It is called "Rooster's Crest" because it resembles a gigantic rooster's comb. But beyond the intuitive origin of the name, the crest of the Gutâi Mountains holds special significance: it is the last remnant — and the most spectacular — of a volcanic crater that erupted 9 million years ago.
The image of the ridge, viewed from below — from tens of kilometres away or from its foot — is unforgettable: rocky, bold, crenellated, stretching over 200 metres. If you make the effort to climb to the top at 1,428 m (the base of the rock and the plateau are at about 1,200 m) and look around, you will have Maramureș itself laid at your feet.
The 50-hectare territory has been protected since 1954, classified as IUCN Category III (Natural Monument). The reserve and its buffer zone were later declared a Natura 2000 European site to protect the habitat of lynx, bear and rare raptor species including the golden eagle and lesser spotted eagle.
Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, rock climbing, paragliding, a birdwatching observatory, ski touring in winter and wildlife photography throughout the year.
Access trails
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Gutâi Pass, Hanul Țentea – Poiana Boului – Sărita Pintii – Rooster's Crest red stripe Trail details →
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Mara village – Hopșia Valley – Stone Table – Rooster's Crest blue cross Download coordinates Trail details →
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Breb – Morărenilor Lake – Chendroaiei Ponds – Măriuței road – Stone Table – Rooster's Crest Reserve red cross Download coordinates Trail details →
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Breb – Pietraru Peak – Paltineț – Măguri – Șteghie – Gutâi Peak blue triangle Download coordinates Trail details →
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Fogădău Halt, Budești – Borcutul Breb – Măgura Popii – Mlăci forest road – Groapa Botencii yellow cross Download coordinates Trail details →
Photo gallery
