Trail format
GR20 in 7 days: the trail itinerary, stage by stage
Doing the GR20 in 7 days means stepping into fast-hiking territory: 26 km and nearly 1,600 m of climbing a day, over seven days of which six rank as very hard. One stage even hits 33 km and +2,568 m. Our planner optimises this split as well as it can, but it's only for seasoned trail runners and very fit mountaineers used to eight- to ten-hour days on technical ground.
The pace
Why 7 days?
Seven days is the format for those chasing the clock without going for an outright record. You walk from sunrise to sunset, link slabs and scree with no real break, and recover on the move. Compared with a six-day split, you gain a whole day: the biggest stage drops back under 35 km and sleep stays roughly enough. The difficulty isn't a single passage but the pile-up — six very hard days in a row, with no breather.
What this format demands
A trail runner's engine, a genuinely light pack and sure feet on rock. You need to pace your effort over the long haul, plan water points ahead and accept walking tired, day after day, with no weather safety net.
What this format gives
The full traverse done in a single week, at a rare level of physical commitment. Strong sporting satisfaction — provided you arrive race-fit, watch for signs of overtraining and keep the clarity to slow down if your body gives out.
The stages
The detailed stage table
Distance, elevation gain, estimated walking time and difficulty for each day. These are exactly the figures our planner computes, from the OpenStreetMap track of the GR20. Times here assume a fast trail pace and a light (~8 kg) pack — adjust to your own profile in the planner.
| Day | Stage | Distance | D+ | D- | Time | Diff. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Calenzana → Carrozzu | 18.2 km | +2,000 m | -1,020 m | 6h20 | 5/5 |
| 2 | Carrozzu → Ciottulu di i Mori | 19.5 km | +2,570 m | -1,790 m | 7h40 | 5/5 |
| 3 | Ciottulu di i Mori → Petra Piana | 33.2 km | +1,500 m | -1,620 m | 8h06 | 5/5 |
| 4 | Petra Piana → Vizzavona | 20.0 km | +1,090 m | -2,010 m | 5h28 | 5/5 |
| 5 | Vizzavona → Prati | 31.5 km | +1,780 m | -910 m | 8h02 | 5/5 |
| 6 | Prati → Asinau | 31.6 km | +1,510 m | -1,770 m | 7h54 | 5/5 |
| 7 | Asinau → Conca | 28.3 km | +720 m | -2,010 m | 6h12 | 5/5 |
| Total | 7 stages | 182.4 km | +11,220 m | -11,250 m | 49h42 |
How to read these numbers? The time shown is an estimated walking time (excluding breaks) for an average pace; on the trail, add stops, meals and weather. The D+ / D- are rounded, smoothed GPS values: the total track distance stays 182.4 km.
Watch out
The demanding days
On this split, 6 days stand out for their length or elevation gain. Plan an early start, carry water and keep some margin for a rough patch.
Calenzana → Carrozzu
18.2 km, +2,000 m of gain, ~6h20 walking. Start early, don't rush it.
Carrozzu → Ciottulu di i Mori
19.5 km, +2,570 m of gain, ~7h40 walking. An early start is strongly advised.
Ciottulu di i Mori → Petra Piana
33.2 km, +1,500 m of gain, ~8h06 walking. Leave early and keep some margin.
Vizzavona → Prati
31.5 km, +1,780 m of gain, ~8h02 walking. Big day: get going at first light.
Prati → Asinau
31.6 km, +1,510 m of gain, ~7h54 walking. Long stage: don't linger at the start.
Asinau → Conca
28.3 km, +720 m of gain, ~6h12 walking. Start early, don't rush it.
Accommodation
Where to sleep on this route
The 6 nights of this split, from start to finish. Book the Park refuges early in season — details, contacts and prices on our GR20 accommodation page.
- Night 1 Carrozzu 1262 m
- Night 2 Ciottulu di i Mori 1994 m
- Night 3 Petra Piana 1857 m
- Night 4 Vizzavona 941 m
- Night 5 Prati 1811 m
- Night 6 Asinau 1550 m
Your way
Adapt this itinerary to your level
This split is a balanced starting point. In the planner you can change the duration, the direction (North-South or South-North), your pace and your pack: the stages, distances, times and difficulty recompute live, and you can download the GPX track for each day.
Level required
Who this pace is for
The right split depends above all on your mountain experience and your preparation. Here, honestly, is who this format suits.
Beginner
Out of the question: this pace assumes solid high-mountain and technical-terrain experience.
Regular hiker
Even well trained, the risk of injury and burnout stays too high over seven full days.
Experienced trail runner / climber
Workable with a big engine, a light pack and the habit of long, committing days.
Very fit ultra-trail runner
The profile built for this timed, demanding format.
Methodology
How we calculate these numbers
Compare
Other durations and variants
This pace isn't for you? Compare it with the other GR20 splits — each page details its stages, elevation gain and difficulty.
Keep going