Cima dell'Osservatorio: how to get there and trails

Where Cima dell'Osservatorio is located

The peak belongs to the southern subgroup of the Sibillini, the one between Forca di Presta and Passo Cattivo. Along the ridge it sits between Punta di Prato Pulito (2,373 m) and Quarto San Lorenzo (2,247 m). Seen from the Piano Grande di Castelluccio, it appears in the ridge that runs from Cima di Forca Viola to Cima del Lago. That line of peaks hides Monte Vettore and the valley of Lago di Pilato from view.

How to get to Cima dell'Osservatorio

No roads lead to the summit: park at a starting point and continue on foot. Forca di Presta is reached from the SS 4 Salaria, turning off for Arquata del Tronto and following the signs for the pass. It lies at about 1,500 m, at the foot of Monte Vettore, and is the best-known gateway to the Piani di Castelluccio.

Foce di Montemonaco, an old shepherds' village, can be reached by car. From here the route enters the Lago di Pilato valley, where scree slopes come down from the surrounding peaks. A third option is to start from Castelluccio di Norcia and climb to the ridge via Forca Viola.

Trails and hikes to Cima dell'Osservatorio

From Forca Viola (1,936 m), a historic pass between the eastern and western sides of the Sibillini, follow the ridge south. The route passes Cima di Forca Viola and Quarto San Lorenzo, then reaches Cima dell'Osservatorio. Between these last two peaks the ridge section is short. The route continues toward Cima del Redentore over rocky, exposed passages.

Another route starts from Forca di Presta and follows trail 101, then runs along the Redentore ridge. It takes in Punta di Prato Pulito, Cima del Lago and Cima del Redentore, and descends north to the Osservatorio. This ridge loop is demanding. The Redentore route that passes the Osservatorio is graded EE, meaning for expert hikers.

When to visit Cima dell'Osservatorio

The peak is climbed all year round, but in winter it changes character. The northeast gully is used as a winter ascent route. On the ridge toward Quarto San Lorenzo there is a steep little gully with a large snow cornice at its exit. Wind and fresh snow can make even the climb up the Lago di Pilato valley tiring. It is wise to check the weather and snow conditions before setting out.

What to see near Cima dell'Osservatorio

Along the same ridge are Quarto San Lorenzo and Cima del Redentore, the second-highest summit of the Sibillini after the Vettore, at 2,448 m. Not far away are Cima del Lago and Cima di Forca Viola. Lago di Pilato lies at 1,941 m, below the Vettore, and is home to the Chirocefalo del Marchesoni, an endemic species. The Park asks visitors not to disturb this delicate habitat. The other peaks of the massif are on the page peaks of the Sibillini Mountains.