Sasso di Palazzo Borghese: how to get there and trails

Where Sasso di Palazzo Borghese is located

The Sasso rises within Sibillini National Park, in the Montemonaco area. Not far away is the Passo di Sasso Borghese, at 2,057 m. Next to it is the summit of Palazzo Borghese, which reaches 2,145 m and is a separate mountain from the Sasso.

There are no villages in the immediate vicinity. On the Umbrian side the nearest is Castelluccio di Norcia; on the Adriatic side it is Foce, near the source of the Aso river.

How to get to Sasso di Palazzo Borghese

To climb from Foce, a hamlet of Montemonaco, drive there and leave the car in the village's small square. The trail starts a few dozen meters' walk away, at a picnic area with wooden tables where the Park signposts are.

The alternative is Monte Prata, in the municipality of Castelsantangelo sul Nera. From Forca di Gualdo follow the level road east. After about 2 km it reaches the ski lift parking lot, at about 1,650 m, where you can park.

Sasso di Palazzo Borghese trails and hikes

From Foce the route climbs through the Canale, a stretch that opens up in the woods and gets steeper and steeper, up to the small lake at the foot of the East face. The loop from Foce is long, with a large elevation gain, and takes a good part of the day. It is considered difficult. As you gain height, signage becomes scarce.

From Monte Prata there is also a loop with less elevation gain. It takes in Monte Porche, Sasso di Palazzo Borghese and Palazzo Borghese. It follows a farm track to the sheepfold. After the sheepfold, at a fork, take the right-hand trail toward Palazzo Borghese. Along the way you may come across flocks with sheepdogs.

The last few meters to the top of the Sasso are challenging: they are airy and steep and require a great sense of balance.

When to go to Sasso di Palazzo Borghese

The area is visited all year. In spring the distinctive small lake at the base of the Sasso can be seen. In winter the climb from Foce is done on snowshoes: deep fresh snow makes the ascent tiring. The area of Monte Porche, Palazzo Borghese and Monte Argentella is among the most popular with ski mountaineers. The route from Monte Prata has no shade at all, so in summer it is wise to be equipped accordingly.

What to see near Sasso di Palazzo Borghese

The Laghetto di Palazzo Borghese, the small lake below the face, can be reached only on foot. Its waters are home to the crustacean Chirocefalo della Sibilla. From the Passo di Sasso Borghese the route continues to nearby Monte Argentella. For a longer outing there is a traverse from Monte Prata that passes Palazzo Borghese and Forca Viola. It then reaches Cima del Redentore and Cima del Lago. An overview is on the page on the peaks of the Sibillini Mountains.