Colle della Croce: Hiking the Quiet Summit of Abruzzo’s Monti della Laga

Why Visit Colle della Croce

Colle della Croce sits at 1,893 metres in the Monti della Laga range of Abruzzo, offering hikers a quieter alternative to the busier Gran Sasso peaks. The summit provides wide panoramas over the Campo Imperatore plateau, the distant Maiella massif and, on clear days, the Adriatic coast. Its slopes are covered in beech forest that turns vivid gold in autumn and supports a rich variety of wildflowers in spring and summer.

How to Reach the Trailhead

The most common starting point is the small hamlet of Ceppo, reached by a winding road from the town of Cortino. From Ceppo a gravel forestry track leads to the pass itself; the final section is rough but passable in a normal car if driven carefully. Those without a vehicle can take the bus to Cortino and arrange a taxi or walk the extra distance. The nearest major airport is Pescara, roughly two hours away by road.

Best Time to Visit

Late May through early October offers the most reliable conditions for walking. Snow lingers into late spring on north-facing slopes, while summer brings warm days ideal for early starts. Autumn colours peak in October and the air is crisp. Winter visits are possible only with mountaineering equipment and local guidance, as the access road is rarely ploughed.

Trails and Activities

The classic route is the straightforward out-and-back from the pass to the modest summit cairn, taking about two hours round-trip on a clear path. Longer loops descend into the Valle del Chiarino or link with the Sentiero Italia long-distance trail. Birdwatchers may spot golden eagles and rock partridges; in season, mushroom foraging is popular with locals. The area is also suitable for winter snowshoeing when conditions allow.

Nearby Attractions

Combine a visit with the medieval hill town of Santo Stefano di Sessanio or the dramatic gorge of the Gole del Salinello. The ancient abbey of San Clemente a Casauria and the high plateaus of Campo Imperatore lie within an hour’s drive, giving visitors a full day of contrasting Abruzzo landscapes.