Highlight • Summit
Lake Peak
Hiking
5.0
(45)
Routes leading to this Highlight may be dangerous
Routes may comprise technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini
Tips
September 19, 2023
Hiking
•
September 20, 2021
Hiking
•
July 20, 2025
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Lake Peak
4.6
(79)
679
hikers
9.37km
04:13
830m
830m
Embark on a difficult hike from Forca di Presta to Cima del Lago, a challenging route that covers 5.8 miles (9.4 km). You will gain 2732 feet (833 metres) in elevation, requiring about 4 hours and 13 minutes to complete. As you climb, you'll experience the rugged terrain of the central Apennines, passing Monte Vettoretto. From there, you can spot the distant Monti della Laga and Gran Sasso mountain ranges. The trail offers expansive views of the Castelluccio Plain and the distinctive glacial Lake Pilato, with the Adriatic Sea sometimes visible on clear days.
This difficult trail demands good physical preparation before you set out. You can access the trailhead by car, with free parking available at Forca di Presta. Be aware that if snow is present, the route takes on an alpine character, making an ice axe and crampons necessary. The exposed ridges are also prone to strong winds and lightning during storms, so always check the weather forecast carefully before starting your hike.
This route is a rewarding adventure within the Monti Sibillini National Park, known for its dramatic landscapes. The trail's high elevation provides a unique perspective of the region's geology and natural beauty. It is an excellent choice if you are looking for a strenuous but memorable experience in the Apennine mountains.
4.9
(24)
127
hikers
17.6km
07:55
1,320m
1,320m
Prepare for a difficult hike through the Monti Sibillini National Park, covering 11.0 miles (17.6 km) with a significant 4327 feet (1319 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 7 hours and 55 minutes. This loop trail leads you through a narrow glacial valley, offering dramatic views of peaks like Monte Vettore. You will encounter varied terrain, from alpine paths to unstable scree and exposed sections, demanding robust footwear and careful footing. The iconic Lake Pilato, often called "the lake with glasses" due to its shape, is a highlight, nestled beneath vertical rock walls and displaying captivating shades of purple, blue, and green.
This route is considered hard and requires a good level of physical fitness, sure-footedness, and prior alpine hiking experience. Specialized equipment and technical mountain clothing are recommended due to the challenging nature of certain segments. Be aware that a particular descent from Roccette, below Rifugio Zilioli, is strongly discouraged even for experienced individuals due to its exposed nature and high risk of falling.
Lake Pilato is a unique glacial lake, the only natural one in the Marche region, and home to the endemic *Chirocefalo del Marchesoni*, a small, red, belly-swimming crustacean found nowhere else. The Monti Sibillini are steeped in folklore, with Lake Pilato central to legends involving witches and even Pontius Pilate. The trail offers an authentic high-mountain experience within a protected area renowned for its wild beauty and diverse wildlife, including the Apennine wolf and golden eagle.
5.0
(3)
27
hikers
19.9km
09:26
1,440m
1,440m
This difficult 12.4-mile loop in Monti Sibillini National Park offers dramatic alpine scenery, including the unique Pilato lakes.
Details
Informations
Elevation 2,470 m
Weather
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Saturday 20 June
27°C
18°C
40 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h
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