Slătioara – Șaua Ciobanilor

What the walking is like

The direct variant from Slătioara to the ridge: 1 km before the forestry post, turn right up the Ciurgău stream valley, then through forest to below the Popii Rarăului on the eastern slope. At the top you meet the red cross coming from Moara Dracului and the red triangle from the old forest; on to the hut through Șaua Ciobanilor.

What we'd tell you at the gate

• Less walked than the trail through the old forest; quiet guaranteed.

Not to miss on the way

• 1

  The Popii Rarăului (1,628 m) are limestone towers lined up along the ridge like priests at a service, hence the name. You see them best from Șaua Ciobanilor, in morning light.

• 2

  The Slătioara old-growth forest has been a reserve since 1941 and, since 2017, a UNESCO World Heritage site (in the primeval beech forest category, although the star is the spruce). 1,064 ha, between 790 and 1,353 m, on three parallel ridges: Bâtca Neagră, Bâtca cu Plai, Bâtca Leșei.

What else you can do on the trail

• Photography: sunrise in the forest and morning mist between the trunks; tripod recommended.

What grows and what moves along the trail

The species above are those documented in the area by the protected-area administration; what you see depends on season, hour and luck.

How long it takes, honestly

A linear trail: the time is one way (A → B). If you return the same way, add about two thirds; or leave a car at the far end / take the train. The duration is the one in Suceava County's official guide (Salvamont); the kilometres and driving minutes to the trailhead are from Google Maps.

• 4 hoursone way, A to B, at your usual pace
• 2½ hoursback the same way (estimate)
• 6½ hoursout and back, with short breaks
• 5–6 hoursone way, if you stop for photos and eat on the grass
• 6–7 hoursone way, with children, grandparents or a pack full of “just in case”