
Duration
8-9 hours
Distance
18 km
Elevation Gain
+1550m
Direct and shorter alternative to Zănoaga Lake, with intense climbing among ancient spruce. Recommended for experienced mountaineers wanting to quickly reach the alpine zone.
Gura Apelor entrance → steep climb in switchbacks through spruce → gain 600m altitude to treeline → juniper and dwarf pine zones → meet trail from Gura Zlata → Aradeș-Zlata alpine plateau → max point 2120m → Zănoaga Lake.
Trail photos provided with permission from A.P.N. Retezat (www.retezat.ro) - used for educational purposes and tourism promotion.
Trail Marking
Red triangle from Gura Zlata to "La Pir"

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