Petreasa Circuit
Trail map
Route, springs and shelters: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · elevation: Copernicus DEM © DLR e.V., © Airbus DS · Data & licences
About the trail
Route Petreasa Circuit. Has red marking (local route, Casa de oaspeți Podina). Waymarking data: OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL).
Marked local tourist route. Marking is red, sign — a circle on a white background. Marked and maintained by: Casa de oaspeți Podina. Length of the route — 12 km, the route is circular. Location: mountain range — Bihor and Vledyasa, Romania. The route passes through the Apuseni Natural Park. According to the park administration, camping is allowed only in designated areas: in the Sighiștel valley, in Padiș, Ik-Ponor, and Gârda de Sus.
At a glance
A one-day loop route of 12 km with 465 m of ascent. Estimated walking time: about 4 h, not counting stops. Difficulty: moderate. Waymarking: red.
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: 12 km ÷ 4 = 3 h + 465 m ÷ 600 = 0.8 h, about 4 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
- 0–1 kmGentle ups and downs at 1,080–1,130 m
- 1–4 kmClimb of 360 m (up to 1,486 m)
- 4–6 kmAlong the ridge at 1,480–1,550 m
- 6–12 kmDescent of 460 m (down to 1,088 m)
Steepest kilometre: km 1–2, a climb of 150 m (≈15%).
Water and overnight stays
Springs near the trail: at km 3, 6, 7, 9 and 12.
When to go
Best time: May to October. In winter deep snow is possible, so experience and winter gear are needed.
Getting there
This is a loop: it brings you back to the start.
FAQ
- How long does the route take?
- Estimated walking time: about 4 h, not counting stops.
- Is there water on the route?
- Springs near the trail: at km 3, 6, 7, 9 and 12.
Water and shelter on the route
- Spring below Sturu (south-east slope)km 2.6 from the start · Not verified · 1 302 m
- Vieții Springkm 5.5 from the start · 260 m off the path · Not verified · 1 560 m
- Spring below Pietroasakm 7 from the start · Not verified · 1 479 m
- Spring below Petreasa (east slope), 1 418 mkm 7.9 from the start · Not verified · 1 418 m
- Spring below Petreasa (east slope), 1 371 m (2)km 8.7 from the start · Not verified · 1 371 m
- Spring below Sturu (south-west slope)km 11.8 from the start · Not verified · 1 104 m
Comments and trail condition
Travellers’ experience: reports, tips, questions.
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Trails nearby
All trails
Hard1–2 daysMarkedGârda de Sus Vărășoaia SaddleElevation profile727–1 436 m31.8 kmascent 1 186 m≈ 10 h walking
EasyOne-dayMarkedGhețar Dealu Frumos LoopElevation profile1 088–1 230 m5.2 kmascent 138 m≈ 1.5 h walking
ModerateOne-dayMarkedGhețar PadișElevation profile821–1 354 m18.3 kmascent 690 m≈ 5.5 h walking
