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GR20

GR20 — the trail guide

The GR20 is a 182.7 km trek in France, typically walked in 8+ days, with 12405 m of total ascent. It rates Extreme on our published rubric (68 m of gain per km, topping out at 2585 m). Its operating periods and current access must be checked with the linked route authorities; historical climate averages cannot establish whether the route is open or passable.

A demanding north-to-south traverse of Corsica’s mountainous spine, with rocky ridges, exposed scrambling and basic refuge accommodation.

Quick facts

Distance182.7 km
Total ascent12405 m
Typical duration8+ days
Difficulty (computed)Extreme
Steepness68 m gain per km
High point2585 m
CountryFrance
RegionFrance

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Extreme" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Official planning information

Elevation profile

Low point 250 m · high point 2585 m · 12405 m total ascent over 182.7 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 266 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan11°74 mm
Feb12°70 mm
Mar14°72 mm
Apr17°10°56 mm
May20°14°65 mm
Jun25°19°32 mm
Jul28°22°11 mm
Aug28°22°19 mm
Sep24°18°45 mm
Oct20°15°75 mm
Nov16°11°111 mm
Dec12°88 mm

Frequently asked questions

How long is the GR20?

The GR20 is 182.7 km, and most hikers complete it in 8+ days. Total elevation gain is 12405 m.

How difficult is the GR20?

It rates Extreme on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 68 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 2585 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

What season and condition information is available for the GR20?

2026 staffed refuges: 16 May–4 October. The Parc naturel régional de Corse publishes 16 May–4 October 2026 as its staffed-refuge period and requires overnight reservations. These dates do not establish that every stage is passable. This note was reviewed 29 Jul 2026 and is not live status; re-check the linked authorities before booking and departure.

Where is the GR20?

In France. The route starts near 42.508, 8.855 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.

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