Climb Monte Camicia from rifugio Fonte Vetica – ring tour – Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park
Climb Monte Camicia from rifugio Fonte Vetica – ring tour – Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park
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Climb Monte Camicia from rifugio Fonte Vetica – ring tour – Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park
05:10
9.24km
920m
Hiking
The "Climb Monte Camicia from rifugio Fonte Vetica" is a difficult ring tour, stretching 5.7 miles (9.2 km) with a significant 3005 feet (916 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking 5 hours and 9 minutes to complete. This challenging hike requires good fitness and sure-footedness as you traverse varied terrain, from pine forests to steep zigzags, rocky areas, and wide scree slopes. You will encounter exposed sections, especially near the dramatic 1400-meter vertical drop of Monte Camicia's north face, often called "the Eiger of the Apennines." From the summit, enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the Campo Imperatore plateau, Monte Prena, and Corno Grande.
Be aware that the original starting point, Rifugio Fonte Vetica, was destroyed by fire in 2021, so you should check current access points and conditions before you go. Some sections of the trail, particularly those leading up from Fonte Vetica, have been affected by landslides and may lack clear signage or have fallen trees. Always be prepared for potential strong winds and sudden weather changes in the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, especially if you hike outside of summer.
This route offers a unique opportunity to traverse the "balconies of Monte Camicia," providing dizzying views over the sheer north face. The loop often includes reaching the summit of Monte Tremoggia and forms part of the longer "Sentiero del Centenario," which connects several important Gran Sasso summits. Keep an eye out for chamois, which are often seen in the area, and admire the rich display of edelweiss at Sella di Fonte Fredda.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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451 m
Fonte Vetica Hut
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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Tip by
3.44 km
Monte Tremoggia
Highlight • Summit
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Tip by
5.22 km
Monte Camicia summit
Highlight • Summit
Start at the well-signposted parking lot at 20 degrees and sun, sunshine stayed up to the summit but don't underestimate the cold wind, clouds can come up quickly and three days ago we encountered thunderstorms and hail at Monte Brancastello (2385), about 5 km as the crow flies , Weather does not necessarily stick to the forecast.
Total time up/down 5.5 hours, including a 0.5 hour break at the summit. The panorama is impressive!
If you can ( still ) and want to, the neighboring Monte Prena is also interesting, but for both together really good physical condition is required!
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Tip by
6.52 km
View of Monte Camicia
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Tip by
9.24 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
8.41 km
528 m
113 m
107 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
8.93 km
171 m
113 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Tuesday 2 June
19°C
9°C
82 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
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Trail Reviews
Walking towards Monte Shirt you can admire the Apennine chamois (and we were lucky enough to spot it); the edelweiss (photographed in its blossom, this somewhat capricious weather has not yet allowed its full bloom); Monte Tremoggia (2331 m) and the view of Dente del Lupo (2297 m, peak "forbidden" to all those who do not have excellent mountaineering and extreme climbing experience; its rock is not the most cooperative!) and the very famous balconies of the Shirt, a view to be done on your knees and then lying down due to its danger, for its leap into the void, a breathtaking view for the panorama and for the view of the wall itself, rocky, steep and 1,400 meters high. And if the clouds had allowed it (perhaps arriving an hour earlier or an hour later... who knows) on top of the Shirt our eyes would have met, a stone's throw away as the crow flies, Monte Prena and Corno Grande (but that will be for next time)
A lot of effort but sky-high satisfaction once at the top
STARTING FROM FONTE VETICA TO THE TOP OF MONTE CAMICIA THEN WE RETURNED BACK TO A CROSSROADS WHERE WE OPTED FOR THE PATH OF THE CRESTS, THE PLANNED WAS TO GO TO THE PEAKS OF MONTE SIERRA BUT SINCE IT WAS LATE AND THE GROUP DECIDED NOT TO DO SO WE RETURNED DOWN ON THE PATH THAT LEADS TO THE WOODS BEFORE ARRIVING AT FONTE VETICA WHICH TAKES US WHERE THE CARS ARE THE STARTING AND ARRIVAL POINT. CHALLENGING TREKKING FOR TRAINED PEOPLE. HAVE FUN.....
Very beautiful, easy to follow except for the last stretch which is a bit more challenging. Splendid panorama.
Circular route of Monteicie starting from Fonte Vetica. Intermediate difficulty, duration ~ 6h, max height 2564 meters. Sighting of chamois and edelweiss (see photos). Final prize: barbecue at the Mucciante restaurant 🔥
The Fonte Vetica refuge has 30 beds. The refuge was founded in 1964, and was renovated in 2020. The number for info and reservations is +39 330 432 678.