Description

“Sasso del Ghiro” is a characteristic boulder located in a pleasant and secluded landscape, on the shadow of “Monte Prena” and on the river “Ruzzo”. Here we are in the middle of “Gran Sasso  National Park” and close to “Isola del Gran Sasso”, a charming village in the mountain with considerable historical and artistic heritage, and very close to the important Shrine of San Gabriele. The area offers dozens of excellent hiking paths . Its easy approach and the possibility to climb well protected and funny routes, made this Boulder very well-known between climbers. It is nearly an all year round climbing crag: just choose the side with better exposure. The place is not frequently visited in winter, because of its rigid temperatures, but during the summer afternoons, however,  the place is cool and well ventilated thanks to the trees shadow and the nearby river. It is a rock overhang, climbing is athletic with burly moves. There are easier slabs too, increasing the range of styles available. The boulder was discovered in the mid-80s by the mountain -guide Davide Di Giosaffatte,  who climbed the first routes. Paolo De Laurentis, Pino Sabbatini and Lino Di Marcello have increased the number of routes using fixed bolts.   The last pegging was made by Paolo De Laurentis and Lino Di Marcello, both assisted by Nino Carlini, using stainless steel resin anchor. During this last phase, the space under the routes has been enlarged with terraces, steps, and comfortable stone benches. Thanks also to the immense job done by Lino Di Marcello, who cleaned up the North East side of the boulder, which is characterized by easy small slabs and set up hard and pumping traverses at the base of the routes, where it is strongly recommended the crash pad.

Approach

Coming from A24 motorway: exit at “San Gabriele – Colledara”. Follow the road signals to” Isola del Gran Sasso”. Once you have reached it follow the road signals to “Castelli” and immediately after a church made of stones, turn right towards “Pretara “(road signals are not very visible here). After about 2 km you can park your car in a parking area with a fountain, just before a junction with a fountain and a Chapel on the left. Another smaller parking area is located close to the crag: follow the small street on the left of the Chapel and park immediately after a little bridge.