Where is Colletto di Pezza?

Where is Colletto di Pezza?

Italy, europe

Length

12 km

Elevation

2,102 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Colletto di Pezza! Nestled high in the Velino-Sirente mountain range in the province of L'Aquila, Italy, this spot is seriously stunning. We're talking about a peak reaching 2,102 meters (that's almost 6,900 feet!).

The road up? Buckle up, because it's a wild one. Forget smooth asphalt – this is a 12km (7.45 miles) unpaved climb that's super steep and seriously narrow in places. You'll need a vehicle that can handle the rough stuff, and keep in mind, it's generally closed to private cars. Starting from the paved Strada Statale 696, the route winds its way up to the Rifugio Vincenzo Sebastiani right at the summit. Expect incredible views and a real sense of getting off the beaten path! Just be prepared for a challenging but rewarding journey.

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Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
12 km
Max Elevation
2,102 m
Difficulty
hard

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