Dolomites - 2 locations?

Ortesei, San Candido and you are covered.

I have a fear of heights but did fine in Ortisei and surrounding mtn trails. We took chair lifts and gondolas from Ortisei up to the trails. I was fine.

You can definitely drive to some great hikes instead of taking a lift. As the previous comment mentioned, you should plan to stay in two different holiday regions of the Dolomites to avoid a long time in the car. Consider the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi and Val Pusteria regions.

Here are some easy hikes you can drive to: Adolf Munkel Trail: https://throneandvine.com/geisler-alm-adolf-munkel-trail/ Prato Piazza: https://throneandvine.com/prato-piazza-platzwiese/ Lago di Braies: https://throneandvine.com/exploring-lago-di-braies/ Alpe di Siusi: https://throneandvine.com/alpe-di-siusi-hiking-guide/ Regarding accommodations, we recently stayed at wonderful hotel on Alpe di Siusi called Hotel Ritsch. It was the perfect location for embarking on hikes across the plateau: https://throneandvine.com/hotel-ritsch-review/

Hope you have an amazing visit! Happy trip planning!

Thank you Hank, Suki and Kate! I have not traveled internationally for quite a few years so I feel like a newbie. Proving this point -- I should have said that I want/need to see the Matterhorn. So is it possible to do Zermatt area and one other area?

I don't think the Adolf Munkel trail is that easy. It all depends on the age and body conditions of the traveler.

I'll speak for someone who had heart palpitations on the funiculars/gondolas etc in the Dolomites...I had to breath deep and train my eyes....but for me, it was worth it. There's always the old fashioned way of traversing up the mountains!

I'm from Colorado and did not find the driving (though we did minimal) scary.

For Ortisei lodging recommendation we loved Stua Catores. That was 7 years ago, however. Not sure if it's the same family or place. I find Rick Steve recommendations on accomodations to be spot on, so I'd check out his newest edition of the Dolomites guidebook.

Maybe Castelruth or Seis. You can take the bus to Seiseralm and hike. Same from Ortisei.

Bus goes to Tre Cime from San Candido. No problem. Or rather train to the bus, but easy.

Seiseralm and Tre Cime areas are really pretty hiking - you won't feel disappointed. They are highlight areas, not compromises.

Thank y'all. I've taken all input and am trying to lay out a plan.