Introduction: An evocative route with a gradual climb, suitable for teenage hikers, although a bit long and tiring. The Prati di San Rocco are beautiful, and we recommend stopping there for a picnic even without going on to the summit of Monte Cava.
Route characteristics: As it runs mostly on gravel road the route may seem boring; in truth, if done in spring or in late autumn it can become a route that offers a great many colours.
From the same junction in the Valle Amara you can also climb Monte Morrone via the Fonte della Vena.
Another ascent of the same summit is told in the trip report Monte Cava by the via dei Boliviani.
Route description
The most pleasant and evocative route is the one that goes through the Valle Amara , the Prati di San Rocco and, following the long, rounded ridge, reaches the summit. The route from the car park where we left the car is fairly intuitive. You head into the Valle Amara along a gravel road of large stones which, on days of heavy rain, often fills with a river of water. You carry on to a junction where the signs point to Prati di San Rocco. Here you come to a hairpin bend marked by a sign “Il Mercaturo”. Here you carry on round the bend until you reach the high plateau, where we find an old forestry hut. The hut can be used as an emergency bivouac but it is kept extremely badly. In front of us we have the woods and meadows of San Rocco and the rounded hump of Monte San Rocco. You climb along an intuitive, unmarked line, gaining height ever more quickly. You then arrive at around 2000 m and can see the distant summit. You reach a sharp peak, skirt round it to the right (north) and carry on for another 400 metres to the summit. Return by the same route.
Variants and alternatives
Notes on effort and difficulty
Visitor centres and accommodation
Frequently asked questions
Is the hike to Monte Cava suitable for youngsters?
Yes, the fact sheet recommends it for ages 11-14: the climb is gradual and largely on gravel road, but long and tiring, with about 1010 m of height gain. Anyone who prefers can stop at the Prati di San Rocco for a picnic without going to the summit.
What is the best time to climb Monte Cava?
Spring and late autumn, when the woods of the Valle Amara and the Prati di San Rocco change colour. With snow and fog the route becomes much more demanding, not least for route-finding on the poorly waymarked stretch of ridge.
