all at once.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, the Alta Via 1 offers something for everyone: a challenge for your legs, a feast for your eyes, and plenty of room for your mind to roam free.

Follow Kendra's full journey in the film below!