Introduction: A very varied environment, both on the approach and in the overall view, for a mountain whose upper part and northern ridge don't express any particular personality. A hike suitable both in winter (properly equipped with ice axe and crampons) and in summer.
Route characteristics: Only in a few places is the path uncertain, but overall it's easy to follow, both for the shortness of the route and for how easy the summit is to identify.
La Meta is part of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park.
Route description
The path is near the “Il Baraccone” refreshment point: on the left (heading East), by a wooden fence, you join the path. You climb among firs and oaks until, after short bends of the path, you squeeze into a gully where you can spot old tree trunks, long dead. The view is striking even with mist and snow cover.
You carry on until you come out of the gully, getting over a few easy little rock steps. You reach a hollow (marked on maps as Pratolungo) from which, heading right (West), you climb up to the Passo dei Monaci, marked by a large erratic boulder (1967 m).
From here you can admire, to the North-North-East, the bulk of La Meta and its grassy ridge, and to the North-West the imposing valley that drops towards the Abruzzo side of the Mainarde.
You carry on East and then North, climbing the very steep and fairly demanding ridge to the summit. It's over 200 metres of ascent, to be done with patience. The view is excellent.
Variants and alternatives
A variant for the ascent of La Meta (2242 m) is possible before the gully of old beeches: a detour on the left towards Cima Paradiso, a promontory overlooking the Val Canneto.
Notes on effort and difficulty
Visitor centres and accommodation
Frequently asked questions
Where does the path to La Meta from Prati di Mezzo start?
The path starts near the Il Baraccone refreshment point, on the left heading East, by a wooden fence. It climbs through the trees inside a gully, reaches the hollow of Pratolungo and then the Passo dei Monaci, at 1967 m, marked by a large erratic boulder.
Can you climb La Meta in winter?
Yes, the hike is also worthwhile in winter, but you need an ice axe and crampons. The most demanding stretch is the last 200 metres of ascent on the very steep ridge above the Passo dei Monaci, to be tackled with patience.
