The volcano was steaming in places as well. There is regular bus service to the trail. The trail to the crater rim is wide, well maintained, and with a railing most of the way. Some enterprising folks will provide you with a walking stick at the beginning and request a contribution when you return it on the way down. Like most parks, there is an entrance fee - here it is collected at the TOP of the trail just below the crater rim.
Access is limited to the lower crater rim.
There are souvenir shops located at the entrance, the top of the old lift, and at the end of the trail. Hundreds of people hike up each day. In spite of all this - the view of the crater and the view down the mountain are impressive and well worth the trip. I would like to know any advice on how we can get to the trailhead to climb Vesuvius. It is our goal to summit and do an analysis of the regional history of Campania and how Vesuvius shaped it.