Mount Camicia, on the Eiger of the Apennines

Thanks to its north face the Mount Camicia is probably Italy’s most spectacular mountain outside of the Alps

PERIOD
June-October

DURATION
7h

LOCATION
Fonte Vetica, Abruzzo

GROUP SIZE
12 people

LENGTH
11 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

Like a big, legendary wall, Camicia peak is known as Eiger of Apennines. His steep nord side rises up about one Kilometre large and height, like a wall. Castelli, home since the Middle Ages to one of the most important and prestigious ceramic traditions, stands at the feet of the mountain. The hike, starting from the south face, near Fonte Vetica is not too challenging but a great satisfaction experience.

At the Campo Imperatore feet, “fenced” in Vado di Sole Pass, the landscape is particular: one can see pine trees and firs, replanted in ‘80s and the native beech forest not so far away. The first Chamois’s reintroduction project, was borne here in rocky peaks and steep ridges between Monte Camicia (2564) e Monte Coppe with animals from Abruzzo Lazio e Molise National Park. Here, the famous nord side of the Monte Camicia wall ends like a stone wisp and slowly slopes in a rocky meadow in south face towards the valley and Monte Tremoggia Therefore, it’s still possible to meet them or their gaze grazing between limestone cliffs. With luck it’s also possible to lay eyes on a little and lonely Stella alpina appenninica (Leontopodium nivalis), going on living in limestone mountains despite climate change.

It really seems to walk on a strange lunar surface, where apennine chamois leap on the steep walls and wonderful endemic flowers bloom between rocks!

Itinerary

Meeting with guide at Fonte Vetica parking. The path starts zigzagging first in a pines and firs trees, then following glades and open spaces. You soon reach Monte Tremoggia saddle; like a window on sharp “Wolf tooth”, a distinctive rocky pinnacole featuring Camicia silhouette.

From there, Castelli looks like a little town nestled between rocks, forests and badlands, through the Adriatic Sea and North Face of Camicia mountain. Facing the balconies is majestic and awesome, be careful at the dizziness! The top is not far away from here: you should walk slowly and paying attention to meet Chamois, Stelle Alpine and magnificent blooming. From the highest point, after a lunch enjoying the view on the mountain range, one can decide to came back following the same path or walking on a steeper track through Vradda Valley.

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 Monte Camicia 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 Fonte Vetica 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. After a few minutes you reach a parking area in the vicinity of the Rifugio Fonte Vetica (1632 m), that’s the trailhead. FROM PESCARA Reached Penne through the SS16 bis and SS151, continue to Farindola through the SP52 and then the SP72. After the Vado di Sole pass, continue on the SP17 until the junction for Fonte Vetica.

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