Cima di Passo Cattivo: how to get there and trails

Where Cima di Passo Cattivo is located

The peak sits on the ridge between Monte Bove and Cima di Vallinfante (2,113 m). To the west the walls drop almost vertically toward the Macchie valley, while to the east the slope descends gently toward the Val Tenna.

How to get to Cima di Passo Cattivo

From Frontignano a dirt road leads to the Cornaccione parking area, from which the Passo Cattivo road climbs. Until December 31, 2026, however, this approach passes through the construction zone of the Frontignano-Cornaccione gondola lift, where Municipality of Ussita ordinance no. 48 of August 25, 2026 bans passage even on foot.

For Macchie, a hamlet of Castelsantangelo, follow the road for the Sorgenti del Nera (springs of the Nera) and then the signs for Vallinfante and Macchie; park at the entrance to the village.

The third approach starts from the Monte Prata ski area.

Trails and hikes to Cima di Passo Cattivo

From the pass, starting from Frontignano, the summit is reached in about an hour, when the approach is open. A long loop from Frontignano also takes in Monte Bove, Monte Bicco and Cima di Vallinfante: it is difficult, takes a full day and is closed even on foot until December 31, 2026 on the section from Frontignano.

From Macchie the route, through the woods below Monte Cornaccione, is for expert hikers only. The trail is only partly marked with the white and red signs, and in some stretches only faint tracks remain.

From Monte Prata the route passes Cima di Vallinfante, from which the summit takes about 30 minutes (1.8 km and 65 m of ascent). CAI trail 257 from Monte Prata to Passo Cattivo runs below the peak: the turnoff for the summit is not marked.

When to visit Cima di Passo Cattivo

By mountain bike, from Nocria to Passo Cattivo, the recommended period is from June to October. It is wise to check the weather before setting out and to choose days with good visibility, because in some stretches you need to find your way along faint tracks.

The 2016 earthquake left its mark on the route: below the walls of the west side rockfalls can occur, and some trails in the area were closed because of the danger of falling rocks. In addition, until December 31, 2026, the construction site of the Frontignano-Cornaccione gondola lift bans passage, even on foot, on some stretches above Frontignano: before setting out, it is wise to check trail status on the Park's ordinance map.

What to see near Cima di Passo Cattivo

Along the ridge it is also possible to climb Monte Bove Sud (2,169 m) and Monte Bicco (2,052 m). For the other peaks in the area, see the page on the peaks of the Sibillini.

In Macchie there is the Church of San Giovanni Battista.