Ursu Peak, Căpățânii Mountains

1. Roman's Peak (1.750 m) - spring - Curmătura La Piatra Rosie (1.900 m)

1.5 - 2 hours / red triangle (almost non-existent) / easy

On this part of the trail we enjoyed a smooth ascent following the forest road. To the right we admired the Buila-Vânturarița Mountains. We made many stops to pick and eat blueberries. We also met a flock of sheep with shepherds and friendly dogs. Besides, from the trail there are signposted paths to the Ana, Ursu, Dârjala and Groșetu cliffs and the Ursu refuge, where there is also a spring. Shortly before reaching the craest, we cross a stream with a spring, another handy source of water. As we climb we can see a good part of the ridge of the Căpățânii Mountains, the main objective of the hike, Vârful Ursu, is slightly to our left. Once in the saddle, the perspective opens up to the north towards Ciungetu, Mălaia and Lotrului Valley.

2. Piatra Rosie Ridge (1.900 m) - Ursu Peak (2.124 m)

45 min / red stripe (almost non-existent) / medium

From Curmătura La Piatra Rosie We change direction 90 degrees to the left, eastwards, on the main ridge of the Căpățânii Mountains. We climb a secondary peak with several switchbacks marked by ATV tracks, then turn slightly to the right and climb straight up Ursu Peak. The ascent is not long, so we will quickly catch our breath on the very stony summit, with granite slabs, as in Retezat. Hikers who want to follow the ridge can go around Vârful Ursu on the contour to the left of the summit.

3. Ursu Peak (2.124 mdm)

Ursu Peak offers a superb and wide panorama. To the west the horizon opens up to the peak Prângul Mare, to the set to Zmeureț. To the northeast we vaguely saw the Făgăraș Mountains, to the north the Latorița and Lotrului Mountains, in the valley Latorița and Lotrul. You can watch a short movie with the panorama from Ursu Peak here.

4. Ursu Peak (2,124 m) - Roman's Peak (1,789 m)

2 hours / red stripe, unmarked, red triangle, unmarked (almost no markings) / easy

The return route followed mostly the same route as the ascent, with 2 exceptions. From the secondary summit near Ursu Peak, we descended on a route marked with ribbons for some competition, an unmarked shortcut, which took us well avoiding the curvature and the spring. We met the sheep again, we greeted Buila Vânturarița again. After reaching the starting point, we also climbed the Roman's Peak, the actual peak where a winter sports facility is under construction.

Before descending the mountain we visited Alina-Maria Monastery3 km away, a monastery built by the Creștin family in memory of their daughter Alina-Maria, who died young.