Introduction: Along the eastern ridge of the Gran Sasso you can do a short and wonderful hike, very airy and panoramic, within reach of hikers who are at ease using their hands and feet but which, all in all, hides no particular difficulties. A hike you can do without too much effort and without hurrying.
Route characteristics: from the car park along the SS17 state road up to Vado di Corno you walk on a gravel road. From Vado di Corno to Pizzo San Gabriele the route follows clear traces of path and paint marks. Only a few passages call for caution.
In the same area, behind Vado di Corno, you can walk the Monte Aquila hiking loop.
Route description
Pizzo San Gabriele takes its name from the Santuario di San Gabriele dell'Addolorata, which stands on the Teramo side of the Gran Sasso not far from Isola del Gran Sasso. Pizzo San Gabriele has a truly unique view both of the Corno Grande and its imposing bulk and of the whole Teramo countryside. To get there you have to walk along the gravel road where we left the car, up to Vado di Corno. Here you carry on along the ridge line on clear traces of path. We leave the Corno Grande and Monte Aquila behind us. The path climbs gradually, so that you hardly feel the effort of the hike at all.
A first, very interesting passage has some loose limestone rubble where old nets had been put up as a sort of protection against the drop. These nets, now ruined and knocked down by snow and wind, remain only as old wreckage. The second delicate passage is on very roomy inclined slabs, which you scramble up using hands and feet. This fun little passage is the last really demanding one (if we really want to call it that), after which the climb to Pizzo San Gabriele becomes just one last small effort for the legs.
Shortly before reaching the summit of Monte Brancastello, and by now high up, you start to veer off towards a wide grassy saddle heading north. Pizzo San Gabriele stands out clearly and you get there without too much effort. The view is beautiful if enjoyed at dawn: on days of clear, thin air you can see the sun rise out of the Adriatic Sea. Again at first light (for those who love getting up early) you can watch the Corno Grande and its great north-east face turn every shade of red, orange and pink. A view that has nothing to envy the more distant Dolomites.
Variants and alternatives
No alternative route for this itinerary.
We would however point out a route by CAI Pietracamela: Pizzo San Gabriele from the Vallone di San Pietro
Notes on effort and difficulty
Visitor centres and accommodation
Frequently asked questions
Where does the hike to Pizzo San Gabriele start?
You leave the car at the car park along the SS17 state road and follow the gravel road up to Vado di Corno. From here you carry on along the ridge on clear traces of path and the yellow-and-red paint marks of the Sentiero del Centenario up to the summit.
Is Pizzo San Gabriele difficult?
It is graded EE- (for experienced hikers, lower end of the grade): height gain and length are modest and the climb is gradual, but the path is airy and there are a few easy grade I moves on slabs where you use your hands. It is also suitable for youngsters aged 11 to 14.
