3 spectacular treks on the Gran Sasso

Immersed in the "most Dolomite Apennines in Italy", the treks on the Gran Sasso offer dizzying views between silver limestone peaks and sharp ridges.

Get ready to walk where the mountain whispers stories of geology, uncontaminated nature and Abruzzo authenticity.

Three peaks, three souls of the Gran Sasso: Monte Aquila, Monte Camicia and Monte Brancastello, offer unique experiences between panoramic ridges, dizzying walls and high-altitude silences.

Ideal for curious hikers and lovers of open landscapes, these routes offer breathtaking views and strong emotions. A journey between heaven and rock, where every step tells the power of nature. Get ready to breathe freedom at almost 2,500 meters of altitude.

1. Ascent to Mount Aquila

Excursion on Mount Aquila and the Refuge Duke of the Abruzzi between the ancient glacial valleys of the Gran Sasso d'Italia.

An unforgettable experience and within everyone's reach the ascent of Mount Aquila (2494 m.).

Without a doubt, one of the most panoramic and evocative excursions to be carried out among the highest peaks of the Gran Sasso National Park and the Laga mountains.

This wonderful high-altitude adventure always gives great emotions thanks to the breathtaking view of the immense karst plateau of Campo Imperatore, the south wall of the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the huge glacial amphitheater of Campo Pericoli, the evocative Val Maone and on clean days on the entire Adriatic coast

Campo Imperatore (AQ) - Parco Gran Sasso/Laga

Durata: 6 h

Una giornata all'insegna della storia e della meravigliosa natura di questo stupendo territorio.

WHAT TO EXPECT

You walk constantly above 2000 m. of altitude, in rocky environments where in ancient times there were huge glaciers, starting from the Campo Imperatore observatory, passing through the saddle of Monte Aquila and then continue along its ridge and arrive at the summit of the homonymous mountain (mt. 2494) in front of the western peak of the Corno Grande where you can enjoy a breathtaking view. On the way back you can make a stop at the historic "Duca degli Abruzzi refuge" where we will enjoy a fantastic view of the magnificent glacial Amphitheater of Campo Pericoli, and then close the entire ring.

Here you will find plates, sandwiches, soft drinks or, for the more adventurous, you can eat the previously prepared packed lunch.

Technical itinerary data:

Difficulty: E (hikering - minimum age 10 years used to walking in the mountains) Route length: 8 km loop course

Difference in height: 450 m.

Duration: 5/6 hours (including stops)

2. Ascent to Mount Camicia

The ascent to Mount Camicia (2,564 m a.s.l.). is really important and fulfilling at the same time, a great emotion to get to the top of one of the highest mountains in the central Apennines. From a panoramic point of view, it represents one of the most beautiful and evocative itineraries that can be traveled inside the Gran Sasso massif in Italy. An incredible experience that gives the opportunity to take a nice ring tour and touch two summits, Mount Tremoggia (2231 m. a.s.l.l.) and Mount Camicia passing through the splendid and renowned balconies from which to admire the severe north wall of the Apennine Eiger also discovering the mountaineing history of this wonderful mountain.

Arrived at the top (2564 m. above sea level) enjoy the breathtaking view that ranges from the immense plain of Campo Imperatore to the surrounding mountains, from the Sirente/Velino to the Majella, from the Adriatic coast to the distant Sibillini to the Monti della Laga.

After eating a packed lunch, you go down the valley of Vradda to close the entire ring.

WHAT TO EXPECT

During the ascent you have the opportunity to admire splendid blooms of glacial wrecks such as the well-known "Apennine Alpine Star" (Leontopodium Nivalis), and the symbolic animal of the Gran Sasso/Laga Park, the "Abruzzo or Apennine Camos" (Rupicapra Pyrenaica Ornata) which in this territory finds an ideal habitat for its survival.

Technical data:

Difficulty: EE (Expert Hirs - the experience is limited in number and good physical training and habit of walking on stony and pebbled mountain paths is required - you don't have to suffer from vertigo)

Route length: 11 km to the loop Height difference: 950 m.

Duration: 6/7 hours (including stops)

3. Ascent to Mount Brancastello, in the kingdom of the Camosci and the Alpine Stars

Campo imperatore (AQ) - Gran Sasso/Laga Park

Duration: 6 hours

An unforgettable experience the ascent to Mount Brancastello (2,385 m. a.s.l.), the kingdom par excellence of the alpine stars and the Apennine chamois! This peak with breathtaking views is located on the eastern ridge of the Gran Sasso massif, between the municipal borders of Aquila and Isola del Gran Sasso . A ridge path that offers a magnificent glance at the Corno Grande east side and the entire Abruzzo and beyond. You cross ridge environments and between the stony debris with the privilege of being able to observe and admire the Apennine Alpine Star that grows from June to August. You will be repaid by incredible views and ancient stories that we will know of the Teramano and eagle side of the Gran Sasso massif. It starts from the dirt road that Leads to Vado di Corno (historic passage already used in pre-Roman times), and then continues on the path of the centenary, where the route begins entirely on the ridge that slowly leads to the top of Monte Brancastello.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Walk on high-altitude rocky environments (natural habitat of the Apennine Swee), where there is the possibility of admiring splendid blooms of glacial wrecks such as the Apennine Alpine Star (Leontopodium nivalis). A splendid experience that allows you to look at 360 degrees, with a breathtaking view of the entire Campo imperatore (AQ) plateau, the Teramano hills (TE) and the wall of his majesty the Gran Sasso d'Italia!

Technical data:

Difficulty: E (Average hiking - a decent physical training is required when walking on high mountain trails - route not suitable for people suffering from vertigo )

Route length: 12 km A/R

Difference in height: 600 m.

Duration: 6 hours (including stops)

After walking between suspended ridges, dizzying walls and endless horizons, these three treks on the Gran Sasso leave something more than a simple trail in the heart. They are experiences that nourish the soul, awaken the sense of wonder and reconnect with the pure strength of the mountain. The silence of Mount Aquila, the verticality of the Shirt, the aerial beauty of the Brancastello: everyone tells a different emotion. You don't need to be a mountaineer to feel part of this wild and authentic world. Just let yourself be guided by your own steps and the desire to discover.