Introduction: A hiking route that is simple to do, pleasant in summer, more demanding in winter with heavy accumulations of snow. In fact an area not much suited to hiking, which can however give you rather unexpected views over sheer drops. Relaxing, the long ride along the ridge that leads to the summit of Rocca Chiarano.
Route features: Traces of path not very clear as far as Passo dello Scalone while the ridge route is obvious and intuitive.
Also from Passo Godi starts the hike to the Ferroio di Scanno.
Route description
At the car park we turn our backs on the Ristoro Lo Scoiattolo; before us stands the very long ridge of Serra di Rocca Chiarano. From the plateau a hump bare of vegetation towers over the chairlift installations. The most intuitive way, but also the most demanding, is to climb the hump and then straight up the ridge line that runs alongside a drainage gully.
Following the fall line of the slope you come close to a group of avalanche barriers. Once past them we are straight onto the ridge. The effort to reach the ridge by this very direct way is considerable, but so is the view over the valley below. From here on the route bends sharply south along the line of the crest of Serra di Rocca Chiarano. There are two summits to look for. The first and nearer, Serra di Rocca Chiarano, is 2263 metres high and is reached quickly. The route moves along the soft, rounded crest, whose eastern side is however rather sheer and rocky. Some glimpses are remarkable and allow shots that are unusual for these mountains. The second summit is Rocca Chiarano, lower than the previous one, which rises to 2175.
This route can be continued to make the long and tiring Monte Greco loop (see route).
Variants and alternatives
The alternative way up, though it is considered the normal route, is to bear north-west straight away towards the little wood at the foot of the mountain. Here traces of path lead slowly north, first crossing the little wood and then at once climbing diagonally up the side of the mountain to Passo dello Scalone. It is here that you meet the crest of the Serra. You bear sharply south, climbing in one big steep slog up to the metal avalanche barriers.
Notes on effort and difficulty
Visitor centres and accommodation
Rifugio "Lo Scoiattolo" near the car park where you leave the car.
Rifugio Selva Bella, which is on the same road going down towards Villetta Barrea.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the hike to Serra di Rocca Chiarano take?
The fact sheet gives 5 h 45 min in total, there and back, for about 14 km and 950 m of ascent. The effort is concentrated in the steep initial climb up to the ridge; after that, the long walk towards Rocca Chiarano is more restful.
Where do you park and where do you start the climb?
You start from the car park at Passo Godi, next to the Ristoro Lo Scoiattolo and the chairlift installations. You can go straight up the grassy hump or, for the normal route, cross the little wood to Passo dello Scalone.
