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Hiking trails & Routes

Italy

Abruzzo

L'Aquila

View of Campo Imperatore – Campo Imperatore loop from Campo Imperatore

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Italy

Abruzzo

L'Aquila

View of Campo Imperatore – Campo Imperatore loop from Campo Imperatore

Hard

4.5

(4)

hikers

View of Campo Imperatore – Campo Imperatore loop from Campo Imperatore

09:31

20.5km

1,500m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: June 13, 2026

Tips

Includes segments that may be dangerous

Parts of this route comprise highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.

After 12.2 km for 220 m

After 14.6 km for 33 m

After 15.0 km for 846 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

2.27 km

La Portella

Mountain Pass

3.05 km

View of Monte Portella

Highlight • Viewpoint

A modest sum along the crest of the same name, Monte Portella is 2,385 meters high and is clearly visible from this path around the Gran Sasso. Its shape and its sharp end recall the shape of a cone. Not far away, to the left, the Duca degli Abruzzi refuge appears.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

9.90 km

View of the Corno Piccolo and Corno Grande from Prati di Tivo

Highlight • Viewpoint

Prati di Tivo is located on the northern side of the Corno Piccolo slope and is an important tourist destination in Abruzzo. In winter you can practice cross-country skiing, alpine skiing and snowboarding; in summer hiking and mountaineering.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

12.2 km

The Madonnina (Gran Sasso)

Highlight • Viewpoint

Cable way Prati di Tivo-La Madonnina (from 1449 to 2007) goes from Prati di Tivo (38 km from Teramo, on the easter side of Gran Sasso, to La Madonnina (famouse for the statue of Mother Mary); in the area 4 km of Cross country skiing and 15 km of Alpine skiing, served by 5 lift systems. Great view of Gran Sasso!

Tip by

14.4 km

Carlo Franchetti Hut

Highlight • Mountain Hut

The refuge is located at 2,433 meters above sea level and was inaugurated in 1960. From here it is possible to access the normal routes and the via ferratas. Reachable only on foot, and offers refreshment and kitchen services, telephone, gas heating, telephone and radio, 23 beds and bathroom. During the summer the refuge is open from the beginning of June to the end of September, while from October to May it is only open on request and with reservation (the contact number is Tel. 0861-959634 / 333-2324474).

Translated by Google •

Tip by

15.2 km

Passo del Cannone

Mountain Pass

17.8 km

Corno Grande

Highlight • Summit

The climb is still long!

Translated by Google •

Tip by

19.2 km

View of Campo Imperatore

Highlight • Viewpoint

Wonderful at dawn when the first lights of the day paint the surroundings fiery red. Although it is easy to get there, I recommend clothing and shoes suitable for a mountain environment!
P.S. Since encounters with wild animals are frequent, if you bring dogs, keep them on a leash for everyone's safety.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

20.0 km

Abruzzo Astronomical Observatory

Highlight • Monument

The Abruzzo Astronomical Observatory on Campo Imperatore, officially the Stazione Osservativa di Campo Imperatore, is one of Italy's most special observatories, located at an altitude of 2,150 meters. Since its opening in 1965, astronomers here have benefited from exceptionally clear nights. Thanks to a natural phenomenon, thermal inversion, clouds and artificial light often remain trapped in the valleys, making the night sky above the plateau remarkably dark and clear.

Historical tidbit: one of the observatory's most important telescopes has a remarkable history. The AZT-24 infrared telescope was originally intended as a gift from Adolf Hitler to Benito Mussolini during World War II and was known as the "Mussolini telescope." However, due to the fall of the fascist regime, the telescope was never delivered. After the war, the instrument was taken by the Soviet Union to the Pulkovo Observatory. It wasn't until after the end of the Cold War that the telescope returned to Italy, where it finally found a permanent home on Campo Imperatore in 1997.

The observatory also played an important role in modern astronomy. Between 2001 and 2004, during the CINEOS project, scientists discovered more than 1,500 new asteroids, including several so-called Near-Earth Objects that approach Earth's orbit. Thus, Campo Imperatore is not only one of the most beautiful places to stargaze but also a location that makes a significant contribution to the research of our solar system and the monitoring of potential space risks.

Showing Translation

Tip by

20.1 km

Campo Imperatore

Highlight • Natural Monument

Campo Imperatore is one of Italy's most impressive natural areas. This vast, treeless high plain at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters is not called 'Little Tibet' for nothing. Surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Gran Sasso massif, it offers a spectacular setting for hikers of all levels. From relaxed walks across the rolling plateau between grazing sheep and horses to challenging climbs of Monte Aquila, the Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi, or even Corno Grande (2,912 m), the highest peak in the Apennines. Thanks to accessibility by car or cable car, you can start your hike right in the middle of the high mountains, with breathtaking panoramas along the way and a landscape that has served as a backdrop for countless films.

Showing Translation

Tip by

20.5 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

14.1 km

3.15 km

2.58 km

298 m

222 m

200 m

Surfaces

12.5 km

4.99 km

1.80 km

835 m

320 m

113 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (2,710 m)

Lowest point (1,430 m)

Weather

Saturday 11 July

25°C

15°C

30 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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View of Campo Imperatore – Campo Imperatore loop from Campo Imperatore

View of Monte Portella

View of the Corno Piccolo and Corno Grande from Prati di Tivo

The Madonnina (Gran Sasso)

Carlo Franchetti Hut

Corno Grande

View of Campo Imperatore

Abruzzo Astronomical Observatory

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