Foreword: A route tried out in the winter season, the climb to Monte di Mezzo di Campotosto is one of the most striking because of the imposing presence of the Lago di Campotosto. A climb that is just as worthwhile in the summer months, it lets you discover a territory that is still intact and wild. A spectacular view over the western side of the Gran Sasso: the Corvo and the eastern summits.
Features of the route: No waymarking for the proposed route, no track, only very obvious landmarks.
From the summit you can see the Cime della Laghetta, the destination of the route Cime della Laghetta from the Cascate delle Cento Fonti.
Route description
Immediately beyond the meadows around the village you'll spot a spur running from right to left, covered in shrubs and low trees. You climb along the spur, heading for the pyramid of Colle del Vento above. You go up a ridge among the turns of a faint path. The ridge keeps climbing relentlessly until you come out beyond the first shoulder of Colle del Vento. Already here the view of the Gran Sasso is truly excellent. The last effort is climbing the very steep ridge.
From the top of Colle del Vento you follow the ridge north that leads to the summit of Monte di Mezzo della Laga. A summit from which you can also enjoy a view of the pyramid-shaped peaks of the Laghetta. From Monte di Mezzo you descend to La Montagnola heading north-west.
The return follows the ridge of Monte di Mezzo towards Colle del Vento, from which we had come up.
Notes on effort and difficulty
Visitor centres and accommodation
La Mascionara (farm) in the Passo delle Capannelle area.
Frequently asked questions
Is the route to Monte di Mezzo di Campotosto waymarked?
No. There's no waymarking and no marked path: you find your way by very obvious landmarks, climbing the spur towards Colle del Vento and then following the ridge north to Monte di Mezzo. You need experience in route-finding.
How demanding is the climb to Monte di Mezzo?
It is graded EE+ (Escursionisti Esperti: for experienced hikers; the + marks the upper end of the grade), with 920 m of height gain, 8 km and about 5 hours 30 minutes there and back. With snow it is demanding and must be tackled well equipped and fit. It is not suitable for children.
