Râușor – Pietrele Hut

Start: Râușor

Range: Retezat Mountains

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6.4 kmLength

647 mAscent

336 mDescent

1 825 mMax. altitude

1 178 mMin. altitude

Trail map

Route, springs and shelters: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · elevation: Copernicus DEM © DLR e.V., © Airbus DS · Data & licences

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About the trail

Route Râușor – Pietrele Hut. Has blue marking (local route). Waymarking data: OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL).

Marked local tourist route. The marking is blue, the sign is a cross on a white background. The length of the route is 6.4 km. Location: mountain massif – Retezat, Romania. The route passes through Retezat National Park. Visiting the park is paid: according to the administration, the ticket costs 10 lei and is valid for 7 days (it can be purchased at bilete.retezat.ro). You can only walk on marked paths, open fires are prohibited, and dogs must be kept on a leash.

At a glance

A short route of 6.4 km with 647 m of ascent from Râușor to Pietrele Hut. Estimated walking time: about 2.5 h, not counting stops. Difficulty: moderate. Waymarking: blue.

Route stages

0–4 kmClimb of 620 m to Ciurila Saddle
4–6.5 kmDescent of 310 m to Pietrele Hut

Steepest kilometre: km 3–4, a climb of 210 m (≈21%).

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 0, 3.5, 5 and 6.5.

Huts and shelters near the trail: Pietrele Hut (km 6.5).

When to go

Best time: June to September. In winter only for experienced hikers with proper gear: avalanche danger is possible. About 4 km of the route runs above 1,500 m, where the weather changes quickly — check the forecast.

Getting there

Start: Râușor. This is a one-way route: the finish is 3 km from the start in a straight line, so plan your way back in advance.

Directions to the start in Google Maps

FAQ

How long does the route take?: Estimated walking time: about 2.5 h, not counting stops.
Is there water on the route?: Springs near the trail: at km 0, 3.5, 5 and 6.5.
Where can I stay overnight?: Huts and shelters near the trail: Pietrele Hut (km 6.5).

Water and shelter on the route

Spring below Ciurilă (north-west slope)km 0 from the start · 260 m off the path · Not verified · 1 169 m
Spring below Ciurilă (west slope)km 3.7 from the start · Not verified · 1 705 m
Spring below Lolaia Nord (north-east slope)km 5.1 from the start · Not verified · 1 700 m
Pietrele Hutkm 6.4 from the start · Standing · 1 480 m
Spring below Ciurilă (south-east slope)km 6.4 from the start · Not verified · 1 493 m

All springs of the Carpathians All Carpathian huts

Walk this route in 3DReal terrain, satellite map, Carpathian forests Play

Wildlife along the route

All

In season nowSpotted nutcrackerNucifraga caryocatactesA brown bird with white spots of the spruce forests that hides thousands of nuts and seeds of the cedar pine — and thus plants the forest.

Mountain pinePinus mugoMountain pine is a sprawling pine that forms impenetrable krummholz above the tree line. It is impossible to pass through it off the trail.

In season nowWhite-throated dipperCinclus cinclusA bird of mountain streams with a white 'bib' that dives and runs along the bottom against the current. It can be seen all year round.

Based on naturalists’ records nearby (GBIF, iNaturalist), matched by altitude, habitat and season. Sightings are not guaranteed.

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Trails nearby

All trails

HardOne-dayMarkedPietrele Hut Retezat PeakElevation profile1 489–2 482 m5.9 kmascent 993 m≈ 3.5 h walking

HardTwo-dayMarkedRâu de Mori Retezat PeakElevation profile501–2 482 m19.4 kmascent 1 984 m≈ 9 h walking

HardOne-dayMarkedPietrele Hut Vârful Marevia Lake GaleșElevation profile1 414–2 429 m6.9 kmascent 1 024 m≈ 4 h walking