1,842 m
Aire de bivouac de Petra Piana
Petra Piana · GR20 km 71.7
High-altitude bivouac area (over 1,800 m) around the Petra Piana hut. Bivouacking is only permitted on the designated…
Stage 8 of 16 · GR20 North
A gentler day through the Manganellu valley and its rock pools, or along the ridges for seasoned hikers.

| Waypoint | Altitude | Km |
|---|---|---|
| Refuge de Petra Piana | 1,842 m | 0 km |
| Refuge de l'Onda | 1,430 m | 9.9 km |
The main route descends into the Manganellu valley via the Gialgu bergeries, through a lovely forest of pine and beech. The torrent's rock pools invite a swim before the climb back up to the Onda hut, in a grassy little valley.
A variant waymarked in yellow follows the ridges instead: shorter, more technical and more exposed, it is best kept for days of settled fine weather. The PNRC strongly advises against the ridges in high winds or thunderstorms. See the ridge variant.
The Onda hut is one of the smallest on the route (16 beds): book early or plan to bivouac.
1 water point listed on this stage. Springs can run dry in late summer: ask the hut wardens and treat the water if in doubt.
| Km | Point | Type | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.9 km | Source zone humide Grotaccia | Water point | 1,000 m |
Source: refuges.info (CC BY-SA), points less than 250 m from the trail.
Accommodation along the stage, at the finish or on its variants, in walking order.
1,842 m
Petra Piana · GR20 km 71.7
High-altitude bivouac area (over 1,800 m) around the Petra Piana hut. Bivouacking is only permitted on the designated…

1,842 m
©Petra Piana (below Monte Rotondo) · GR20 km 71.8
High-mountain hut at the foot of Monte Rotondo, reached after the Brèche de Capitellu and its views of Lac de Melu and…

1,390 m
©Bergeries de l'Onda · GR20 km 81.6
The bivouac area is just below the Onda bergerie, protected by a fence that keeps out horses and goats. Campers have…
1,440 m
L'Onda · GR20 km 81.7
Small Park hut overlooking the Onda shepherds' huts (bergeries), where management and hospitality are provided by the…