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Alta Via Cervara di Roma - Sella del Pozzotello

ExpertParco Naturale Regionale dei Monti Simbruini · Abruzzo · Italy

GPX
Distance
46.5 km (28.9 mi)
Elevation gain
3,250 m (10,663 ft)
Typical time
15 hr
Difficulty
Expert
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
Not recorded

About Alta Via Cervara di Roma - Sella del Pozzotello

Alta Via Cervara di Roma - Sella del Pozzotello is a 46.5 km hiking route in Parco Naturale Regionale dei Monti Simbruini. It climbs roughly 3,250 m (10,663 ft) along the way. Most people take around 3 days at a comfortable pace, plus stops. The combination of distance, ascent and exposure puts this at the top end of what a day hike can be.

There is no one famous view here. The appeal is the sustained quality of the walking and the fact that you are unlikely to share it with a crowd.

Start and finish are in different places, which means public transport or a second car is part of the planning. The route is waymarked and marked on the ground with its own symbol, so navigation is straightforward in good visibility.

Plan this one outside the summer months: cooler air makes the exposed sections far more pleasant. The nearest town of any size is Avezzano, about 17.4 km away, which is where most people base themselves. The route is maintained by Parco Naturale Regionale Monti Simbruini.

In short, Alta Via Cervara di Roma - Sella del Pozzotello suits experienced mountain walkers who are comfortable with exposure, navigation and long descents. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Expert46.5 km3,250 m

Numbered marks every 10 km

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

  • Inside Parco Naturale Regionale dei Monti Simbruini
  • Waymarked route
  • Waymarked and signposted
  • Over 1,000 m (3,281 ft) of ascent

Know before you go

Best season
October to May
Waymarked
Yes, signed on the ground
Surface
Mixed natural surface
Dogs
Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access
Not accessible
Entrance fee
No fee recorded
Camping
Follow park rules
Drinking water
Carry your own
Toilets
Not recorded
Mobile coverage
Generally usable
Parking
Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency
112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery
50/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
64/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
100/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
19/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
10/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
47/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Start at first light. A long day is far more pleasant when you are not racing the sunset on the descent.
  • Aim for october to may for the most reliable conditions.
  • Break the route into stages and decide your turnaround time before you set off.
  • Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

  • This route is long and sustained. Turn back early rather than late if the weather closes in.

Safety

Emergency services in Italy are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Trekking poles for the descent
  • Offline map and compass
  • Head torch and spare battery
  • Extra warm layer
  • Real food, not just snacks
  • Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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Trails near Alta Via Cervara di Roma - Sella del Pozzotello

Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.

Expert

Parco Naturale Regionale dei Monti Simbruini · Lazio

Distance
45.4 km
/ 28.2 mi
Elevation gain
1,190 m
Typical duration
12 hr
  • Waymarked route
Hard

Parco Naturale Regionale dei Monti Simbruini · Abruzzo

Distance
18.1 km
/ 11.2 mi
Elevation gain
397 m
Typical duration
4 hr 27 min
  • Waymarked route
Moderate

Parco Naturale Regionale dei Monti Simbruini · Lazio

Distance
10.5 km
/ 6.5 mi
Elevation gain
831 m
Typical duration
3 hr 27 min
  • Waymarked route
Easy

Parco Naturale Regionale dei Monti Simbruini · Lazio

Distance
5.1 km
/ 3.2 mi
Elevation gain
56 m
Typical duration
1 hr 9 min
  • Waymarked route
Hard

Parco Naturale Regionale dei Monti Simbruini · Lazio

Distance
13.9 km
/ 8.7 mi
Elevation gain
901 m
Typical duration
4 hr 15 min
  • Waymarked route
Moderate

Abruzzo · Italy

Distance
3.5 km
/ 2.1 mi
Elevation gain
330 m
Typical duration
1 hr 13 min
  • Mountain
  • Waymarked route

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