Monte Cinto – Corsica Regional Natural Park

You can park at the hotel and GR20 refuge "Hotel Le Chalet" in Haute-Asco. Hike starts from there in nice forest but after some minutes already changes into very rough rock that requires a lot of surefootedness and concentration. Very steep!!! In the morning the way up is mostly shady except the last hour to the pass. There the GR20 guys proceed into the next valley because GR20 does not include the Monte Cinto top. To reach it plan one more hours and very rough climbing! Don't underestimate the way back and down, it's sunny then and your feet are tired. Bring at least 3 liters per person or refill at indicated source next to little Lac d'Argentu (see pictures). Sticks might help you in some parts but are mostly a problem when climbing with both hands (unavoidable!) Don't bring kids or anxious nor untrained people up here. Big backpacks are also of no help.

The walking time is not correct!!! It took me 7:50 up and down! Not recommended in fog or clouds, you get lost very quickly. There was already snow/ice in front of the Bocca, which is very challenging in places. Have fun trying it out.

My hardest tour so far. With the sunrise in the Asco Valley we started on Monte Cinto. This is where the 4th and probably demanding stage of the GR20 starts. The forest soon thins out and it becomes increasingly rocky. It goes almost exclusively over scree fields and climbing passages (grade 1) upwards. We take a break for breakfast on a plateau. We almost overlooked the small Lac d'Argento on the ascent after the break. The ascent over the gravelly northern flank of Monte Cinto requires my full attention and I'm already thinking about the descent. At the Pointe des Éboulis, the ascent route separates from the GR 20. We take a break before we start the last section to the summit. From here we need another hour to the summit. Then we are actually standing on the highest peak in Corsica. The view is stunning. Then it's time for the descent. The same way back. After 11 h we arrive back in the valley.

Very challenging hike especially on the last part. Fear of heights or vertigo, refrain

Certainly not the most technically difficult 2000m peak in Corsica, but the highest and therefore an absolute must for every mountaineer who is here on the island. Since we didn't make it to the summit in June, it was an absolute must on the second attempt. The ascent should not be underestimated......... the gradients are consistently demanding and the terrain, as usual in Corsica, impassable. I would rate the trail as T4 / UIAA I because there are no really tricky climbing spots or exposed passages. All the slightly more difficult sections are secured with chains and can therefore be done without any problems. In addition, the path initially runs on the GR20, which makes navigation by cell phone superfluous over long distances. Anyone who has ever been to Corsica understands why this is an important factor. Up to the Pointe des Éboulis, the biggest difficulty is actually the slippery scree terrain, which can get uncomfortable at times. Since the GR-20 was relocated, the Pointe des Éboulis has been its highest point. From here you can already see the summit of Monte Cinto at almost the same height. However, you cannot go straight across on the ridge, you have to descend and ascend a few more times on the right-hand side of the rocky terrain. There are actually markings here (red dot). The view is of course outstanding......... just see for yourself 😉 In addition, the best weather with only mild wind on this side, which made the whole thing unexpectedly warm. Descent then via the ascent path and sometimes wild rumgerutsche on the numerous boulder fields. You really have to be careful here.