Monte d’Oro
The climb up Monte d'Oro leads to the 2,389-meter summit of a rocky pyramid in the heart of the Rotondo massif. Its central location makes it an exceptional natural observatory, offering a 360-degree panorama of the island from coast to coast: from the Gulf of Ajaccio in the west to the Urbino lagoon and the Mediterranean Sea in the east, with breathtaking views of Corsica's highest peaks.
This magnificent loop hike crosses the Vizzavona pine forest on the way up, then progresses through a mineral world where rocky ridges and granite chaos accompany you to the summit, before descending through the Agnone Valley and its famous Cascades des Anglais.
Remarks
Ideal period: June to October. Please note that snowfields may persist late in the season, particularly in the north-facing chimney. Check the conditions carefully before setting off.
Trailhead: Vizzavona train station, easily accessible by train from Corte or Ajaccio.
Difficulties and description of the hike
Monte d'Oro is a very challenging hike with a total elevation gain of 1,520 meters over 15.4 kilometers. The trail begins gently in the Vizzavona Forest and follows the red and white markings of the GR20 to the Agnone footbridges. After that, you leave the GR20 to follow yellow markings that will guide you to the summit.
The ascent gradually becomes more technical: the slope steepens, and the landscape transforms into a mineral world punctuated by scree and boulders, which sometimes require some scrambling. The main technical difficulty is a short chimney near the summit where you must take a few easy climbing steps to cross large boulders.
On the descent, the markings become less obvious on the ridges between the summit and the junction with the GR20. You must be constantly vigilant to avoid losing the trail, though the terrain does not present any real difficulties. You will then rejoin the GR20, which will lead you back to Vizzavona via the Agnone Valley.
What you'll love
- An exceptional panorama from the summit: spectacular views of much of Corsica, including the east and west coasts and the highest peaks of the island, such as the Rotondo massif.
- An isolated, uncrowded summit, offering a beautiful high-mountain experience.
- The descent through the Agnone Valley and the magnificent natural pools of the Cascade des Anglais, perfect for cooling off after the climb.
Hike technical sheet
➡️ Hiking parameters
➡️ Hiking parameters
➡️ Hiking parameters
REMARKS
Ideal period: June to October. Please note that snowfields may persist late in the season, particularly in the north-facing chimney. Check the conditions carefully before setting off.
Trailhead: Vizzavona train station, easily accessible by train from Corte or Ajaccio.
Difficulties and description of the hike
Monte d'Oro is a very challenging hike with a total elevation gain of 1,520 meters over 15.4 kilometers. The trail begins gently in the Vizzavona Forest and follows the red and white markings of the GR20 to the Agnone footbridges. After that, you leave the GR20 to follow yellow markings that will guide you to the summit.
The ascent gradually becomes more technical: the slope steepens, and the landscape transforms into a mineral world punctuated by scree and boulders, which sometimes require some scrambling. The main technical difficulty is a short chimney near the summit where you must take a few easy climbing steps to cross large boulders.
On the descent, the markings become less obvious on the ridges between the summit and the junction with the GR20. You must be constantly vigilant to avoid losing the trail, though the terrain does not present any real difficulties. You will then rejoin the GR20, which will lead you back to Vizzavona via the Agnone Valley.
What you'll love
- An exceptional panorama from the summit: spectacular views of much of Corsica, including the east and west coasts and the highest peaks of the island, such as the Rotondo massif.
- An isolated, uncrowded summit, offering a beautiful high-mountain experience.
- The descent through the Agnone Valley and the magnificent natural pools of the Cascade des Anglais, perfect for cooling off after the climb.
Slideshow
Nearby hikes
GR20 Stage 10: From Vizzavona to Capannelle
- Difficulty : Moderate
- Duration : 5 h 30 m
- Distance : 14 km
- Elevation gain : 950 m
Cascade des Anglais
- Difficulty : Easy
- Duration : 1 h 30 m
- Distance : 2.7 km
- Elevation gain : 150 m
Bergerie de Tolla
- Difficulty : Easy
- Duration : 4 h
- Distance : 11.1 km
- Elevation gain : 360 m
GR20 Stage 9: Alpine variant
- Difficulty : Hard
- Duration : 7 h
- Distance : 11.5 km
- Elevation gain : 1090 m
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