Monte Torrone: How to Get There and Trails

Where Monte Torrone Is

Monte Torrone is in Montemonaco, in the province of Ascoli Piceno, within the Monte Vettore group. Seen from above, this group forms a "U", and the Torrone closes its arc on the east side. Along the ridge come, in order, Sasso d'Andrè (2,100 m), the Torrone and then the Vettore (2,476 m). The ridge runs between the Fosso di Colleluce and the Valle di Pilato.

How to Get to Monte Torrone

The summit cannot be reached by car. The most common starting point is Foce di Montemonaco, at about 945 m. From the A14, exit at San Benedetto del Tronto/Ascoli Piceno and continue toward Ascoli Piceno. At the end of the Ascoli Mare link road, take the SS4 and, at Mozzano, turn left onto the SP237 toward Comunanza. Then take the SP86 toward Montemonaco and, at the locality of Pignotti, turn off toward Foce (5 km). From Rome, follow the SS4 to the village of Mozzano, where you turn left onto the SP237. After 25 km take the SP86.

Monte Torrone Trails and Hikes

From Foce, trail 132 starts just before the village, at the small pond. It climbs steeply through the beech wood, passes below Monte Banditello and reaches the Sella del Banditello saddle (1,823 m). From the saddle, the route continues south along the broad ridge, with no set path. It reaches Sasso d'Andrè and then the Torrone. The elevation gain from Foce to the Torrone is about 1,200 m. The difficulty is EE, meaning for expert hikers.

From the Torrone it is possible to continue along the ridge to the Vettore. Some sections are exposed. Variants include the Foce–Vettore–Torrone loop. The traverse from Foce to Forca di Presta, a mountain pass, goes instead by the Tito Zilioli hut. The ridge can also be climbed from Colle di Montegallo.

When to Go to Monte Torrone

The route is recommended all year round, as long as there is no snow. It should be tackled in settled weather. It goes above 2,000 m, so it can be cold. High-ankle boots are needed, and trekking poles are very useful. There are no springs along the ridge, so bring enough water.

What to See Near Monte Torrone

From the ridge there are views of Lago di Pilato, the Gran Sasso, the Monti della Laga and the Terminillo. Along the route it is possible to see edelweiss, golden eagles, peregrine falcons and rock partridges. The Vettore is the highest peak of the Sibillini. Lago di Pilato lies at 1,941 m below the Vettore and is the only natural lake in the Marche. Other peaks can also be made out from the ridge, including Monte Argentella, Cima Vallelunga and Cima dell'Osservatorio. Close to the Torrone are also Cima del Redentore and Cima del Lago.