
Duration
9-10 hours
Distance
22 km
Elevation Gain
+1750m
Extended adventure to the deepest glacial lake in Romania. The trail passes through different forest stages, offering a living lesson in mountain geography, culminating with the majestic Zănoaga Lake.
DJ685 Valea Râu Mare → pass by Academy Cabin → cross streams through beech forest → transition through mixed stage → spruce zone → enter juniper → Aradeș-Zlata alpine plateau → Saddle (2120m) → descent to Zănoaga Lake and refuge.
Trail photos provided with permission from A.P.N. Retezat (www.retezat.ro) - used for educational purposes and tourism promotion.
Trail Marking
Red triangle, blue cross

Mountain hiking requires proper equipment and preparation. Check weather conditions before departure and inform others of your route.