A beautiful via ferrata route but quite difficult

The route was laid out and inaugurated in 2012. The degree of difficulty is high but the landscapes are superb.

Access

The Cheile Turzii reserve can be entered from both ends of the gorges, from Cheia (downstream) or Petreștii de Jos (upstream). The fastest option is from Petreștii de Jos, but we can't explain why, we always came on the longer option, probably because this way you go all the way through the keys and pass many climbing and escalade routes.

The fork to the route is before the first bridge, if we come on the short version, or immediately after the 4th bridge, if we come on the long version.

From that bridge it continues upstream parallel to the river, the path climbing gently. At the first fork, the path leads to the left to a grotto, and access to the trail is via a branch to the right. You reach a small plateau where you can equip yourself with the via ferrata equipment, as there are sections with cable.

From the plateau, continue on the unmarked path to the first cable, on a fairly exposed rock of about 15 meters. It's a very thin cable used by free climbers for access to climbing routes as well as for belaying so expect to have traffic from top to bottom as well.

We pass another short section with cables and reach a detritus, called the long Zurușul. We are below the Sharp Tower ridge. We cross this detritus on the path, and after it, we can see the beginning of the next metal cable, the first of the actual via ferrata.

The via ferrata

In the first part, the view of the grotto is superb, taking your breath away. The route in this area has few artificial holds but natural ones are plentiful.

As soon as you reach the grotto, there is a sequence of crossings, the first easy, to the left, after which there is a resting place followed by a small vertical ascent. The second traverse to the right is very exposed, requiring a combination of technique and a bit of musculature in your hands. If you can't handle it, don't hesitate to ask for help from a more experienced person in the group.

Attention, the cables are very thick on some parts, so be very careful when choosing the carabiners. The standard via ferrata ones are usually big enough, but the resting ones are not always.

The last part, the one above Hili's cave, is quite exposed, and although easier it can seem difficult due to the fatigue that can set in after the more technical sections. You climb this grassy slope to the cross at the top - the Sândulești (or Sandului) Cross. Here is the end of the ascent followed by the descent.

Withdrawal

The path is marked either to the left (short version of 40 minutes) or to the right for the long version (50 minutes). The time difference between the 2 is not very big. If you come from Petreștii de Jos, we recommend that you avoid the direct descent on the 50-minute option and go to the entrance from Cheia and then go upstream on the quays, the descent being more dusty and slippery on the direct option.