A path above the clouds: Little Tibet to Corno Grande of Gran Sasso

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June 27, 2026
July 11, 2026
August 1, 2026
September 5, 2026

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The hike from Campo Imperatore to the highest peak of Apennines, Corno Grande, guards Abruzzo’s soul, harsh and generous at the same time.Campo Imperatore plateau legendarily owes its name to Federico II and thanks to the unique landscape it’s called Little Tibet: a boundless karst plan of breath-taking beauty. It’s a big plateau bordered by Gran Sasso mountain range, from the severe, imposing summit of the Corno Grande to Fonte Vetica and Vado di Sole.The Corno Grande summit is a little paradise for mountain lovers and climbers, amongst its barren, beautiful vertical rock face, the scenery is almost Alpine, with the sea so near.

Highlights

We will climb the highest peak in the Apennines: at 2912 metres above sea level, Corno Grande is visible from every corner of central Italy!
An exclusive experience in a magnificent setting of peaks and overhangs in the heart of the central Apennines.
We walk one of the best known trekking routes, discovering the Gran Sasso and its rock wonders.

Costs

from 30,00 €

What's included

Guide and organization
Professional liability insurance

What is excluded

Packed lunches
Extra and personal expenses
Travel insurance

The hike is only recommended for people who are trained and used to walking on high mountain trails. Itinerary not suitable for those suffering from vertigo.

Essential tips and useful details for a smooth and enjoyable stay

This is the time of year when it is possible to explore the most impressive peaks, under often clear skies and in pleasant temperatures. However, the intense sun and sudden weather changes require adequate preparation and attention.

With the right clothing and equipment, you can enjoy an adventurous season and immerse yourself in the evocative landscapes of the Apennines.

Mountain backpack (25–35 litres).
Waterproof jacket
Down jacket
Fleece or sweatshirt
Spare T-shirt
Long hiking trousers
Hiking boots
Beret
Light gloves
Sun protection cream
Water (at least 2 litres).
Packed lunch

Whether you are going on a day hike or a multi-day trip, it is essential to prepare properly to ensure your safety and enjoyment. See our guidelines on how to equip yourself for each season.

The Gran Sasso is the mountain of Abruzzo par excellence. Its majestic dolomitic peaks — the highest in the Apennines — culminate in Corno Grande (2,912 m a.s.l.), Corno Piccolo, Pizzo d’Intermesoli, and Monte Camicia. It is home to the Calderone Glacier, the only glacier in the Apennines and the southernmost in Europe. To the south lies the vast plateau of Campo Imperatore, a breathtaking high-altitude karst expanse — the closest thing to Tibet you can find in Europe.

The National Park’s territory is distinctly mountainous, with landscapes often resembling the Alps. It consists of two main mountain groups: the Gran Sasso d’Italia massif and the Monti della Laga range to the north. Established in 1995, the Park covers an area of 148,935 hectares and also extends slightly into the regions of Lazio and Marche. Its vegetation includes beech forests on the Laga Mountains (with silver fir) and on the Teramo side of the Gran Sasso, alpine meadows in Campo Imperatore and on the Voltigno plateau, and magnificent high-altitude wildflower blooms.

Nature, however, is not the only attraction here: the Park stands out for its deep and harmonious interweaving of natural beauty and human presence, creating a landscape where the two are inseparable.

FAQ

Of course, a good percentage of the participants in the trek through the most interesting areas of the Gran Sasso are single travellers.

Our tours are usually made up of singles, couples and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, most of whom are between 25 and 50 years old. These adventures are suitable for solo travellers and attract people with a common mindset: a love of nature, a desire to go further and meet like-minded people.

The recommended minimum age for ascending Corno Grande of the Gran Sasso is 14 years, with some prior hiking experience.

We regret that we cannot accept dogs at the hike from Campo Imperatore to the Gran Sasso. If you love your dog, you certainly love wild animals. To protect them and not to disturb them, certain precautions are necessary. For this reason, in the National Parks of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise and in many other protected areas, there are paths and areas of integral reserve where our pets cannot accompany us.

Ask for a private Gran Sasso tour if you need an exclusive experience. Whether you are a wildlife lover, photography enthusiast or simply in search of moments of peace and contemplation, our tailor-made itineraries will allow you to discover hidden corners and breathtaking landscapes in a unique and unforgettable experience.

The climate is typically Mediterranean, with pleasant temperatures and beautiful sunsets in the spring and autumn months. Of course, it is possible to have a day of bad weather, which can have an impact on the single excursion. Our guides will adapt the itinerary to the weather conditions to ensure the best possible experience.

Remember to bring all the necessary equipment and recommended clothing and before you arrive, feel free to ask your guide what to expect for your specific trip dates.

We are a fully licensed tour operator, and all our guides are qualified professionals with professional indemnity insurance. It is easy and quick to take out additional travel insurance with major insurance companies. In addition to medical, baggage, and personal accident cover, you can also add cancellation cover travel insurance. Contact us for more information.

We understand that life can sometimes be unpredictable and we are here to help you in any way we can. We strongly recommend that you take out an additional insurance policy that includes a cancellation option. This can also be requested at the time of booking.

Day Tours
- Cancellation is free up to 48 hours prior to departure. Cancellations made after this time will incur a 100% cancellation fee and will not be refunded.

Multi day tours
- Up to 30 days prior to arrival, no charge.
- 29 to 15 days prior to arrival, 50% cancellation fee.
- Less than 14 days before arrival or no show, 100% cancellation fee.

FROM ROME (A24-A25 Rome-Pescara) Follow highway A24 in direction of L’Aquila. Leave the highway at Assergi. Follow the evident indications for Campo Imperatore. FROM PESCARA Follow A14 towards Ancona and turn to L’Aquila-Roma at the tollbooth in Mosciano Sant’Angelo. After the tunnel, exit in Assergi tollbooth, follow SS17 bis road, reach Fonte Cerreto and go on till Campo Imperatore.

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