How about hiking some of the most stunning peaks in Le Marche, with breathtaking views of Castelluccio di Norcia and its iconic Pian Grande? Welcome to The Sibillini Crests Trail, a 10km route that takes you across the summits of several majestic mountains. Accessible only on foot, this trail offers the chance to extend your adventure, as you’ll see below. Get ready for the ultimate full-day hike in the region, complete with awe-inspiring landscapes and unforgettable panoramas.
What is the Sibillini Crests Trail
The Monti Sibillini National Park is the main nature reserve of the Marche region, in Central Italy. The National Park is located at the border with Umbria, and it’s shared between the two regions. The highest peak is Mount Vettore, standing at 2,476 m above sea level.
This National Park offers a wide variety of treks, from easy to difficult. The Sibillini Crests Trail falls in the difficult category due to its length and elevation difference, but it is arguably one of the most breathaking ones.
This hike is about 18km long with over 1400m of elevation gain, and it also passes by the famous Pilato Lake, one of the very few glacial lakes in the Appennini mountains.
What sets the Sibillini Crests Trail apart is its route, which traverses the mountain crests for much of the journey. This striking landscape is an unexpected gem in the Marche region. Here’s everything you need to know about it:
Sibillini Crests Trail: Overview
The Sibillini Crests Trail loop itself is 10km long, with elevations ranging from 1807m to 2437m. On our map, the loop is represented in black, while all the other colours represent the trails from each starting point.
While there are several starting points you can choose from to begin your hike, no part of the loop trail is accessible by car. Therefore, depending on your chosen starting point, the length and elevation gain of your hike will vary. Here are the options:
From Forca di Presta
(Yellow + Black) – Forca di Presta is a mountain pass that can be reached by car. The road to reach it is paved and parking is free of charge, making it a popular starting point for hiking the Sibillini Mountains.
The mountain pass of Forca di Presta stands at 1.550 m above sea level, and the way to the rim is relatively short (3.7km) but steep (+700m elevation gain). You will then reach the Bivouac Tito Zilioli (2.250m above sea level), which is located on the Sibillini Crests Loop Trail.
If you start from Forca di Presta, you’re looking at a 18km-long hike. However, due to the height of the Bivouac on the loop, the overall elevation gain is greater compared to the following options.
Via Forca Viola
Forca Viola is another mountain pass in the Sibillini National Park. Unlike Forca di Presta, Forca Viola is located directly on the loop but cannot be reached by car.
To reach Forca Viola, you have two options: from Castelluccio or from Fonte San Lorenzo. There is also a third option, from Monte Prata, which makes the hike much longer.
From Castelluccio di Norcia
(Blue + Black) Starting from the dirt road near Castelluccio (1310m above sea level) is probably the most popular option. The total distance is 22 km, with an elevation gain of approximately 1200m.
From Fonte San Lorenzo
(Red + Black)Starting from Fonte San Lorenzo (1396m above sea level) saves you 4 km compared to the previous option, resulting in an 18 km-long hike. The last section of the road is unpaved but in decent condition.
Part of the trail to reach Forca Viola is shared with the route from Castelluccio, but you reach Capanna Ghezzi (a point on the first section of the trail) much sooner. However, the first 800m are very steep.
From Monte Prata
(Purple + Black)Starting from Monte Prata isn’t a popular choice, as it involves combining the peaks of the Sibillini Crests Trail with two additional mountains: Mount Argentella and Palazzo Borghese.
Not surprisingly, the hike is much longer when starting from here, resulting in a total distance of 27 km. However, starting at a higher elevation (1652m above sea level) means the total elevation gain is lower.
From Foce
Foce is another starting point to hike the Pilato Lake and the Sibillini Crests Trail. However, it is the one with most elevation difference and we won’t discuss it into details in this post.
Our Experience Hiking the Sibillini Crests Trail
We opted for one of the longest option available, starting from Monte Prata and making a 27-km long hike.
It’s a challenging, full-day hike, but the reward is well worth the effort. Be sure to attempt it on a clear, sunny day with good weather conditions for the best experience.
NOTE: If you’re only interested in the Sibillini Crests Trail, skip the first part and go straigth to Forca Viola, which marks the beginning of the 10-km loop.
Starting Point: Monte Prata
Sitting at about 1650m above sea level, Monte Prata is a great starting point for hiking several mountains in the Sibillini. It’s typically chosen by those who want to hike Palazzo Borghese, Monte Porche, or Sibilla due to its proximity.
However, it can also be the starting point for the Sibillini Crests Trail, as long as you’re up for the challenge. There is a wide and well-maintained parking area in Monte Prata, making it the ideal spot to leave your car and get your boots on.
The first section of the hike is easy, following a dirt road with a slight incline for a couple of kilometers. As you walk, the views open up to reveal the Pian Perduto and Castelluccio di Norcia below.
