Can I wild camp anywhere?

Absolutely not. Wild camping outside the designated refuge zones is strictly illegal and heavily fined to prevent devastating forest fires.

Le
GR20

The GR20 is the ultimate benchmark for European trekking, traversing the rugged 'Mountain in the Sea' over 15 demanding days.

Intensity Score

Expedition

Methodology

100

/100

Duration

15 days

Route distance

180.0km

Vertical Gain

+12,000m

Max Altitude

2,604m

MISSION BRIEF

Mission Brief

The GR20 is widely regarded as the most demanding long-distance trail in Europe.

Stretching 180km along the jagged mountain spine of Corsica, it is a high-altitude odyssey between Calenzana in the north and Conca in the south. The route sits on the boundary between strenuous trekking and non-technical alpine scrambling, characterized by steep granite ridges, exposed chains, and the legendary Mediterranean sun. It requires not just physical endurance but a high degree of comfort with rocky, uneven terrain.

Note: Compiled from public sources — not a field report.

Key route characteristics

RegionCorsica

Duration~15 days

Distance180.0 km

Elevation Gain+12000 m

TerrainExposed Scramble (Class 3) — involves sustained hand-use, fixed-chain sections, and significant exposure on alpine rock., Multi-day, Mountain, Technical

ExposureCritical isolation; max decision-pressure

Europe's benchmark technical thru-hike—180 km of Corsican granite ridges, PNRC refuges, and sustained Class 3 scrambling on the northern half.

MISSION SNAPSHOT

Mission Snapshot

ROUTE TYPEPoint-to-point

PHYSICAL LOADExtreme: ~180 km with ~12,000 m cumulative gain over 15 days—heat, scrambling, and refuge logistics compound.

TERRAINGranite slabs, scree, and chain-assisted drops; approach-shoe traction matters more than cushioned trail runners.

WEATHER / CONDITIONSExtreme. Fierce afternoon thunderstorms and brutal Mediterranean heat on exposed south-facing slopes.

NAVIGATIONRed-white GR blazes on much of the route; northern granite sections need confident scrambling and route-finding in cloud.

ENDPOINTBavella to Conca

Intensity Breakdown

Understanding what drives the overall route demand

Physical

Technical

Commitment

Primary driver: Technical seriousness

- Sustained Physical Output

- Significant Vertical Gain

- Technical Terrain Exposure

- High Remote Commitment

Major expeditions for elite teams. Sustained isolation and technical mastery required.

Route profile

Full Route Breakdown

Complete stage overview with transparent route metrics. Values are shown as recorded in the route dataset and source links.

Distance

180.0 km

Ascent

12,000 m

Highest point

2,604 m

Start

Calenzana to Asco-Stagnu

Finish

Bavella to Conca

Use the KM / MI toggle in the main menu to switch units.

Route Profile

3000 m2500 m1500 m1000 m0 m

Calenzana to Asco-Stagnu (0 km)Bavella to Conca (180.0 km)

Fixed backcountry campground structure for this route

Operational Reality

Stage blocks in this dossier sum to 190 km (45 + 60 + 50 + 35 km) over 16 walking days; the headline 180 km follows PNRC/guidebook north–south totals that may exclude connector variants. Exact refuge-to-refuge distances vary by chosen variants and rest days. Not survey-grade GPS.

Sources: Primary | Secondary

Route guidance

Route Considerations

Extreme heat, afternoon lightning, and slick granite when wet—start before dawn; do not climb technical stages in rain.

Consideration // 001

Extreme summer heat and storms

Corsica in July and August is punishingly hot, yet the high mountains generate sudden, sustained afternoon thunderstorms with frequent lightning.

Impact

Route-specific

Likelihood

Context-dependent

Tip

Start hiking before dawn (5 AM) to finish the stage and reach the next refuge before the afternoon storms and peak heat hit.

Consideration // 002

Technical granite scrambling

The northern stages (especially around the Monte Cinto bypass) feature highly exposed scrambling on bare rock that becomes remarkably slick when wet.

Impact

Route-specific

Likelihood

Context-dependent

Tip

Wear approach shoes or stiff boots with 'climbing zone' sticky rubber edges. Do not attempt technical stages in heavy rain.

