Something about the Gran Sasso's Crags

Arapietra

Gran Sasso's Crags | Parco del Gran Sasso

Edited By
Regione :
Kind of Wall :
Number of routes :
    33+.
Parcheggio :
    30-40 parking places
Beauty :
    3/5
Location :
    4.00/5
Rock Quality :
    3.50/5
Good for children :
    Yes
Altitude :
    1800 m
Approach (average time) :
    30'

Last update of the ClimbAdvisor guide:


Description

These are 3 separate crags not very distant from each other: Arapietra, Vena dell’Aschiero e Falesia del Tesoro Nascosto. The main crag is Arapietra: a beautiful cliff in the mountains with impressive views over the Paretone of Gran Sasso. It is one of the most iconic places in the Apennines, that have hosted unforgettable mountaineering feats. There are breath-taking views over the rest of the Massif offering a 360 degree view until the sea coast. The place is secluded and pleasant, surrounded by the silence of the mountains. The rock wall is also very picturesque, massive and very steep. The crag of Tesoro Nascosto is a little gem of perfect limestone in the middle of Gran Sasso, just below the Seconda Spalla; the crag of Vena dell’Aschiero instead, is a small rock wall immersed in a beautiful beech forest, with breathtaking views of Corno Piccolo.

In Arapietra the style of climbing is very athletic, on nicely weathered calcareous rock often painful and sharp, while in Tesoro Nascosto and Vena dell’Aschiero you can find technical slabs (finger strength and stamina required!). In Vena dell’Aschiero you can find short pitches. The only issue with these cliffs is perhaps the approach, a bit far from the standard of the modern crags. However, it is a 30-minute walk with panoramic views, allowing contact with native flora and fauna. The approach is quite different for Vena dell’Aschiero that is located a short distance from the car park, along the road going from the square of Prati di Tivo to Cima della Laghetta. The ideal season is summer, but there are also opportunities in autumn and late spring if the weather is okay. The area offers countless alpine destinations and various trails for mountain bikers and it’s perfect for mountaineering and hiking.



Approach

From Teramo or from Montorio: SS80 until the junction  to Prati di Tivo (SP43), pass the town of Pietracamela and get to the big square of Prati di Tivo. From here see for the approach to each area.

If you are coming from A24 it is recommended to exit at Val Vomano, then follow the road signals to Montorio (SS150).

Coming from A14 it is advisable to drive on “ Teramo – Mare” freeway, and exit “Teramo ovest”, then follow the road signals to Montorio (SS80).

From l’Aquila, instead of A24 it is possible to take the SS80 (Passo delle Capannelle) until the junction  to Prati di Tivo (SP43). From this point, see above.