Pizzo del Diavolo: how to get there and trails
Pizzo del Diavolo is a 2,410 m peak in the Sibillini Mountains, part of the Monte Vettore group inside Sibillini National Park (province of Ascoli Piceno, Le Marche). It towers over the northern side of Lago di Pilato (Lake Pilato) and drops toward the water in a great rocky spur. Hikers reach it along the ridge that starts from Cima del Redentore, but the face is also a mountaineering objective: its climb is considered one of the hardest in the Sibillini. The name, like that of the Gola dell'Infernaccio, evokes a world of devils.
Before you go
Rules and orders: Park website. Snow and avalanches: Meteomont bulletin.
Where Pizzo del Diavolo is located
The peak rises above Lago di Pilato, which lies at 1,941 m. The lake valley falls within the municipality of Montemonaco and occupies the southeastern side of the Sibillini. At its head stand Monte Vettore (2,476 m) to the east and Cima del Redentore (2,448 m) to the west. Pizzo del Diavolo is reached from Cima del Redentore, beyond a saddle.
How to get to Pizzo del Diavolo
There are two starting points. The first is Foce, a hamlet of Montemonaco at about 950 m, at the far end of the Piano della Gardosa. From Montemonaco a paved road descends into the Aso valley, then a right turn leads to Foce. Cars are left at the edge of the village.
The second is the Forca di Presta pass, at 1,536 m, where there is plenty of room to park.
Pizzo del Diavolo trails and hikes
From Forca di Presta the route climbs to the Zilioli hut, then follows the ridge over Cima del Lago and Cima del Redentore. From the Redentore a sharp, exposed ridge leads to the summit. The peak can also be reached from Foce di Montemonaco.
A loop from Forca di Presta that takes in Pizzo del Diavolo and Lago di Pilato is long and tiring and takes a full day. It is graded EE, meaning for expert hikers. To descend to the lake, the route returns to the saddle between the Redentore and the Pizzo and follows an awkward scree slope that loses a lot of elevation.
At the foot of the peak is the stretch known as the "Portico," dangerous because of rockfall. Landslides from the 2016 earthquake left new scree fields on the slopes. The wind can be very strong and the weather changes quickly.
For climbers, the Northeast Arête (Spigolo Bafile) is one of the best-known classic routes in the Sibillini. The setting is remote and the approach is long.
When to go to Pizzo del Diavolo
The hike from Foce to Lago di Pilato is recommended from late spring to fall. The lake re-forms every year from snowmelt. Checking the weather before setting out is a good idea. On the ridge the wind can be strong and conditions change rapidly.
What to see near Pizzo del Diavolo
Lago di Pilato is the only natural lake in Le Marche. Its waters are home to the Chirocefalo del Marchesoni, a small endemic crustacean. The Park describes it as the most fragile ecosystem in the protected area. The only historic trails recognized by the Park are those linking Foce to the lake. Other tracks are unmarked and can be dangerous.
Along the ridge are Cima del Redentore, Cima del Lago and Cima dell'Osservatorio, where a weather observatory once stood. From Punta di Prato Pulito (2,373 m) the view takes in the lake valley, Monte Vettore and Pizzo del Diavolo. Monte Argentella is also in the area. Montemonaco is home to the Sibyl's Cave Museum, currently closed for restoration. The list of other summits is on the page peaks of the Sibillini Mountains.