Vado di Corno - Monte L'Aquila - Corno Grande

With an IBP index of 172, this was a beautiful and rewarding hike, despite the cloudy weather. Off the road that leads to Campo Imperatore, at what is known as Vado di Corno, there is a small view point where you can leave your car. This is the beginning of the trail to climb either to Monte Aquila or to Monte Brancastello.

The first fork in the road can lead you in three directions. Heading left, up towards the mountain will lead to Monte Aquila. The ascent is relatively easy and uneventful. Do watch for strong winds, which can turn really cold depending on the time of the year.

Once at Monte Aquila I presume there is a nice view, although I could not enjoy it due to the cloudy sky. Continuing in the same direction past Monte Aquila will lead to a valley. Towards the right will be the trail coming from Campo Imperatore, and to the right the trail going to Corno Grande. If you continue on this trail to the right you will be choosing to do the most direct ascent to Corno Grande ('direttissimo'). Although a time saver, this part of the trail can be quite difficult and dangerous. I have cataloged this trail as "very difficult" only because of this portion of the trail. In general terms it is fine until you reach the fork that leads you either to Corno Grande or to the Calderone glacier (this point is called "forcheta del Calderone"). But you if you follow to Corno Grande it will be steep, dangerous rock climbing. You should be properly equipped with helmet, proper rock climbing shoes (or very good hiking boots) and anything else that may be required in this situations. I was not properly equipped and it was very difficult and, yes, scary.

Once you are on top of the highest peak in the Apennines it is just a wonderful experience. Once again, visibility was nil so I could not enjoy the (I'm sure) fabulous view.

The descent we do via the 'normal' trail, which will lead you to Campo Imperatore (with several forks to other destinations along the way). From Campo Imperatore you need to find your way down (the map shows a trail but I could not find it), until your hit a point in the road that joins with the trail that will lead you back to Vado di Corno.

Without the ascent to Corno Grande via 'direttissimo' I would give this hike a 'difficult', maybe even a 'moderate'. But that rock climbing section earns it another star altogether.