GR20 Stage 12 – Prati to Usciolu
Key facts about the hike
- Difficulty
- Moderate Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
- Duration
- 5h Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
- Distance
- 10.8km
- Elevation gain
- 830m
- Elevation loss
- 900 m
- Type of route
- One way
- Maximum altitude
- 1,992 m
- Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
- Slightly
- Marked
- Yes
- Popularity
- High
- Region
- South-East
- Start point
- 42.00844, 9.21791
- Activity
- Trek - GR20
Hike overview
The twelfth stage of the GR20 north-south trail connects the Prati (1,820 m) and Usciolu (1,750 m) refuges over 10.5 kilometers. It marks a return to a more mountainous route after the relatively fast-paced stages of the GR20 South. The hike takes place primarily along a ridge line, offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea to the east and the Taravo Valley and its mountain villages to the west.
With its moderate elevation gain, this stage is one of the least demanding of the trek. Though the route is exposed, it is less technical than the GR20 North route.
Map and elevation profile of the hike
GR20 Stage 12 – Prati to Usciolu
Description and difficulties of the hike
This stage is characterized by a hilly profile that alternates between ascents and descents on rocky terrain. The route begins with a steady climb of about an hour to Punta della Cappella (2,041 m), the highest point of the day. A short, slightly exposed section below the summit, equipped with metal rungs, requires extra caution.
The trail then continues along the ridge for about two hours, winding between the western and eastern slopes. The terrain alternates between rolling sections and more technical, rocky passages, including a passage through scree after Punta di Campitellu. Sloping slabs become particularly slippery in wet weather.
After descending to Bocca di Laparo (1,521 m), another 400-meter climb leads to Monte Formicula (1,981 m). The stage concludes with an easy, long descent to the Usciolu refuge.
What you'll love
- The magnificent panoramas from the ridges, with a bird's eye view of the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern plain on one side, and the upper Taravo valley with the villages of Palneca, Ciamannacce, and Cozzano on the other.
- The alpine atmosphere of the ridge crossing, reminiscent of the most spectacular stages of the GR20 North.
Practical information
Doubling up stages
This stage is particularly well suited to doubling up, as it is one of the trek's least demanding stages. It is preferable to combine stages 12 and 13 rather than stages 11 and 12, as stage 11 already exceeds 17 kilometers.
Photos
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