Monte Cinto

By the way, for us it was Thursday 2 October, not the 1st. We were lucky with the weather. On the 3rd, the weather wasn't as favourable, as far as I can remember, which can change everything. With this experience under your belt, you'll succeed if you go back. And I agree with you, the random markings are really stressful and can waste a lot of time.

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Cold in the morning (ice on rocks at high altitude) and winds of 60 km/h and above at the summit, according to a Corsican guide we met on the way (the climb was sheltered but still a bit windy, so we thought we might not be able to reach the summit of Cinto), but luckily the wind died down before we reached the scree slope. So the weather was fine and clear! And we went for it.
NB: I don't know how to share photos

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Hello,
Congratulations on your success!
What was the weather like at the summit?
Do you have any photos to share, if the surroundings were visible?

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Date of your route : Oct 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

This hike is difficult and presents just about every possible challenge of a very technical terrain. It requires considerable experience and a great deal of vigilance (including random markings that sometimes differ from the proposed route, which caused us some stress during the ascent). We completed certain sections without poles and on all fours, similar to a small climb.

We completed the round trip in 10 hours (excluding meal breaks), as indicated in the description (phew, thank goodness), 5½ hours for the climb to Monte Cinto (4½ hours to Pointe des Eboulis), 4.5 hours (3.25 hours from Pointe des Eboulis) for the descent in dry weather, which is just enough time to get back before nightfall (departure at 8 a.m., return at 7 p.m.).

From Pointe des Éboulis (GR20) to Monte Cinto (outside the GR20), it took us longer than expected (it took us 1 hour 15 minutes instead of 45 minutes as sometimes stated in certain descriptions), with a short but tiring climb (we went slowly and carefully), and it felt like we would never arrive, which affected our morale and efficiency (three small peaks to climb/descend before reaching the right summit, which seemed so close...).

Thank you for the route and recommendations, which were very useful.

In the end, we're still very happy we did it, but I don't think we'll be going back ;-)

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Date of your route : Oct 04, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

In my opinion, this is a very, very difficult route, where you sometimes have to venture off the marked trails, into technical passages or exposed areas that are best avoided, as the markings are not always placed in the most sensible locations. You therefore need to use your imagination or experience to choose the right passages along the route.

As for the trail itself, only the first part, up to the forest exit, is relatively pleasant. After the small footbridge that crosses the river, things get exponentially more complicated. Long sections equipped with cables precede a difficult and very, very steep climb. The times indicated in the descriptions are slightly underestimated; in my opinion, it is impossible to reach the summit in less than 6.5 hours.

We only made it to Pointe des Éboulis, leaving at 8 a.m. from the Asco car park. At the top, extremely strong winds forced us and several other hikers to turn back.

According to those who did manage to reach the summit and whom we met on the way down, the final stretch was even more difficult: a series of climbs and descents requiring climbing skills, where the footholds are not always secure!

In conclusion, even though the landscape is magnificent, I do not recommend this route, even though it leads to the highest peak.
The associations that manage this park should do a better job of providing more precise signage and, on the final section, install chains or metal steps to provide better handholds.

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Good evening. Yes, I think it's best to follow the route indicated in my track. On the ground, without the Visorando track, the markings can be random...

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Date of your route : Nov 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

I don't understand the other reviews that gave 5 stars for the ease of following the route, unless it's in relation to the app, but I didn't use my phone, I relied on the markings, which were very poorly indicated.

I wasn't the only one who got lost; two Germans and a couple did too. As a result, I walked for at least twelve hours...

REDIT: I would also add that the real problem with this hike was the false cairns, which also led me astray from the markings.

Despite this major negative point encountered during the climb, everything else was wonderful. It was quite a journey, which I recommend to those who are well prepared and in good physical condition.
I would also like to add that it is essential to pack your bag carefully and travel as light as possible, while still taking the most essential items with you.

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Date of your route : Sep 16, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The Cinto offers an incredible panoramic view, but... it has to be earned. The difficulty lies not in the length of the route or the elevation gain, but in the challenging terrain. There are rocks everywhere: large steps, smooth slabs, scree of all sizes and gravel that rolls underfoot. The markings between the top of the scree and the summit are not obvious and require constant vigilance.
A beautiful and very long day

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Date of your route : Aug 09, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A splendid solo challenge hike, with an ultra-mineral landscape and rocks everywhere. Breathtaking views from the summit on a clear day. It's well worth the effort required to climb for 2½ hours over scree, then 45 minutes to the summit of Cinto (follow the red dots and yellow markings, not the ridge). Descend via the same route, which is quite technical, so you need to keep your footing to avoid slipping. Thank you for the trail

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Hello Jean Philippe
It is possible to do it on All Saints' Day, as winter has not yet arrived. I did it in October without any problems.
However, depending on the weather at the time, the climb may be disrupted by clouds. It's best to choose a good day to enjoy the 360° view from the summit. Be careful not to overlook the fact that the sun rises later and night falls earlier...

