Via Cresta Occidentale

Via Cresta Occidentale is a 0.6-mile point-to-point route in Abruzzo, Italy, inside Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga. It runs between about 8,460 ft and 9,360 ft above sea level, with roughly 130 ft of climbing one way. It is alpine hiking on rough, exposed ground where you may need your hands for balance; it is for experienced hikers. Most of the way is gravel. It is mapped as a named hiking route, with the sections joined into one trail here. The nearest town is Prati di Tivo, about 2.1 miles south of the trailhead. Peaks within about 3 miles include Corno Grande - Vetta Occidentale, Torrione Cambi and Corno Grande - Vetta Centrale. Cascata della valle dell'Inferno and Cascate Rio Arno are within about 3 miles. For camping, Camping Funivia del Gran Sasso and Bivacco piane del fiume are within about 6 miles. There are 11 other mapped trails within about 3 miles, so you can combine or extend the outing. Distances, elevations and the route shape here come from OpenStreetMap and the Copernicus 90 m elevation model. Trails, access rules and conditions change, so check locally before you go.