The Pilato glacier and the lake with living fossils

Up to the Pilato lakes in search of a small but very ancient friend that’s still alive and kicking

The meeting point will be in Castelluccio di Norcia, where you’ll need your own means of transport to reach Forca di Presta, which will be the real starting point on our excursion.

From Forca di Presta we will begin to climb the ridge of Monte Vettore along a path of rare beauty on the peaks that dominate the Umbria-Marche Apennines, from where the view seems endless. This trek will not only be stunningly beautiful and exciting, but will challenge you and level of your fitness, with its 14-km length and 700-metre climb.

We will first reach the Zioli mountain shelter and then, immediately after the last demanding climb, arrive at the Laghi di Pilato, which seems to have dug a hole out right on the summit of monte Vettore. Today, these lakes are where one of the largest Pleistocene glaciers in the Apennines once stood. The sight of them will amaze you, but that won’t be the real surprise: you’ll discover they are inhabited by a creature of ancient origins, a tiny crustacean that is considered a real living fossil, having managed to withstand the passage of various eras to survive to the present day. This unforgettable excusion will fill you with awe and wonder as you behold nature at its most sublime.

The descent will be via Forca Viola, and then on to Capanna Ghezzi before returning to Castelluccio.

Plan

1
Briefing

h. 09:30
2
First part of the trail

h. 09:40
3
Lunch break

h. 13:00
4
Second part of the trail

h. 14:00

Recommended clothing

For this activity we recommend comfortable clothing that does not restrict your freedom of movement.
Bring a windcheater/anorak with you, even if the activity takes place in the summer months.
We recommend you wear trekking footwear.

We also recommend you bring:
– A comfortable backpack suitable for cycling/walking
– A warm sweater, such as a technical sports shir, for sudden drops in temperature
– A change of clothes (especially socks) in case of sudden rain
– Hat with a sun visor
– Warm hat
– Gloves
– Sunscreen.

Included

Expert guide

Not included

No other equipment is included, so you will need to equip yourself with whatever accessories you feel necessary, such as walking sticks, sunglasses, binoculars, etc.

Time

The activity will last about 6,5 hours, including small stops. However, the duration may vary depending on the pace of the group and the need to take fewer or more breaks.

Languages

Italian
English

When

You can enjoy this experience only from 15/5 to 15/10.

Children

This activity is not allowed for children under the age of 14 years.

Pet policy

Pets are generally allowed, if easily managed. We invite you to liaise with our staff to check whether you can bring along your four-legged friend.

Requirements

To do this activity it is essential to have a good level of physical fitness and to be in good health.

Additional information

This activity includes a lunch break, so we advise you to bring a packed lunch or to select the option ‘packed lunch’ so that we can provide it for you. Don’t forget to tell us about any allergies, intolerances or other special dietary needs: we will be happy to adapt your lunch to your needs.
We strongly advise you to bring a camera to take photos of the spectacle of nature that will appear before you.

Important

This activity can only be undertaken in favourable weather conditions, which will be evaluated by our partner and confirmed 48 hours in advance. In case of poor weather conditions we will immediately contact you and propose an alternative activity or a refund of the price paid.
This activity is subject to our operators’ availability. We have a large selection of collaborators capable of leading this activity, but if on the day you selected we do not have operators availabile, we will immediately, or in any case within 48 hours of booking, suggest an alternative activity you might wish to do or the choice of receiving a full refund of the price paid.
The times shown in the program are indicative and may vary according to your requests or those of the other participants in the group. These are always and in any case previously agreed with our staff or with the guide.

Data sheet

Recommended clothing

We recommend comfortable clothing

Warm hat

Hat with a sun visor

Trekking footware

A change of clothes (especially socks)

Windcheater/anorak

Gloves

Backpack suitable for walking

A heavy sweater, a technical sports-style sweater is ideal

Sunscreen

Included

Expert guide

Not included

No other equipment is included, so you will need to equip yourself with whatever accessories you feel necessary, such as walking sticks, sunglasses, binoculars, etc.

Everything that’s not listed under the heading ‘what is included’.

Time

The activity will last about 6,5 hours, including small stops. However, the duration may vary depending on the pace of the group and the need to take fewer or more breaks.

Languages

Italian

English

When

You can enjoy this experience only from 15/5 to 15/10

Requirements

To do this activity it is essential to have a good level of physical fitness and to be in good health.

Suitable for children

Provided they are accompanied by their parents

Over the age of 15

Pets are allowed

If easily managed

We invite you to liaise with our staff to check whether you can bring along your four-legged friend.

Additional information

This activity includes a lunch break, so we advise you to bring a packed lunch or to select the option ‘packed lunch’ so that we can provide it for you. Don’t forget to tell us about any allergies, intolerances or other special dietary needs: we will be happy to adapt your lunch to your needs.

We strongly advise you to bring a camera to take photos of the spectacle of nature that will appear before you.

Important

This activity can only be undertaken in favourable weather conditions, which will be evaluated by our partner and confirmed 48 hours in advance. In case of poor weather conditions we will immediately contact you and propose an alternative activity or a refund of the price paid.

This activity is subject to our operators’ availability. We have a large selection of collaborators capable of leading this activity, but if on the day you selected we do not have operators availabile, we will immediately, or in any case within 48 hours of booking, suggest an alternative activity you might wish to do or the choice of receiving a full refund of the price paid.

The times shown in the program are indicative and may vary according to your requests or those of the other participants in the group. These are always and in any case previously agreed with our staff or with the guide.

Always communicate through Exploring Umbria to ensure you receive the best bespoke service to suits your requirements. In order to protect your payments, never transfer money via channels outside the Exploring Umbria website.

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