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Hello,
we are planning to do this hike with a group of friends.
I see from the various comments that the climbs have always been undertaken in summer.
Would it be unrealistic to consider doing it during the All Saints' Day holiday?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Kind regards
Jean-Philippe

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Date of your route : Jul 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hike completed with my 10-year-old son (a good walker).
We set off at 7am from the car park and climbed in relative shade to Lac d'Argentu (2,300m) in 2 hours and 15 minutes. The colour of the lake was wonderful... A bit of improvised sledging on a large snowfield with a plastic bag and a snowball fight on 16 July! No major difficulties, but almost constant caution is required in this purely mineral environment. Chains are available (not necessarily useful, but they can be reassuring).
Another 45 minutes to the Pointe des Éboulis and its friendly choughs, who are very interested in food!
From the top of the scree (from where you can see Lake Cinto), follow the red markings and scattered cairns (another 45 minutes to 1 hour) before reaching the summit! Breathtaking views and a cool breeze, which is welcome given the heat! The return trip is a bit long (another break at the lake is welcome) and requires you to keep your strength and lucidity if you want to move quickly, especially on the scree slopes.
Bring at least 3 litres of water per person or something to purify it (you can find places to fill your bottles up to the lake, but this may not always be possible).

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Date of your route : Sep 05, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Departure at 6:45 a.m. from the car park.
We weren't alone, but each group found its own pace, so it wasn't too much of a bother.
There was shade all along the climb, which was much appreciated!
Please note that the times given in the description and in previous reviews should be taken with a pinch of salt and are only achievable (I think) by experienced hikers and/or trail runners +++.
We are good hikers, not experienced but good walkers nonetheless, and it took us 11 hours to complete this hike! 4½ hours to the Pointe des Éboulis, 2 hours there and back to the summit and another 4½ hours to descend from the Pointe des Éboulis. The terrain is very, very technical (but doable).
Once at the summit, with a cloudless blue sky, the thrill is guaranteed. The view is definitely worth the detour. (Other summits such as Monte Stello also offer beautiful views and require less effort, that said).
So here are a few tips: set off as early as you can, be in good shape, wear good shoes with good grip, take walking sticks, carry at least 3 litres of water and be prepared to sweat!

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Date of your route : Aug 10, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We set off at 6:45 a.m. (15 minutes after sunrise) from the Haut-Asco car park and were able to climb in the shade to the top of the scree slope. Unsurprisingly, there were lots of people on the trail, but it was the middle of summer. There were no difficulties with the markings on the way up, and a few chains helped us to cross some of the larger rocks. We had a slight doubt on the descent between two markings below the point of the scree, but quickly cleared it up with the GPS.

We were good walkers but not experienced trail runners. It took us 2 hours and 45 minutes to reach the top of the scree slope and then another hour to reach the summit of Monte Cinto. One of our group, who was a little tired and uncomfortable with climbing rocks, took 1 hour and 20 minutes.
The descent from the summit to the point of the scree is not that difficult for those who are used to scrambling over rocks, but I saw several people struggling, probably due to the altitude and a lack of technique for climbing and descending rocks. The descent down the scree slope is challenging, so you need to conserve your energy. In the end, it takes about the same time as the climb, unless you are very sure-footed.

In terms of temperature, it was 15 degrees in Asco Haut in the morning and 22/23 in the afternoon (compared to 35 in the plains), but quite logically it dropped during the climb. There was a bit of wind at the top. You need to bring a change of wet T-shirt or at least a small micro-fleece and a windbreaker. We drank almost 5 litres of water each.

This is one of the most beautiful hikes I have done in Corsica, but it is only suitable for experienced walkers with good stamina.

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Date of your route : Aug 11, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

The trail does not exactly follow the GR20 path at the end of this section (before turning left to finish the ascent to Monte Cinto), but you just need to follow the GR markings, as well as the white and red dots at the end of the trail, which are quite visible. The scree and rubble make the trail difficult from the small bridge onwards, so it is essential to wear suitable footwear (the best option is a pair of flexible/lightweight trail shoes with studs and stone guards). There is a bit of rock climbing and a few sections where you need to watch out for falling rocks; walking poles can be useful, but they can also be cumbersome on some sections...
The last part after the GR remains very difficult with descents/ascents over scree, but it's worth it once you reach the top, even if today there were clouds and therefore reduced visibility.
My times, travelling light and regularly practising trail running: 3 hours to climb to the top of the GR, 20 minutes more to get to Monte Cinto, 2 hours to come back down - 1.5 litres of water was a bit tight, 2 litres would have been better.

To reach the car park, go right to the top of the resort (3 km after the campsite) - GPS devices don't necessarily have the route to the end, and WAZE places Asco Haut on a car park further up.

Thanks for the route!

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