Hiking Tour: “Creasta Cocosului from Breb” (Romania)

Hike up the most iconic natural landmark of Maramures: “Creasta Cocosului” from Breb

This tour starts at the border of Breb (close to the Babou Maramureș camping site) and follows the “red cross” marked route through amazing meadows and alpine pasture till reaching the iconic Creasta Cocoșului. The ascent is done from behind via a steep (but short) trail till reaching the plateau. After enjoying the unique view from Creasta Cocoșului (and potentially some climbing to one of its peaks), the tour then uses the same route back to the parking.

Tour Description

00:00	Start at the parking (GPS: 47.747285, 23.890940) north of the Babou Maramureș camping site and follow the gravel road bypassing the camping site southwards.
00:10	At the crossing back in Breb, turn right and follow the gravel road. Keep straight ahead (slightly left) till leaving Breb again.
00:20	At the crossing, keep left and continue following the gravel track (marked with the red cross). Keep straight ahead / slightly left at subsequent crossings.
00:50	Keep right and continue following the trail (marked with the red cross).
01:15	At the clearing, turn right and follow the visible signs towards the Tâul Morarenilor lake.
01:20	Short break at the Tâul Morarenilor lake (best enjoyed with a self-brought refreshment ).
01:25	Walk back to the crossing and continue following the marked trail southwards.
01:45	At the crossing, turn right and follow the trail westwards. At the U-turn after a few meters, stay on the trail.
02:00	At the crossing, turn left and follow the trail southwards.
02:10	Turn right into the trail and follow the trail westwards leading towards the Tâul Chendroaiei lake.
02:25	Pass by the Tâul Chendroaiei lake (short break there to study the footprints of the various animals) and continue following the trail marked with a red cross.
02:30	Keep left and follow the marked trail upwards through the meadow.
02:45	Turn left and follow the now “alpine” ascent (steep) towards Creasta Cocoșului
03:10	Enjoy the amazing view from Creasta Cocoșului. Optionally you can try climbing to one of the peaks*. Time for a well-deserved break with self-brought refreshments ( ).
03:45	Follow the same way back as the ascent.
06:15	Back at the car – End of the tour.

*: The second rock is relatively easy to climb, however it is exposed and requires climbing experience (I+ / II-).

At a glance

Level	easy-moderate
Technique
Shape / Fitness
Experience
Scenery
Best time in the year
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

General Tour Data

Area:		Gutaiului Mountains, Maramureș, Romania
Distance:		21km
Ascent:		841m (3h 00min)
Descent:		840m (2h 30min)
Highest Pt:		1450m
Lowest Pt:		531m
Duration:		5h 45min (without breaks) 6h 15min (with breaks)
Stop/Rest:		None! (bring your own food!)
Equipment:		Backpack with standard hiking equipment Food and plenty of water (no serving locations on the way) 2x Gipfelbier () Sun & Weather protection Camera GPS recommended!