Two demanding days at altitude and one easier day on the plateau: the three classic hikes of the park.
Day 1 — Rovere and Piani di Pezza
Start: Rovere (1,420 m)
Route: loop of about 12 kmElevation: about +350 mTime: 4–5 hDifficulty: E
From Rovere climb through beech woods and clearings towards Vado di Pezza and descend to the Piani di Pezza (1,400–1,550 m), the large karst plateau below the Velino, about 5.5 km long. Return on a loop. The right day to get to know the park.
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Day 2 — Monte Sirente via the Valle Lupara
Start: Chalet Sirente, Prati del Sirente (1,156 m)
Route: 10–11 km round tripElevation: about +1,200 mTime: 6 hDifficulty: EE
From Chalet Sirente (13 km by car from Rocca di Mezzo, 7 km from Secinaro) follow trails 18 and 15: woods, then the steep Valle Lupara with loose scree, a grassy hollow at 1,750 m, the ridge at 2,225 m and the summit of Monte Sirente (2,348 m). Views from the Gran Sasso to the Majella. Water only at Fonte all'Acqua, opposite the car park.
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Day 3 — Rifugio Sebastiani from Campo Felice
Start: Campo Felice (about 1,550 m)
Route: 10–12 km round tripElevation: +550–600 mTime: 4–5 hDifficulty: E
From the Campo Felice plain, CAI trails 5, 5A and 7 climb via Valle Cerchiata and Passo del Puzzillo to Rifugio Vincenzo Sebastiani (2,102 m), overlooking Campo Felice and the Piani di Pezza. Fully exposed to the sun and often windy.
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