HIKING AROUND THE GRAN SASSO “LA PORTELLA”

THE GRAN SASSO (BIG ROCK) NATIONAL PARK  AND THE LAGA MOUNTAINS

IN THE ABRUZZO REGION, PROVINCE AND MUNICIPALITY OF L'AQUILA

A GREAT JOURNEY IN THE MIDST OF NATURE AND IN A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT OF THE MASSIF LIMESTONE “GRAN SASSO” D'ITALIA

PERIOD:  JULY

An excursion long 16,78 km.  

Duration:  7 hours.

DIFFICOLTY:  MEDIUM

         It’s late spring in Abruzzo, among the green valleys along the south slopes of the Gran Sasso of Italy, and under the majesty rock of the Apennine’s highest massifs, this is the first excursion output of

THE SEGRETS  OF ABRUZZO.

We arrive and leave our means of transport on the square in the location “Fonte Cerreto” which is also the base of the cable car for “Campo Imperatore” and will be our start point.

FONTE CERRETO (CAR CABLE BASE) it’s a locality  of  L'AQUILA (AQ)
The locality is 13,68 Km far from  the city of L’Aquila
Co-ordinates: latitude 42°25'34"N - longitude 13°31'40''E
Altitude: 1120 m. o.s.l.
Population: 5 inhabitants

First Steps

We begin moving uphill on a trail towards “Portella Mount” . It’s the first direction to keep in mind when moving.

Upwards through our typical Mediterranean bush wood, we go heading towards the first old fresh water source, existing along the ridge, that is still used today for watering the local breeder’s horses that have been left free around the slopes.

In this first section of the path, the presence of beech trees dominates and immediately after are the typical species of the Mediterranean bush wood. In fact, we soon find along the path Pine trees and Juniper trees.

THE SECRETS OF ABRUZZO

 The first half of the trail is quite difficult as it gets over 1.158 m. in  altitude.

While hiking upwards along the mountain slope we keep following a multipurpose trail, in the middle of the wood bush, until we get out of it ending on an uncovered  ridge about a third of the distance from the top.

During the movements, looking around us, we admire the territory in its various facets, and gazing down on our feet, we find the typical flora of the season. Along the path, around the water sources, we noticed so many “Olaci” ( wild spinach) as well as a wide variety of flowers such as Arnica, Mounted Dandelions, Cardo Alpinie and Aster.

Crossing the Pass

Paying attention, in this point, time has come to get on our new orientation which is towards “Campo Pericoli” (not any more towards the summit of Monte Portella at 2385 m. that now falls on our right), until we cross the first high pass at 2122 m. and take the diagonal path on our left.

An amazing variety of natural sceneries  appear in front of us, but we keep prudence and attention to the difficulties of a new different kind of itinerary. With surprise, we paused,  at the sight of the snow  along the path, like many laid-out linens, and their contrast with the green lawns covered by  the typical blooming flowers of our region. We find the “Arnica Montana Alpina”, here and there around, the “Astro delle Alpi”, the “Linaria”, the “Pedicolare Selvatica” and the “Paverina”.

Proceeding  downwards along the path we reach the Garibaldi shelter at m.2230. The shelter provides useful information and foodstuffs to passers-by.

First Stop at the Mountain Shelter “Garibaldi”

The prohibition of vehicles  transit in the park and considering the mountain shelter’s difficulty in receiving supplies of materials and foodstuffs for the hikers, the prices of articles, drinks, and sandwiches are surprisingly low.

After our stop we decided to take the path for the last not binding climb, crossing “Sella di Monte Aquila” at 2335 m.,. Once over it we’ll be facing the first part of the descent on the way back.

Direction Hotel “Campo Imperatore” as soon as we cross the path on Mount Aquila. Even if it doesn’t present any particular difficulty the foot trail, we’re facing now, requires attention due to its steepness.

During the descent the view is always pleasant any direction we look at, allowing us, once again, to realize the majesty of the spaces in our region.

While walking along the ridge of the mountain, after a few hundred meters, looking up we see a chamois. This is not uncommon in these places because in the last years their number has increased.

Second Stop Hotel CAMPO IMPERATORE

After about half an hour we reach the square of the Hotel “Campo Imperatore”  altitude 2130 m. where we decide to eat and recover our strength in order to face the last part of the excursion with more energy.

Worn out from this long route, started at 7:36 am in the morning, but well rested, we continue the hike without underestimating, and therefore always with great caution, the last stretch of the trail that seems easy and pleasant. Along our way, we spot the plant “La Genzianella” (a herb used for making alcoholic beverages and medicine) and among other rare species of mountain flowers, the Red Lily.

Along The Cableway

We follow the trail leading under the cableway (connecting “Fonte Cerreto” and the Hotel of “Campo Imperatore”) going slightly downwards diagonally until we pass under it.

Despite the month of July and the quite high temperatures we have in this season, there are still snow patches on the trail. We also see much gravel, grass patches and many flowers spread everywhere.

We arrive in what seems to be the  remains of the old cable car’s intermediate station,  and since we're curious about it we take a look around.

Lastly, we walk the few meters of the path under the shade of fir trees.  At 15:11 we reach the square, our end point, which has also been the start point of this hiking trip.

Note: The altitudes indicated in the article, recorded with Android mobile application g.p.s., do not have a good map accuracy. In fact differences in height have been encountered. It’s advisable to consult official maps for the exact altimetrical altitudes.

*If you’re a member of our site don’t forget to download my free KML file and the specific file, reserved for the only members, on the excursion . You’ll be able to see the trail on Google Earth or your Garmin G.P.S. and android too.

For the moment everyone can also download the reserved for only members files, but it won't be for long..join in our FREE membership.

It is worth dealing with a little effort  to bring home a great experience.

Giuseppe Libero

        THE SECRETS OF ABRUZZO

UNDERNEATH ENJOY A SHORT PHOTO PRESENTATION THAT GIVES AN IDEA ON THE PATH AND THE NATURAL BEAUTIES OF ITS SURROUNDINGS.