From the small Tibet to the Corno Grande of Gran Sasso

A exciting day between the shining and severe landscapes of the Italian Gran Sasso chain

PERIOD
June-October

DURATION
8h

LOCATION
Campo Imperatore, Abruzzo

GROUP SIZE
12 people

LENGTH
10 km roundtrip

ELEVATION GAIN
960 m

DIFFICULT
Challenging

You need a good level of fitness, because the itinerary is long and there is a significant altitude difference.

Dates & Prices

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.

Itinerary

Meeting with your guide in the morning at Campo Imperatore parking. The path climbs quickly towards Monte Aquila saddle: from there one can see a beautiful view to karst plateau and Corno Grande limestone walls, in distance. The landscape is bleak, unusual and charming: in roman era Campo Imperatore plateau was a timber reserve and then a grazing area.

Keep going uphill, the path follows an uncomfortable and steep scree, leaving the “crossroad” with the Campo Pericoli track, a green karst field where was built the first apennine mountain hut, Garibaldi.

Walking through Conca degli Invalidi, the ridge is close to the top and from there one can have a look at the glacier, for the first time! Deep and vertiginous! Quickly the trail reaches the top: after lunch we’ll come back on the same pathway.

Costs

Prices
€ 30 / per adult

What’s included
Guide and organization
Professional liability insurance

What is not included
Packed lunch
Any transports
Extra and personal expenses
Travel insurance

Customer reviews

When can i do this?

During wintertime Gran Sasso mountain range is white and snowy and becomes a challenging alpinistic ascend.The best period to climb the Corno Grande is in between July and October. Wonderful endemic flowers bloom everywhere.

See booking calendar for available dates.

Kit list

Temperatures depend on season and time, warm clothes and dress up in layers is recommended: at 2.000 m above sea level, in summertime too, it could be very cold. You must have hiking boots.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Rucksack (25-35 litre)
Waterproof jacket with hood
Warm jacket
Technical walking trousers
Technical t-shirts
Hiking boots
Warm hat
Thin gloves
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Water bottles or water bladder (at least 2 l)
Packed lunch

Il nostro team di guide conosce perfettamente il territorio e come farvi sentire sempre al sicuro

Make it private!

Are you looking for an exclusive experience in nature? Are you already in a group or are you simply a hiker looking for unique emotions?

Gift this tour

Exciting and unique experience gifts create memories for years to come. Give. Receive. Experience!

Expert Local Guide

Our local guides know the mountain perfectly, what to do and how to be safe.

Frequently asked question

Can i book on my own?

Sure can! Over 30% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Can children participate?

This hiking is designed for adults and young 14+, with a good level of fitness and some previous experience in hiking in mountains.

Private tour

Ask for a private tour if you need an exclusive experience. Send us an e mail and we’ll answer you back with the quotation.

Refreshment point and toilet services

Refreshment point and toilet services are not available during this hike, you will eat your packed dinner and you may go in the forest… looking for your private toilet.

Bad weather condition

Outdoor activities are weather dependent. If we are forced to cancel an activity due to extreme weather conditions, an alternative date, activity or full refund will be provided. Please note that changes may occur at a short notice, even on the same day.

Need to add travel insurance

Our guides are registered in Collegio Guide Alpine Abruzzo and subscribed a professional insurance.

We suggest you to book on line activity insurance with World Nomads. They offer insurances designed for adventurous travellers across 140 countries that includes overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities.

How to get there

Meeting with your guide at Campo Imperatore parking. 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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