We began our hike at around 5 am. Although the sun remains hidden behind the mountains until about 7 am, the colors are stunning during this early morning trek.
Continue on this road until you reach the first landmark: Fonte della Jumenta.
Fonte della Jumenta
This fountain is often used by sheep herders, and it’s common to find sheep here between June and September/October.
Be aware of sheepdogs, though. They’re typically calm when the herder is around, but if you go early in the morning (like we did), they might come at you and follow you, barking. If that happens, stay calm and hope the herder is nearby.
From here, continue on the only trail. Refer to the picture below to find the trail on the left side.
Your next stop will be Palazzo Borghese, the first mountain on this route.
From the Fonte, Palazzo Borghese is about 2km away, with a positive elevation of 400m (1300ft) and it will take you around 45 minutes to get there.
The views on the way up are stunning, but they become even more breathtaking once you reach the top.
Palazzo Borghese
Palazzo Borghese is a striking peak in the Sibillini, standing at about 2,145 meters (7,037 feet). Its rugged and dramatic profile makes it a standout in the area. The mountain offers amazing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the vast Sibillini range and the rolling hills below.
The trail will lead you between two impressive mountains: Palazzo Borghese on the right and Sasso di Palazzo Borghese on the left. “Sasso” means “rock” in Italian, and the name is fitting—check out the following pictures to see why it’s called that!
The rocky massif is quite impressive, especially considering it’s hidden behind the otherwise gentle mountains. It’s definitely a surprising and striking feature of the landscape.
As the trail continues, you will now be heading towards the next mountain: Monte Argentella.
Monte Argentella
Monte Argentella is another notable peak in the Sibillini Mountains, standing at an elevation of around 2.200 meters (7,208 feet). It’s recognized for its rugged beauty and striking presence within the range.
The name “Argentella” translates to “Little Silver Mountain,” reflecting its shimmering, rocky surfaces that catch the light in a captivating way.
You don’t need to hike to the summit of Monte Argentella to continue on your route, as the trail passes along its side. However, if you’re up for a bit more adventure, there are a couple of trails that will take you to the summit if you wish to explore it.
The views from Monte Argentella are truly impressive. If you hike in June or early July, you’ll be treated to a stunning spectacle of blooming fields in Castelluccio di Norcia. It’s a breathtaking sight that adds an extra layer of beauty to your adventure.
You will then pass by Casale Argentella, which is another trademark along the route. After about 8.4km from the start, you will finally reach the first point on the Sibillini Crests Trail Loop: Forca Viola!
Forca Viola
Forca Viola is a prominent mountain pass in the Sibillini Mountains. It stands at an elevation of about 1,845 meters (6,050 feet), and it serves as a key point for hikers, connecting Lake Pilato with Castelluccio and the Sibillini Crests Trail.
The pass acts as a natural gateway between different valleys and peaks, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes. The area around Forca Viola is known for its rugged beauty, with steep slopes, rocky outcrops, and alpine meadows.
This is where the actual Sibillini Crests Trail Loop actually begins.
From Forca Viola, you can follow the trail that ascends to the right in the first picture above. There’s a small crossroad at the start, but make sure to take the upper trail. This is what the trail looks like.
As you hike, you’ll be on the side of two mountains: Quarto San Lorenzo and Cima dell’Osservatorio.
The trail doesn’t take you to the summits of these mountains, but there are alternative routes that lead all the way up if you’re interested. These trails might not be very visible on the way up, but you’ll find them easier to spot on the way down if you decide to explore them.
You need to hike about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) with a 500-meter (1,640 feet) elevation gain to reach Cima del Redentore from Forca Viola.
Cima del Redentore
Standing at 2,448 meters (8,031 feet) above sea level, Cima del Redentore is the second-tallest peak in the Sibillini range. This is the first true summit you’ll reach on this trail, and it’s sure to impress.
The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking. You can take a moment to sit and soak in the stunning landscape or use it as a perfect spot for a well-deserved break.
Before continuing, be sure to take a short detour from the summit of Cima del Redentore to Pizzo del Diavolo.
Pizzo del Diavolo
To reach Pizzo del Diavolo, take a short detour from Cima del Redentore. It’s just 400 meters (about 1,300 feet) one way, but remember you’ll need to backtrack after visiting.
Also, be aware that this section of the trail is quite exposed. If you have a fear of heights, you might want to carefully consider whether to proceed.
Pizzo del Diavolo is one of the most scenic peaks in the Sibillini Mountains, and the route to reach it is equally breathtaking. Below, you can see some sections of the trail that highlight its stunning scenery, as well as the potential dangers of the exposed terrain.
As you make your way back to Cima del Redentore, prepare for another stunning section of the hike. The trail here continues along the crests, passing by several more peaks and offering spectacular views along the way.
