The trail

This great plateau is the Abruzzo mountains at its most alluring. These huge intra-mountain plains roll on for as far as the eye can see. Biking through Campo Imperatore, which is also known as ‘Little Tibet’ for the way it mirrors the endless plains of the Asian steppe, is a memorable experience. The Campo Imperatore Plateau, which is 27 km in length and an average of 8km in width, lies at over 2000 metres above sea level and is adjacent to the highest peak of the Apennines, the Corno Grande. With approximately 300km of trails, the Gran Sasso National Park is a treasure trove for mountain bikers.

Apart from Campo Imperatore, you will also bike through other dramatic plains, like the saffron plains of Navelli. You will also pass through the medieval ruins of villages like Rocca Calascio, Castel del Monte and Santo Stefano di Sessanio.

Riding surface

Average mileage

Expect a long day of biking, a minimum of 75km with at least 1500m elevation gain. You will bike from Lago Campotosto to Rocca di Mezzo via the Campo Imperatore area and Navelli. You can also extend your ride to head for the top of Gran Sasso d’Italia, the centrepiece of the eponymous national park.