The Swiss get all the credit for the Alps, which is a shame, because the Italian Alps are ridiculously pretty. They’re particularly spectacular in the Dolomites, a range of 18 peaks in the northeast of Italy that UNESCO says “are widely regarded as being among the most attractive mountain landscapes in the world.”

That seemed like reason enough to visit, so one sunny Sunday in May I set off on the 90-minute drive from Vicenza to Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park. The park boasts an abundance of plant and animal life in addition to its magnificent views. I headed to Lake Mis, which has parking and a restaurant, and is a jumping-off point for several hikes. If you want to spend the night, you can camp or rent a cabin.