The Crests
The stretch of the hike between the peak of Redentore and Cima del Lago traverses the crests, offering some of the most scenic and beautiful views of the entire hike. Alongside the trail to Pizzo del Diavolo, this section is particularly stunning.
Cima del Lago, visible on the left in the picture below, is approximately 1 km away.
Along this section of the hike, you can see Pilato Lake from above for the first time. Unfortunately, during our visit, the lake had very little water, as you can clearly see in the picture below. We will discuss this in more detail in a later section.
Cima del Lago
The next stop is Cima del Lago, the final peak before the descent begins. Cima del Lago, meaning “peak of the lake,” is named for its excellent vantage point overlooking Pilato Lake.
This is also the last ascent of this section of the hike. While the climb up is relatively easy, the descent from Cima del Lago towards Rifugio Zilioli is quite rough. Exercise caution as you make your way down.
Rifugio Tito Zilioli
As you go down from Cima del Lago, you’ll spot a mountain hut in the distance: Rifugio Tito Zilioli. The Tito Zilioli bivouac is a mountain shelter located at an altitude of 2,250 meters above sea level, in Sella delle Ciaule near Forca di Presta.
Just 1.5 hours downhill is Forca di Presta, one of the main starting points of the hike. As a result, this area is often quite busy, with many people stopping to eat and rest.
Inside the bivouac, one section is always open for hikers in emergencies, offering four beds without mattresses. Another section, featuring six beds with mattresses, can be booked online at this link.
From Rifugio Tito Zilioli, descend into the caldera towards Pilato Lake. Initially, there is no defined trail, so you’ll need to navigate down the grassy slope. The massif directly in front of you as you descend includes Redentore and Pizzo del Diavolo.
After a while, you will spot the trail which will be soon followed by a danger sign. This section is called Le Roccette.
Le Roccette
The danger sign marks the beginning of a section called “Le Roccette“. The hazard lies in the exposure of this trail, with a significant drop on the left side. Exercise extreme caution if you hike this trail on a windy day or under unfavorable conditions.
After a while, you will reach the bottom of the caldera, home to the glacial Pilato Lake!
Pilato Lake
The Pilato Lake is a glacial lake that varies in size and appearance with the seasons and from year to year.
In spring and early summer, the lake is at its fullest, fed by melting snow. As temperatures rise through summer, the water level drops due to evaporation and reduced snowmelt, leaving behind a rocky bed by late summer or early autumn.
The lake’s water level can vary significantly depending on annual snowfall and climate conditions. Heavier snowfall results in a fuller lake, while drier or warmer years lead to lower water levels, affecting the lake’s ecosystem, including the unique Chirocephalus marchesonii crustacean.
We visited the Pilato Lake in July 2024, and the level of the water was particularly low. This little water is somewhat typical of late september, definitely not of july. For reference, here is a picture of Pilato Lake taken in June 2021:
Hike back to Forca Viola
From Pilato Lake, you’ll need to hike through the caldera towards Forca Viola to complete the loop. This section is about 4 km long and, while less dramatic than the crests, still features some scenic viewpoints.
The trail is mostly flat, with two brief but steep sections near the end.
Once you reach Forca Viola, you’ve completed the loop and can head back to your starting point. For us, however, there were still about 8 km and two more mountains to conquer before we returned to the beginning of our hike.
Best Tips to Hike the Sibillini Crests Trail
The most important tip for tackling the Sibillini Crests Trail is to bring plenty of water. We each brought 3L, and it still wasn’t enough. The hike is strenuous, and in the summer months, there are no water sources along the way.
You’ll also want to pack snacks since the hike takes all day. Choose something light yet packed with energy to keep you fueled throughout the journey.
Regardless of the season, dress in layers and bring a warm coat. The weather in this area can change rapidly—even on sunny days—and temperatures can drop dramatically.
Snow can linger on the trail until April or May, depending on the year, so only attempt this hike if you’re confident in your abilities.
If you’re in a group and want to shorten the trip, consider leaving one car at Forca di Presta and another at a different starting point. This allows you to turn the loop hike into a point-to-point trek, making it shorter. However, if you plan to descend to the lakes, you’ll still need to retrace your steps all the way up to Rifugio Zilioli.
Best Time to Hike the Sibillini Crests Trail
The best time to hike the Sibillini Crests Trail is in spring, particularly in late May and June. This is when the snow melts, filling Pilato Lake to its fullest, showcasing its stunning beauty.
June also marks the peak of the Castelluccio fields’ bloom, offering one of the most spectacular views in Italy.
For those who prefer warmer weather, the summer months provide the perfect conditions, with the opportunity to do a night summit hike to Mount Vettore and catch a breathtaking sunrise. Early autumn is also a great time for hiking, before the first snowfall, though expect cooler temperatures.
Weekends attract many day hikers in the Sibillini Mountains, so if you want to avoid the crowds, we highly recommend hiking on a weekday if possible.
