Dealu Ștefăniței – La Vălaie
Trail map
Route, springs and shelters: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · elevation: Copernicus DEM © DLR e.V., © Airbus DS · Data & licences
About the trail
Route Dealu Ștefăniței – La Vălaie. Has blue marking (local route). Waymarking data: OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL).
Marked local tourist route. Marking is blue, sign — triangle on a white background. Length of the route — 5.5 km. Location: mountain range — Rodna, Romania.
At a glance
A short route of 5.5 km with 699 m of ascent from Dealu Ștefăniței to La Vălaie. Estimated walking time: about 2.5 h, not counting stops. Difficulty: easy. Waymarking: blue.
How we estimate walking time
By Naismith's rule, used by mountain clubs and guidebooks: an average hiker walks 4 km an hour on the flat and needs one more hour for every 600 m of ascent. For this trail: 5.5 km ÷ 4 = 1.4 h + 699 m ÷ 600 = 1.2 h, about 2.5 h of walking in total.
- Breaks, snacks and photos: add 20–30 %.
- A heavy pack, children, snow, a wet path or windfall add more; a long steep descent also takes time, especially for the knees.
- The height of the Carpathians (up to 2,655 m) hardly changes the pace — on the ridges wind, fog and weather slow you down.
- Limits: up to 9 h is one day; 9–13 h is a very long day or two; over 13 h means several days with overnight stays.
Route stages
- 0–5.5 kmClimb of 690 m (up to 1,381 m)
Steepest kilometre: km 4–5, a climb of 230 m (≈23%).
Water and overnight stays
A spring near the trail: at km 5.5.
When to go
Best time: May to October. In winter deep snow is possible, so experience and winter gear are needed.
Getting there
Start: Dealu Ștefăniței. This is a one-way route: the finish is 4 km from the start in a straight line, so plan your way back in advance.
FAQ
- How long does the route take?
- Estimated walking time: about 2.5 h, not counting stops.
- Is there water on the route?
- A spring near the trail: at km 5.5.
Water and shelter on the route
- Spring below Capu Munțeluikm 5.5 from the start · 70 m off the path · Not verified · 1 394 m
Comments
Trails nearby
All trails
ModerateOne-dayMarkedDealul Moiseiului Izvorul Albastru al Izei (Blue Spring of the Iza)Elevation profile708–1 385 m15.2 kmascent 793 m≈ 5 h walking
HardOne-dayMarkedTelciu Bătrânei SaddleElevation profile391–1 707 m25.6 kmascent 1 489 m≈ 9 h walking
EasyOne-dayMarkedÎntre Rebre Zânelor SaddleElevation profile882–1 514 m4.4 kmascent 630 m≈ 2 h walking