Sibillini trail 257: Impianti Belvedere – Monte Porche (ref:261)

The route of Sibillini trail 257

The first kilometer climbs below Monte Cornaccione (1,769 m) to an elevation of 1,760 m. Here two trails join one after the other: trail 272 from the Val di Bove at km 1.2, and trail 259 from Macchie at km 1.5.

The route continues on a gentle climb to the Passo Cattivo, at 1,869 m, at km 2.9, where trail 222 comes up from the other side. The Fonte del Lupo spring, on trail 259, is the nearest water source on this section: about 230 meters below the trail.

After the pass, the ridge section begins. In one kilometer the trail gains 150 m, reaching Cima di Passo Cattivo (2,065 m); it then stays between 2,000 and 2,070 m for three kilometers, passing below Cima di Vallinfante (2,113 m). The last 300 meters coincide with trail 261, on the flank of Monte Porche (2,233 m).

Trail 257 technical details

Trail 257 is part of two of the Park's hiking routes, both graded EE. Route E8, "Nel regno del camoscio" (In the realm of the chamois), uses it in its first section, between Frontignano, Monte Cornaccione and trail 272. Route E9, "L'orrida gola dell'Infernaccio" (the fearsome Infernaccio gorge), climbs from Rubbiano to Capotenna and the Passo Cattivo, but the section from the second junction for the Eremo di San Leonardo to Arcofù is currently closed to vehicles and pedestrians by ordinance of the Municipality of Montefortino. From the pass, according to the Park, it is possible to descend the other side of the Sibillini toward Ussita, Castelsantangelo sul Nera or Visso.

The start of trail 257, at the Belvedere ski lifts, lies within the area of the gondola lift construction site mentioned in the warning.

Along the entire E8 route the Park does not allow dogs, not even on a leash.

Sibillini trail 257 map

Once on trail 261, hikers can continue toward Palazzo Borghese and the Passo di Sasso Borghese, or descend to the Monte Prata parking lot, about 4 km away.