Pizzo Tre Vescovi: how to get there and trails

Where Pizzo Tre Vescovi is located

The mountain lies in the northern part of the Sibillini, on the Marche side, between the provinces of Macerata and Fermo. It is enclosed by four depressions: the Val di Panico to the west, the Val d'Ambro to the east, the Valle del Fargno to the north and the Forcella Angagnola to the south.

The Forcella del Fargno, at 1,811 m, separates it from the slopes of Monte Rotondo. The Forcella Angagnola marks the passage between the ridge of Pizzo Tre Vescovi and that of Pizzo Berro. The Rifugio del Fargno stands at the foot of the north face.

How to get to Pizzo Tre Vescovi

The most common starting point is Pintura di Bolognola, at about 1,340 m, a resort with ski lifts reached from Bolognola on the SP 47. There is a parking area here. The Strada del Fargno starts at Pintura and leads in a few kilometers to the Forcella del Fargno and the hut.

In recent years the Strada del Fargno from Pintura has been opened by the ordinances of the Comune di Bolognola only on foot or by bike (in addition to authorized vehicles). Openings can vary, however, so it is wise to check the current ordinances before setting out. When there is snow the road is dangerous, especially in spring, because avalanches can come down from the slopes above.

The alternative is the Ussita side. From Visso take the SP 134 toward Ussita and follow the road to Casali, where a yellow sign points to the Rifugio del Fargno. The ascent through the Val di Panico also starts from Casali di Ussita.

Pizzo Tre Vescovi trails and hikes

Several trails leave the Rifugio del Fargno across the flanks of the mountain:

• the Val di Panico trail;
• the trail to the Forcella del Fargno and the road toward Pintura di Bolognola;
• the trail to Casali di Ussita;
• the southern ridge to the Forcella Angagnola, toward Pizzo Berro or the Valle dell'Ambro;
• the eastern ridge over the Pescolletta or the Forcella Bassete, toward Castel Manardo and Campolungo.

Short climb from the hut. This is the easiest route: from the hut a direct climb reaches the summit in less than an hour, with about 300 m of elevation gain.

Loop from Pintura di Bolognola. The full hike from Pintura climbs to the summit and returns through the Valle del Fargno. It is a long outing that takes much of the day and has a substantial elevation gain. It is of medium difficulty.

A very popular variant leaves the Strada del Fargno just before the old spring and climbs to the Forcella Bassete, at 1,701 m, where it meets CAI trail 241. From there it passes over Monte Acuto, 2,035 m high, and reaches the saddle between Monte Acuto and Pizzo Tre Vescovi. A short stretch of trail then leads to the cross. For the descent, hikers can head for the Forcella Angagnola and the hut, or return to the saddle.

From Casali di Ussita. The loop climbs through the Val di Panico, follows the ridge to the cross and descends to the hut. It is a long and demanding route. The last part of the descent is on a steep, gravelly path where trekking poles help.

By mountain bike. There is also a mountain bike route, considered demanding. The trail that cuts across the side of the mountain to the Forcella Angagnola is narrow and partly exposed.

When to go to Pizzo Tre Vescovi

The mountain is visited year-round, with a different character in each season. From June to October the routes are free of snow, and this is also the recommended period for the mountain bike route. Without snow the climb from the hut is easy, suitable even for children.

In winter the summit calls for equipment and caution. There is a ski mountaineering route from Pintura di Bolognola, and the slopes above the Strada del Fargno are known for avalanches. Checking the stability of the snowpack before setting out is therefore essential.

The mountain weather should be checked before every outing.

What to see near Pizzo Tre Vescovi

From the summit cross the views take in the rock face of Monte Bove, the Val di Panico and the Sibillini peaks as far as Monte Vettore, the highest summit in the range at 2,476 m. Those who climb along the ridge pass close to Monte Acuto, a pyramid-shaped peak.

From the Forcella Bassete hikers can also reach Monte Castel Manardo, at 1,917 m. From the hut toward the Forcella Angagnola the route continues to Pizzo Berro and Monte Priora, also called Pizzo della Regina. The route toward Monte Priora is for expert hikers. The route from Pintura also skirts Monte Amandola, which it passes without climbing to the top.

For an overview of the other summits, see the page on the peaks of the Sibillini Mountains. The nearest mountain with its own page is Monte Bove.