Stage 3: Carozzu → Ascu Stagnu

7 km from Refuge de Carozzu (1270 m) to Ascu Stagnu (Haut-Asco) (1422 m), with 750 m of ascent and 600 m of descent.

Walking time by fitness profile

Times computed with the RandoNav planning algorithm. Breaks not included.

On the trail

Ten minutes out of Carozzu comes one of the GR20's signature moments: the Spasimata suspension bridge, swaying gently over the torrent while you grip the cables and pretend you're not looking down. Beyond it the famous Spasimata slabs begin — long sweeps of smooth granite angled just enough to concentrate the mind, with cables bolted on where the exposure bites. Take them slowly in the morning cool; they are notoriously slick after rain.

The trail then climbs steadily to the dark little Lac de la Muvrella, a good spot to refill on calories and watch early risers pick their way up behind you, before the last pull to the gap in the ridge. From the crest, the Ascu valley opens at your feet and Monte Cinto — at 2,706 m Corsica's highest peak — fills the skyline across the valley. The long, rough descent to Ascu Stagnu deposits you at the old ski station at 1,422 m, which by GR20 standards counts as civilisation: a hotel, cold drinks, real resupply. Many hikers schedule a rest day here, and after three days of northern granite, nobody judges them.

Start / end

About this stage

Stage 3 links Refuge de Carozzu (1270 m) with Ascu Stagnu (Haut-Asco) (1422 m) over 7 km, climbing 750 m and descending 600 m. This stage lies in the northern half of the GR20 (before Vizzavona), the rockier and more technical part of the trail. Water is available at every stop on this stage.