Wikiloc | Bucura Lake - Șaua Judele - Judele - Sântămaria

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Photo ofBucura Lake - Șaua Judele - Judele - Sântămaria - Bucura Lake (08/2023)

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Blackbirds

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Trail stats

Distance: 4.79 mi
Elevation gain: 1,778 ft
Technical difficulty: Moderate
Elevation loss: 1,778 ft
Max elevation: 7,868 ft
TrailRank: 51
Min elevation: 6,372 ft
Trail type: Loop

Moving time: 3 hours 47 minutes
Time: 7 hours 38 minutes
Coordinates: 1434
Uploaded: August 4, 2023
Recorded: August 2023

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near Râuşor, Județul Hunedoara (România)

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Trail photos

Itinerary description

Physical difficulty: 3/5
Technical difficulty: 3/5

Note #1: There is no mobile reception in the majority of Retezat National Park. You may get some signal on the peaks, but don't count on it. Prepare your maps in advance.

Note #2: Because of no signal, bring an app map with OpenStreetMaps overview that works offline, like OsmAnd or Muntii Nostri. The basic version of OsmAnd is completely free with more than enough features for hikers. Muntii Nostri is the official Romanian hiking app (has English option also). The free version doesn't work online, but they give you the premium features (including online functionality) for 30 days upon first registration.

Note #3: The trail is entirely in the sun, no shade.

Note #4: A source of potable water is located at Bucura Lake. Water from the lakes is not recommended for drinking.

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This very attractive hiking route starts at Lake Bucura, and ascends towards the Șaua Judele (saddle) alongside a few impressive lakes: Viorica, Florica and Tăul Agățat. At Șaua Judele, a short climb in the north direction will take you to Judele peak - and impressive summit with spectacular views.

From Judele, make your way back to the saddle and continue straight towards the Sântămaria peak. The official painted markings stop on this section, replaced by stone mounds of various sizes. Look for them, but either way you can't get lost since you need to follow the ridge - the only way forward.

Sântămaria is actually a bit higher than Judele, but is unmarked. It offers a nice view of the great Zănoaga Lake to the southwest, as well a plenty of other surrounding lakes and peaks in the area. Depending on your fitness and dexterity, the progress across the ridge may be slower, since it's completely over granite.

After you reach the grassy plateau, you can continued up the hill towards Slaveiu peak - or - you can cut the trail short by skipping Slaveiu and keeping to the left side of the plateau until you reach the intersection that will take you back to Lake Ana, and then shortly after Bucura Lake - the starting point.

Waypoints

Bucura Lake

Lake Bucura is the largest in the National Park, with an area of 8.86 ha, and is part of the 54 permanent glacial lakes, present in the Retezat Massif. On its shores is located an official camping place, a stream of potable water, and a mountain rescue service hut with several on-duty officers.

Intersection #1 / go right

Go right at this point towards Lakes Florica & Viorica. On your return, you will reach this intersection from the right side.

Viorica Lake

Viorica Lake is located between Lakes Florica and Ana at an altitude of 2070 m with a length of 190 m and an average width of 60 m total an area of 1.3 ha. Florica flows into Viorica through a small cascade.

Florica Lake

Lake Florica is situated at an altitude of 2090 m, and is fed by two springs that are on the west side of the lake.

Intersection #2 / go left

Go left at this intersection, to continue towards Tăul Agățat (lake).

Tăul Agățat Lake

Tăul Agățat a tiny but permanent body of water, with snow on its banks until the summer, is fed only from the underground springs. Tăul Agățat is at an altitude of 2208 m.

Risk / very steep slope to the left side; danger of falling

Be careful at this point, because you need to go over a very narrow path without and steel cables to help you to hold on. On your left is a pretty big and steep slope downward, without anything to stop you from sliding if you slip. It's not visible from the photo, but believe me that a fall here can be deadly.

Photo ofInteresction #3 / Șaua Judele (saddle) / go right

Interesction #3 / Șaua Judele (saddle) / go right

The intersection at Șaua Judele. Go right to reach Judele peak. Return here from the peak and continue straight over the ridge (unmarked) to reach Sântămaria peak.

Judele (2398 m)

Judele is no the highest peak in the area, but it's one of the most impressive. The immediate ascent to the peak is over curiously-placed granite, like someone heaped a pile of stones over a tiny area. The view from the peak is breathtaking in all directions. My favorite peak from the trip to Retezat!

Sântămaria (2400 m)

Unmarked peak, south of Judele. To reach it you have to traverse the ridge spanning from Șaua Judele.

Risk / steep climb down

At this point, the path forward is not exactly clear. We ultimately descended to the left of the ridge, and then climbed back up. Whichever way you go, be extra careful here.