388 hikes walked and documented
Menu

GR20 Stage 2 – Ortu di u Piobbu to Carrozzu

By François · updated in June 202506/2025My rating

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
7.8km
Elevation gain
830m
Elevation loss
1,110 m
Type of route
One way
Maximum altitude
2,025 m
Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
Moderately
Marked
Yes
Popularity
High
Region
North-West
Start point
42.46497, 8.90663
Activity
Trek - GR20

Hike overview

The second stage of the GR20, in the north to south direction, connects the Ortu di u Piobbu (1,548 m) and Carrozzu (1,270 m) mountain huts, crossing a striking mineral landscape. Although relatively short, this stage is more technical than the previous one, which slows progress considerably.

The route follows a series of passes surrounded by impressive granite cliffs and then plunges into a long, challenging descent to the refuge nestled in a lush green setting.

Map and elevation profile of the hike

GR20 Stage 2 – Ortu di u Piobbu to Carrozzu

Description and difficulties of the hike

The route is on rocky and uneven terrain for the most part, with 830 meters of elevation gain and 1,110 meters of elevation loss. After ascending through scree and rocky slabs, the trail crosses a series of high-altitude passes and includes easy climbing passages over large boulders, which slow progress. The most technical sections are before reaching Bocca Innominata (1,972 m).

The descent to the Carrozzu refuge from this pass is the most challenging part, with more than 600 meters of elevation loss on a steep trail littered with unstable and slippery rocks. This long descent over scree puts intense strain on the knees and joints, and fatigue usually sets in well before the refuge comes into view.

What you'll love

  • The spectacular views from the various passes, which offer exceptional panoramas of the Gulf of Calvi and the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the Corsican peaks on the other.
  • The grandiose mineral landscapes with impressive granite cliffs and colorful peaks, which are typical of the region.
  • The panoramic terrace of the Carrozzu Refuge, a pleasant place to relax and admire the surrounding peaks, including Capu Micciciagniu, after the effort.
Steep passages
Steep passages
Beautiful view of the Bay of Calvi
Beautiful view of the Bay of Calvi
A succession of passes
A succession of passes
Randonneurs au col d'Innominata
Randonneurs au col d'Innominata
Magnificent colorful mountains, typical of the region
Magnificent colorful mountains, typical of the region
Rocky bar against a Mediterranean sea backdrop
Rocky bar against a Mediterranean sea backdrop
Bocca Innominata
Bocca Innominata
Punta Pisciaghia
Punta Pisciaghia
Punta di Spasimata
Punta di Spasimata
Final descent to the Carrrozzu refuge
Final descent to the Carrrozzu refuge
Carrozzu refuge
Carrozzu refuge
The refuge is surrounded by magnificent peaks, here Capu Micciciagniu.
The refuge is surrounded by magnificent peaks, here Capu Micciciagniu.
Le drapeau corse flotte sur la terrasse du refuge de Carrozzu
Le drapeau corse flotte sur la terrasse du refuge de Carrozzu

More hikes to do in Corsica

Nearby hikes

Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/corsica/gr20-stage-2-from-ortu-di-u-piobbu-to-carrozzu/