Highlight • Summit
Mount La Meta
Hiking
4.8
(23)
Routes leading to this Highlight may be dangerous
Routes may comprise technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
October 21, 2022
Hiking
•
January 5, 2025
Mountaineering
•
August 12, 2025
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Mount La Meta
4.7
(29)
167
hikers
11.9km
05:34
810m
810m
This difficult 7.4-mile (11.9 km) ring tour to Monte La Meta from Pianoro Campitelli takes about 5 hours and 33 minutes to complete, with a significant elevation gain of 2663 feet (812 metres). You will wind through majestic beech forests before reaching expansive clearings and pastures. The final ascent to the summit is particularly arduous, featuring steep gradients and a rocky surface, but rewards you with panoramic views across the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, stretching to Gran Sasso and the Tyrrhenian Sea on clear days. You will also pass through wide grassy areas and characteristic karstic dolines.
The route begins and ends at Pianoro Campitelli. This trail requires a good level of physical fitness, sure-footedness, and some alpine hiking experience, as sections of the path might not be clearly defined, especially along ridges. It is advisable to confirm any current restrictions or requirements with the park authorities before you go, as a qualified guide might be mandatory during certain peak seasons, such as August, to protect local wildlife.
Monte Meta is geographically significant, lying at the intersection of three Italian regions: Lazio, Abruzzo, and Molise. The trail meanders through a protected environment renowned for its rich wildlife, offering potential sightings of the Marsican brown bear, Abruzzo chamois, and various deer species. Historically, access to the summit has been periodically restricted to safeguard the indigenous Abruzzo chamois, a protected species.
4.7
(6)
40
hikers
19.7km
07:35
1,100m
1,100m
Embark on the challenging Prati di Mezzo to Monte Meta ring tour, a difficult hike spanning 12.2 miles (19.7 km). You will gain 3600 feet (1097 metres) in elevation, requiring about 7 hours and 35 minutes to complete. The route takes you through ancient beech forests that transition into open, wild landscapes, featuring snowy karst fields and steep rocky cliffs. Expect stony and rugged sections, especially in the desolate Vallone della Meta, before reaching the panoramic views from Passo dei Monaci and the summit of Mount La Meta.
Planning your visit requires careful consideration, as this is a demanding route. Carry plenty of water, as there are no sources available along the trail. Access to the summit area is strictly regulated due to the Abruzzo chamois population; you might need a qualified guide and prior authorization from the park administration during certain times to use the designated footpath. Ensure you wear sturdy shoes and have alpine experience for this hike.
This trail offers a unique opportunity to experience the diverse ecosystems of the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise. From Passo dei Monaci, you can enjoy sweeping views across the snow-covered Apennines, with the distant sea visible on clear days. The summit of Mount La Meta provides vast panoramas of the Abruzzo National Park and a significant portion of the Lazio Apennines, making it a notable destination for serious hikers.
4.5
(15)
100
hikers
9.93km
05:09
790m
790m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 2,200 m
Weather
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Sunday 10 May
17°C
5°C
32 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h
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