Official GR20 stage · 12/16
Stage 12: Prati → Usciolu
From Prati to Usciolu, a shorter 'Sustained' stage that leads to one of the most sought-after refuges on the GR20 — as much for its position as for its grocery store, the best-stocked on the trail.
Essentials
The essentials
Key facts
- Distance · 10.9 km
- Elevation gain · +639 m
- Elevation loss · -696 m
- Max altitude · 1,986 m
- Difficulty · Sustained (3/5)
- Estimated walking time · 3h25 – 5h30
- On the trail · Stage 12 / 16
Download this stage's GPX
Official OpenStreetMap track, snapped to the PNRC refuges.
On the ground
On the ground
The trail descends then climbs again over rolling terrain, with a notable loss of elevation (696 m) alternating with climbs. The stage ends at Usciolu, which guards the entrance to the arête a Monda — the spectacular 'ridge of statues' — a long, narrow crest bristling with granite blocks, with sections sometimes fitted with chains. That ridge is still to come the next day, but its atmosphere is already palpable on the approach to the refuge.
The Usciolu refuge books up fast — it's one of the three most requested refuges on the PNRC booking system. Plan well ahead.
Water & resupply. Few reliable water points between Prati and Usciolu: set off with your reserve and check with the Prati warden before leaving the refuge. On arrival, Usciolu more than makes up for it: it's one of the few GR20 refuges with a genuine, confirmed grocery store, restocked by mule train, where you can top up supplies before heading further south.
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