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Il Cammino del Gran Sasso - Tappa 1

HardParco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga · Abruzzo · Italy

GPX
Distance
23.1 km (14.3 mi)
Elevation gain
160 m (525 ft)
Typical time
5 hr 17 min
Difficulty
Hard
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
Not recorded

About Il Cammino del Gran Sasso - Tappa 1

Il Cammino del Gran Sasso - Tappa 1 is a 23.1 km hiking route in Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga. It climbs roughly 160 m (525 ft) along the way. Most people take around 5 hr 17 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. This is a demanding day. The climbing is sustained and the descent is long enough to punish tired knees.

The gorge section is the highlight, with rock walls close on both sides and the light changing by the hour.

It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. The route is waymarked and marked on the ground with its own symbol, so navigation is straightforward in good visibility.

Summer here is hot and exposed, so the sensible season runs from autumn through to spring. The nearest town of any size is L'Aquila, about 22.3 km away, which is where most people base themselves. The route is maintained by Il Cammino del Gran Sasso.

In short, Il Cammino del Gran Sasso - Tappa 1 suits fit hikers with a habit of long days and an eye on the forecast. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Hard23.1 km160 m

Numbered marks every 5 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 gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

  • Inside Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga
  • Canyon and gorge
  • Waymarked route
  • Waymarked and signposted

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
66/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
43/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
59/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
42/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
23/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
62/100

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.
  • 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.
  • Narrow gorges flood quickly. Check the forecast upstream, not just where you are standing.

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
  • 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 Il Cammino del Gran Sasso - Tappa 1

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

Easy

Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga · Abruzzo

Distance
5.1 km
/ 3.2 mi
Elevation gain
195 m
Typical duration
1 hr 21 min
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Moderate

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Distance
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Elevation gain
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Typical duration
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Hard

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Distance
16.2 km
/ 10.1 mi
Elevation gain
560 m
Typical duration
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Moderate

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Elevation gain
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Moderate

Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga · Abruzzo

Distance
9.3 km
/ 5.7 mi
Elevation gain
330 m
Typical duration
2 hr 25 min
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  • Waymarked route

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