Length: ~27 km
Estimated duration: 3–4 hours (including short breaks)
Trail type: Circuit
Elevation difference: +940 m
Difficulty: Hard
Road type: Mixed (gravel roads and natural trails)
Recommended bike: MTB or E-MTB
Recommendations: Proper route planning is essential. Make sure to bring appropriate gear (helmet, grippy footwear, layered clothing) and plenty of water. This trail is suitable for riders with moderate to good physical fitness. The ascent is steady and demanding, while the descent features some technical sections that require control and experience.
This is a moderately difficult trail that starts in Bulzestii de Sus and leads to Gaina Mountain—a legendary site known for hosting the traditional Girls’ Fair (Targul de Fete) and home to Iancu’s Cross, blessed in 1925 in the presence of King Ferdinand I of Romania.
The route begins on Drumul Iancului (“Iancu’s Road”), a gravel path winding through cool beech and fir forests, before continuing on natural mountain trails that climb steadily toward the alpine meadows. As you ascend, the views become increasingly spectacular, opening up to the majestic ridgelines of the Apuseni Mountains.
The descent follows the ridge near Gaina Peak, along Halmagelului Ridge, offering sweeping views of Bulzul Mare, and on clear days, you can even spot the Retezat Mountains in the distance. The trail passes through the hamlet of Giurgesti, with its traditional mot households—guardians of authenticity and rural heritage.
POINTS OF INTEREST
- Gaina Mountain Peak