The excursion from Foce to the lakes of Palazzo Borghese
There is a trekking excursion, in the Montemonaco area, to be done absolutely during the period of late spring. A walk that leads to the ephemeral lakes of Palazzo Borghese, so called because they are formed when the snow thaws, and by mid-June they are already dry. It is one of the most beautiful adventures to do in spring in the Sibillini. For those who love flowering and the spectacle of the views, it is the ideal context. As there is a lot of difference in altitude, it is not a suitable trek for everyone. It takes a bit of training, as the climb will test your muscles a little, and the descent could be a nuisance for ligaments and joints. But up there, when you get to the lakes, you will find paradise!
Features excursion
Where to start: before arriving at Foce di Montemonaco, after having walked through the short tunnel, on the right you will find a small brick house and a tabernacle dedicated to the Madonna. You can leave your car at the side of the road, where there are suitable spaces for off-road parking. From here, just to the right of the tabernacle, the gravel path starts immediately uphill.
- Departure: Montemonaco
- Difficulty: intermediate
- Equipment: trekking shoes, hat and lots of water.
- Duration: 4 hours (without stops) - Round trip
- Difference in altitude: 700 m.
- Length: 8 km A / R
- Type: ring
- Recommended period: May-June
The excursion
There is a rather challenging first part, as it is all uphill and mostly under the sun. It will be a good battle of muscles, therefore we recommend keeping a slow and steady pace, favoring a few stops under the shade of the shrubs. However, it will be nice to notice the beauty of flowering in spring on the surrounding meadows. The climb will then continue inside a beautiful beech forest, where the shade will soothe your eventual distress. Nature here will give you a sense of freshness and breath. Then, after the wood, we arrive at an uncovered and panoramic part: here meadows, flowers, rocks will dot the space. You will be able to start admiring the magnificent panorama as you continue walking. You will discover all the main peaks of the Sibillini Mountains, and at the end you will begin to see the lakes of Palazzo Borghese from above.
Arrived at the goal, you will be entranced by the figure of the lake surrounded by mountains. Borghese Palace, with its rocky shape, it will seem to protect the ephemeral pond. The meadows around the lake will be a soft ground to rest and have a picnic. We remind you that a particular mollusk lives inside the lake, similar to the one found in the Pilato Lakes.
To return, go down through the '' Canalone '', which is located just below the pond, easily visible. After about a km, the way back continues through a beautiful forest. You will arrive a little further on than where you started. At the end of this path you will find a picnic area, and continuing the road on foot to your left towards Rocca, you will quickly arrive at the parking lot.
