The Altomontana track of Etna by Enduro, 40 km between lava fields, forests, craters and volcanic caves.

The Pista Altomontana is one of the most iconic and fascinating trail in the Etna Park. This itinerary circumnavigates the volcano at an altitude between 1,500 and 2,000 meters, crossing unique landscapes that alternate centuries-old forests, lava fields and stratified flows. With a length of about 40 km, the trail connects ancient mountain refuges and areas characterized by extraordinary biodiversity, where endemic flora blends with lunar landscapes of rare beauty. Accompanied by expert guides and using high-end full-suspension Enduro e-bikes, participants will live an experience of maximum comfort and safety, exploring the volcano in a sustainable and immersive way.

First Phase: Meeting and Briefing

The meeting point is close to the Rifugio Sapienza, where the guide will welcome the participants, assign the e-bikes, calibrating them based on weight and height, and conduct an introductory briefing. During this phase, information on the program, the characteristics of the trail and the safety rules will be provided.

Second Phase: The Altomontana Track

The itinerary runs along a path alternating spectacular lava fields with suggestive wooded areas. The first stage includes a stop at one of the Etna refuges, ideal for taking photographs and learning more about the geology and endemic flora of the volcano with the help of the guide.

Third phase: Short trekking along the rift

After passing the highest point of the Altomontana track, we reach the Monte Nunziata cave, where we will leave the e-bikes to get a short trek that leads along one of the largest volcanic rifts of Etna. Walking for a few hundred meters, you face an uphill stretch, at the end of which an extraordinary panorama opens up before your eyes, extending to the extreme western borders of Sicily. The route continues on the edge of the rift surrounded by a landscape of great charm. It is not uncommon to spot birds of prey flying over the deep fractures below.

Fourth phase: The beech forest of the Monti Spagnoli

We leave the fracture to get back on the ebikes to enter in the kingdom of beech trees. This tree species typical of mountain forests dominates this side of the mountain creating a unique environment.

Fifth stage: The single track on the lava field

Suddenly, from the thick of the forest, we find ourselves on a lava strip, barren and arid, the product of the 1981 eruption. Here you will test your stability on two wheels, tackling a short single track on the lava surrounded by a landscape of particular beauty, made up of hornitos, craters and scoria cones.

Sixth phase: The Dammusi pass and the Lamponi cave

3 km after the single track we arrive at the Passo dei Dammusi, kingdom of pahoehoe lavas, typical of Hawaiian volcanoes and very rare on Etna. In fact, less than 20% of the lavas emitted by Monjibello are of this type. The Passo dei Dammusi is also the product of the longest eruption of Etna, lasting about 10 years, from 1614 to 1624, with 1 billion cubic meters of lava emitted, covering a surface of 21 km on the north side. Here, based on the timing, the guide will evaluate whether to extend the stop for a visit to the beautiful Grotta dei Lamponi.

Seventh phase: End of the journey and return

We leave the Passo dei Dammusi to face the last kilometers that take us to the final point of the tour on the north-east side. Here, after a short stop at the refuge, we set off for the return by shuttle to the starting point (40min).