CANYONING IN GORROPPU
CANYONING FOR EXPERIENCED HIKERS
FULL-DAY CANYONING EXPERIENCE
DURATION:
8 hours
INFORMATION
- Highest abseil: 15 metres
- Equipment: provided by us
- Technical experience required: none; however, a very good level of physical fitness is required
- What you need to bring: change of clothes, hiking shoes/boots, technical outdoor clothing, and a backpack
- Requirements: excellent physical fitness and no fear of heights
GORROPPU
Gorroppu is a deep limestone canyon located in the heart of the Supramonte, between the villages of Dorgali, Urzulei, and Orgosolo. The gorge is famous for its enormous vertical walls, among the highest in Europe.
The full crossing of Gorroppu is far from being an ordinary tourist hike. It is a true adventure, beginning in the Supramonte of Urzulei and following the entire course of the Flumineddu River until it reaches the Oddoene Valley near Dorgali.
The full traverse we offer includes two different itineraries, allowing adventurers to discover the heart of Gorroppu Canyon through equipped routes crossing the Supramonte territories of Orgosolo and Urzulei.
The most complete and demanding route is:
Genna Silana – Sedda Ar Baccas – Sa Giuntura – Sa Barva
The shorter option starts directly from Sedda Ar Baccas (the “Valley of the Cows”).
Let's take a closer look at the route from Genna Silana to Sedda Ar Baccas.
GENNA SILANA – SEDDA AR BACCAS
From the mountain pass of Genna Silana (1,017 metres above sea level), we begin a steep ascent towards the high ridges overlooking the surrounding landscape.
Following a challenging trail, we gradually gain altitude until reaching approximately 1,200 metres. From here, an immense panorama opens across the Supramonte and towards the sea, with spectacular views of the coastline around Dorgali.
The ridgeline ends at Punta Cucuttos (888 metres), one of the finest panoramic viewpoints overlooking Gorroppu Gorge.
From here, a rugged descent begins along the right-hand side of Codula Orbisi, the deep ravine stretching below us. Further west lies Sa Codula Manna, the upper course of the Flumineddu River.
After approximately 4 kilometres of hiking, we reach the Orbisi sheepfold, cross the homonymous gorge, and continue towards Sedda Ar Baccas.
Distance: 4 km
Elevation gain: 250 m
Elevation loss: 700 m
SEDDA AR BACCAS – GIUNTURAS – SA BARVA
From Sedda Ar Baccas begins the shorter itinerary we offer, which from this point follows the same route as the longer option.
From the sheepfold at Sedda Ar Baccas, we head towards the long ridge separating Flumineddu and Orbisi. Along the way, we encounter a magnificent centuries-old yew tree.
From the ridge, we enjoy a unique panorama over the vast plateau. To the west, the silhouettes of Nuraghe Mereu and Nuraghe Gorroppu appear on the horizon; to the east lies Su Cunno 'e S'Ebba, the entrance to the Donini Cave; while to the north, the spectacular Gorroppu Gorge and Giunturas dominate the landscape.
Giunturas, meaning “the junction”, is the point where the Flumineddu River (Sa Codula Manna) meets Codula Orbisi. After periods of heavy rainfall, it is possible to witness a spectacular waterfall cascading from Orbisi into the Flumineddu.
We continue our trek through the spectacular gorge, eventually reaching the first natural pool. This section can be overcome using a natural anchor for a double-rope descent. The small via ferrata in this section is no longer considered safe and should not be used.
Once past the pool, a few minutes of walking brings us to a 6-metre abseil leading to the famous Gorroppu siphon. This is the point where the gorge becomes a true canyon.
The siphon is one of the most evocative places along the route. This enormous karst pothole can be crossed from below by inflatable boat, in canyoning style, or by using a long fixed chain traverse.
At the end of the siphon, another double-rope descent takes us deeper between the immense walls of Gorroppu.
The major flood of 2013 radically changed the riverbed, so we now use a double-rope descent from a natural anchor to continue our traverse.
We then walk between the towering walls and enormous boulders that characterise Gorroppu. In some sections, the walls are so close together and rise more than 400 metres above us that it becomes difficult to perceive their true scale.
This section of the traverse takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and leads us towards the exit of Gorroppu.
The route is incredibly spectacular. Hidden among the canyon walls is the famous Hotel Supramonte climbing route (8b), which ascends Punta Cucuttos.
Once we leave the canyon, we enter the vast Oddoene Valley. Following the trail northwards, we walk approximately 6.5 kilometres towards the Sa Barva Bridge (S'Abba Arva).
Here, our extraordinary Gorroppu traverse comes to an end.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
ITINERARY 1
GENNA SILANA – SEDDA AR BACCAS – GIUNTURAS – SA BARVA
Total distance: 18 km
Elevation gain: 600 m
Elevation loss: 1,100 m
Terrain: mostly riverbed and rocky terrain, followed by a well-established trail on the return to Sa Barva
ITINERARY 2
SEDDA AR BACCAS – GIUNTURAS – SA BARVA
Total distance: 14 km
Elevation gain: 400 m
Elevation loss: 700 m
Terrain: mostly riverbed and rocky terrain, followed by a well-established trail on the return to Sa Barva
This is not simply a hike. It is a true journey through one of Sardinia's most spectacular and wild landscapes.
EXPERIENCE GORROPPU. LIVE THE ADVENTURE! 🌊⛰️
HAVE A GREAT CANYONING ADVENTURE!