Consideration // 003

Terrain & conditions

Conditions change quickly on the ground. Slow down on wet rock and pay more attention where paths narrow or exposure increases.

Impact

Moderate

Likelihood

Variable

Tip

Refer to stage notes and expert briefings; maintain focus on slick or exposed sections.

Route fit

Why hike this route?

Expert Verdict

“The GR20 fully earns its reputation as Europe's ultimate trekking challenge. It sits on the boundary between high-altitude hiking and non-technical alpine scrambling. Success requires not only exceptional physical fitness but also the mental grit to handle sustained technical terrain and basic refuge living for over two weeks.”

Selection logic

Who This Is For

EXPERT — Extensive multi-day alpine trekking experience. Essential comfort with severe exposure, rock scrambling, and carrying a heavy pack in extreme heat.
PHYSICAL — Extreme. Historically, only around 50% of the people who start the GR20 successfully finish it due to physical exhaustion and injury.
WATCH FOR — Bringing too heavy a backpack. Every gram feels like a kilo when you are pulling yourself up an iron chain on a vertical rock face.
WATCH FOR — Starting hiking at 9 AM. Hikers will be caught by the afternoon thunderstorms or suffer heat exhaustion.

[ Compare difficulty progression ]

Preparation

Plan This Hike

Key things to arrange before starting this route—practical tips first, then buttons that open curated picks (gear, maps, stays) where we list them.

Essential Gear

Recommended preparation for this route:

Scramble-ready boots and dawn-start discipline.

Stiff boots with sticky rubber edges for granite
Lightweight sun-protective layers—valley heat exceeds 35°C
Trekking poles for knee-saving on 12,000 m cumulative descent

Alpine trekking gear

Stay Connected

Explore accommodation options for this trail:

Sporadic signal in cirques—plan conservatively.

Download Corsica GR20 offline maps before Calenzana
EU emergency 112; PGHM helicopter rescue is weather-dependent
Share refuge booking PDF with a contact at home

Satellite messengers

Getting There

Travel and trail access for this route:

Calenzana (north) or Conca (south)—most hike north to south.

Fly to Calvi or Bastia; bus/taxi to trailheads
Pre-book every PNRC refuge night on official PNRC site
Wild camping outside refuge zones is illegal and fined

PNRC refuges

Where to Stay

Explore accommodation options for this trail:

Mandatory PNRC refuge or rented tent pitch each night.

Book dorm, tent, or pitch months ahead for August
Refuges sell meals—carry cash/cards
Keep pack under 12–14 kg for chain sections

GR20 official info

Compare

Compare This Route

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Alternatives

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Distance

270.0 km

Ascent

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Route intelligence

What You Need to Know

Essential answers about the demands, risks, and logistics of this route.

Q.How hard is this hike really?

This route has a HikeMetrics Intensity Score of 100/100 (Expedition), placing it in an expedition-grade band that demands advanced planning and skills. Expect average daily distances near 12 km across roughly 15 days, with meaningful cumulative elevation change over the full route. How the score works.

Q.Do I need technical gear?

No ropes or technical climbing hardware are required on this route. With an Intensity Score of 100/100, plan for stiff-soled hiking boots, full weather protection, and redundant navigation — on our scale, scores above 65 usually punish under-built kit.

Q.Is water available on the route?

Fill up every morning at the refuge. Dehydration on the exposed ridges is a major reason people abandon the trail.

Q.What is the main risk?

Corsica in July and August is punishingly hot, yet the high mountains generate sudden, sustained afternoon thunderstorms with frequent lightning. The northern stages (especially around the Monte Cinto bypass) feature highly exposed scrambling on bare rock that becomes remarkably slick when wet. Treat forecasts, timing, and your margin for error as part of the route, not an afterthought.

Final decision

Ready to hike Le GR20?

A final decision point after reviewing the route, risks, logistics, and alternatives.

Route fit

This route is a strong match if you're comfortable with the effort level implied by an Intensity Score around 100/100 (Expedition), sustained hiking where this route requires it, and the terrain and exposure described in this guide.

Build your itinerary, stages, and logistics.

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Data: official trail documentation and topographic sources · About