Monte Amaro from Passo Lanciano

Monte Amaro is the secont highest point in the Apenines. As its name suggests, it can be a "bitter" walk through arid terrain above the 2,400m mark. Nonetheless, it is worth the walk. (IBP Index: 185)

Start at Passo Lanciano where you can safely leave your car at the antenna station. Be careful not to take the car beyond that point as it is a restricted area and it may result in fines.

Walk all the way to the Blockhaus by the paved road at which point you may face a choice to go around the Blockhaus: to the left is shorter, but the trail to the right is easier (but longer). I recommend taking the left on the way there and the easier one on the way back. Once past the Blockhaus, keep following the trail until you pass Monte Cavallo. Just a few meters ahead you will find a small trail to the right (there is a post, but no sign) which will take you to the famous Tavola dei Briganti". You will see here lots of inscriptions sculpted on the rocks dating back to the late 1800s. The most famous one reads: "Nel 1820 nacque Vittorio Emanuele Re d'Italia. Primo il 60 era il regno dei fiori, ora è il regno della miseria." | "In 1820 Vittorio Emanuele King of Italy was born. Before the [18]60 was the kingdom of flowers, now is the kingdom of misery."

Getting back on the main trail you will start the ascent. The next stop will be by Bivacco Fusco -a shelter for hikers. Up to this point there is some vegetation, but after this point the alpine tundra starts.

After a deserted climb, you will arrive to a fork road that can take you to different parts of the Maiella. Most notably is the trail to Monte Acquaviva. Continuing straight, just a few meters ahead you will find Monte Focalone (2676m). From this point on the trail will be comprised of a series of peaks and valleys, passing by Cima Pomilio from which you can see, at the far end, Monte Amaro.

Although there are a few ways to do the last climb to M. Amaro, it is recommended to veer to the left and start the ascent from that flank. Once at the top (2793m) you will find the cross and Bivacco Pelino.

From Monte Focalone on the weather can be rather inclement: Strong sun can burn easily and the wind can lower the temperature considerably. Layers, including a good wind breaker, and gloves, are strongly recommended.

The way back is the same trail in reverse. Take plenty of water, as the last point is before the start of the climb past Monte Cavallo.