Bocca Minuta Hike
Key facts about the hike
- Difficulty
- Hard Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
- Duration
- 6h Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
- Distance
- 13.9km
- out and back
- Elevation gain
- 1,150m
- Type of route
- Out and back
- Maximum altitude
- 2,218 m
- Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
- Slightly
- Marked
- Partially
- Popularity
- Low
- Region
- Center
- Start point
- 42.33078, 8.93179
- Activity
- Hiking
Hike overview
The hike to Bocca Minuta will take you to the entrance of the Cirque de la Solitude, located in the heart of Corsica's highest mountains. This grandiose, mineral world is dominated by the majestic Paglia Orba and its jagged peaks. First, the route follows the current GR20, then it joins the old route between the Tighjettu refuge and Bocca Minuta. Following the tragic accident in the Cirque de la Solitude in 2015, this historic passage was abandoned and the official route was modified.
At an elevation of 2,218 meters, Bocca Minuta provides stunning vistas of the Cirque de la Solitude and the striking, colorful ridge of Punta Rossa. Unlike the busy main GR20 trail, you can enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere on this lesser-known section of the old route.
Map and elevation profile of the hike
Bocca Minuta Hike
Difficulties of the hike
The ascent to Bocca Minuta is physically demanding, with a 1,150-meter elevation gain over the 13.9-kilometer round-trip distance. The route begins on a forest track and climbs steadily alongside the Crucetta stream to the Tighjettu refuge. Up to the refuge, the trail is well marked: first with yellow markers to the Ballone sheepfolds, then with red and white markers (GR20).
Beyond the refuge, take the old GR20 route to Bocca Minuta. Although the markings are still there, they have gradually faded over the years and are no longer renewed. The environment then changes radically: the trail crosses a very mineral landscape consisting of rocky slabs and scree with a sustained, rugged climb to the pass.
What you'll love
- Magnificent panoramic views throughout the route: The majestic Paglia Orba (2,525 m), Corsica's third-highest peak and one of the most beautiful, as well as the jagged ridges of Capu Ucellu, Tighjettu, and di a Crucetta, accompany you for much of the route.
- The view from Bocca Minuta: After your climb, enjoy a spectacular bird's-eye view of the Cirque de la Solitude and Punta Rossa.
- Walking the legendary GR20 route, which combines the current route with the historic old route.
- The magnificent natural pools of the Crucetta stream, ideal for a refreshing swim.
Practical information
Trailhead
A small parking lot commemorating the 1970 plane crash is located at the end of the D318 road after Calasima.
Historical context
The old GR20 route used to pass through the Cirque de la Solitude. Following the tragic accident in June 2015 that claimed seven lives, the GR20 was officially rerouted via Pointe des Éboulis. Although the cirque is open again, it is no longer part of the official route, and all equipment (chains, ropes, and ladders) has been removed.
Tighjettu Refuge
The fourth refuge on the north-south GR20 route. It is located at an altitude of 1,683 m and is staffed from June to September. The refuge offers food and a small grocery store.
Photos
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Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/corsica/bocca-minuta/