Outdoor & Trails · Valea Dâmboviței (Argeș)

Trail: Cabana Garofița Pietrei Craiului – Poiana Tămășel (yellow dot)

Short, steep climb on the yellow dot from Cabana Garofița Pietrei Craiului to Poiana Tămășel. 1.6 km, 1.5–2 h.

At a glance

Distance from MAX 1,5–2 h · 1.5–2 h Travel time 1,5–2 h Time to spend 1.5–2 h Difficulty not published Town Valea Dâmboviței (Argeș)

The route

Length ≈ 1.5 km Total ascent ≈ 340 m Total descent ≈ 0 m Lowest – highest point ≈ 1090–1430 m Elevation profile startfinish

Values marked ≈ are calculated by MAX from the OpenStreetMap route and the EU-DEM terrain model (25 m): approximate, they may differ from the ground by tens of metres.

Route: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)

Download GPXFile for navigation apps (Komoot, Strava, Garmin, OsmAnd), from the OpenStreetMap route. On the ground, follow the waymarks and check the weather; mountain rescue: 0SALVAMONT / 112.

About the place

In short (checked 15 October 2026)

Waymark: yellow dot (code 02MN34). Distance: 1.6 km. Elevation: 343 m, adding up the described sections (P2); Munții Noștri gives 200 m on the steep part, at a 44% gradient. Duration: 1.5–2 h. Difficulty: not published — check the map before you go.

Where it goes

Cabana Garofița Pietrei Craiului (1,100 m) sits on the western slope of the massif, where the dry Tămășel valley meets Padina Lăncii, according to Munții Noștri. The path starts gently along the Tămășel valley, then leaves it to the left and climbs on very steep switchbacks, at a 44% gradient, to Poiana Tămășel, where several routes meet. Munții Noștri gives the meadow 1,378 m; other guides give 1,436–1,437 m. P2 mentions the route as approved.

Safety

Difficulty, winter conditions, water sources and bear risk are not published in our sources. The only shelter mentioned is Cabana Garofița; we could not confirm that it is operating, so ask before you go. The route crosses Piatra Craiului National Park. The visitor ticket costs 10 lei per person and is valid for 7 days; children under 14 go free (pcrai.ro/bilete, 2026 prices, read on 7 October 2026). Park rules and any restrictions are on pcrai.ro. In an emergency call 112 or 0SALVAMONT (0725 826 668). Salvamont Zărnești, for information: 0733 008 323.

Getting to the start

Cabana Garofița cannot be reached by car. The marked way starts in Cojocaru, in the Dâmbovița Valley (Argeș county), on a forest road marked with a yellow cross, in 2 h 45 min – 3 h, according to Munții Noștri. Cojocaru is on the Argeș side of the massif, so from MAX International in Râșnov the drive is longer than to Zărnești. Parking at the start is not published in our sources. You can see the distance and driving time with the navigation buttons on this page.

Before you set out

Brown bear country. Keep food out of sight, never feed the animals and do not approach them.
Stay on marked trails and carry proper mountain gear.
Check the forecast before you leave; the weather changes fast at altitude.

Emergencies: 112
Mountain rescue (Salvamont), national dispatch: 0725 826 668

Frequently asked questions

What is the MAX International Local Guide?

A guide to attractions, trails and events in the Râșnov–Brașov–Bran area, designed as an information point for MAX International guests. Each attraction shows the distance from MAX, a map and access details.

How far are the attractions from MAX International?

It varies: some attractions are right in Râșnov (Râșnov Citadel, Valea Cetății Cave), others are further away, in the Prahova Valley (Bușteni, Sinaia). The distance and driving time from MAX are on each attraction's page, calculated by road.

Is the guide's information verified?

Yes. Every published attraction has a confirmed official source and map. Opening hours and prices can change seasonally, so please check the official link before your visit.

Can I ask for recommendations at the MAX International reception?

Yes. The MAX International reception and concierge can help with recommendations, transfers and bookings, based on the season and your preferences.

How do I reach the attractions without a car?

The MAX reception can help with a private transfer or transport information. Nearby attractions (Râșnov Citadel, Râșnov town centre) are easily reachable on foot.

What is the best time to visit the area?

The area is attractive year-round: summer for trails and caves, winter for slopes and cable cars. Each attraction indicates its recommended season.

Can I book accommodation near these attractions?

Yes — MAX International Râșnov is a central base for exploring the area. See the accommodation section or message us on WhatsApp for availability.

Getting there

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Opening hours and prices are confirmed by the site’s management, not by MAX.

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Piatra Craiului

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A thin wall of white limestone, tens of kilometres long, with a peak of 2,238 m and a flower that grows nowhere else on Earth: Piatra Craiului awaits you just a short step from Râșnov, between shady gorges and vertiginous ridges.

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Zărnești

Destinations

At the foot of the narrowest limestone ridge in the Carpathians, Zărnești is the town where the trails towards Piatra Craiului begin. Stone gorges, a unique bear sanctuary and centuries of history, a short distance from Râșnov.

11 km · 15 min · half a day

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