Sasso d'Andrè: how to get there and trails

Where Sasso d'Andrè is located

Sasso d'Andrè lies in the Montegallo area, within Sibillini National Park, at an elevation of 2,100 m. It rises on the long ridge that runs from Monte Vettore (2,476 m) toward Monte Torrone (2,117 m). From the Torrone the route drops to a grassy saddle and climbs back up to the summit. Continuing northwest along the ridge leads to the Sella del Banditello. From the summit, in the opposite direction, a short but steep stretch leads to a small saddle at about 2,050 m, from where the crest starts climbing again.

How to get to Sasso d'Andrè

The most frequently described route starts from Forca di Presta, where cars are left. Trail no. 101 begins opposite the road junction. After about an hour it passes the cross in memory of Tito Zilioli. Then it climbs to the Rifugio Zilioli, at the Sella delle Ciaule (about 2,240 m), and from there to the summit of Monte Vettore.

From Monte Vettore the ridge leads toward the Torrone and then Sasso d'Andrè. An alternative starts from Colle di Montegallo. It climbs trail E15 to the Fonte del Pastore, traverses the east-northeast side of Monte Vettore and reaches the ridge. The return is from the Sella del Banditello, descending to the Conglomerati and the Fonte del Pastore.

Sasso d'Andrè trails and hikes

The classic route from Forca di Presta is a long hike over Monte Vettore, Monte Torrone and Sasso d'Andrè in sequence. Trip reports give about 17-19.5 km and an elevation gain of 1,450 to 1,650 m. It takes 8-9 hours including stops. On the route described, it is about 3 km from Monte Vettore to Sasso d'Andrè, to be covered with care.

The ridge alternates easy stretches with rough, airy ones that require concentration. It is best tackled in settled weather, ideally after several days of good conditions. Sasso d'Andrè is also crossed by the traverse from Foce di Montemonaco to Forca di Presta via Monte Torrone.

When to go to Sasso d'Andrè

The summit is of interest all year. The trail up Monte Vettore from Forca di Presta can be walked in every season. In summer it is exposed to the sun, so the cooler morning hours are recommended. In August the stretch to Monte Vettore is very crowded, especially with people heading to see Lago di Pilato (Lake Pilato). For the ridge, the weather precautions given above apply.

What to see near Sasso d'Andrè

Monte Vettore is the highest peak in the Sibillini. Below its summit, at an elevation of 1,941 m, lies Lago di Pilato, home to the Chirocefalo del Marchesoni, a species endemic to the lake. Along the way the views take in the Piano Grande di Castelluccio and, on clear days, more distant ranges. On the same ridge are Il Pizzo, that is Cima di Pretare (2,281 m), and Monte Torrone. For other peaks in the group there is the page on the peaks of the Sibillini Mountains, with Cima del Redentore and Cima del Lago.