Places
Hike·Hard·Sporty·Popular
Calderone Glacier, Campo Imperatore
Abruzzo
The Calderone on the Gran Sasso massif is the southernmost glacier in Europe — a glacieret at 2,700 m in a north-facing cirque of Corno Grande (2,912 m). It has retreated dramatically: 50 m coverage in 1990 to roughly 3 ha today. The ascent from Campo Imperatore (2,130 m) crosses the scree and the high cirque. The Gran Sasso has 10 endemic plant species. Rock partridge (rare, declining) lives on the approach.
Duration
6 hours
Distance
14 km
Elevation
+1000 m
Best season
July – September
Highlights
- Southernmost glacier in Europe — 3 ha and retreating fast
- 10 endemic plant species on the Gran Sasso massif
- Rock partridge on the approach — rare and declining
With your dog
Glacier approach; experienced dogs only.
