Pietrele Galbenei

Pietrele Galbenei is a geological nature reserve, protected according to IUCN category III, located in northwestern Transylvania, Bihor county.

This area is located in the southeastern part of Bihor county, in the northern branch of the Bihor Mountains, part of the Apuseni Mountains, which are part of the Carpathian chain of the Occidentals. The territorial administration is carried out in the commune of Pietroasa.

With an area of ​​6.30 hectares, the area was declared a protected area by Law No. 5 of 2000, having a geological importance and being integrated into the avifaunistic protection area of ​​the Apuseni Mountains - Vlădeasa.

From the north, Pietrele Galbenei forms a slope of Gropii de la Barsa, with a path that goes up through the virgin forest. The southern side of the slope is a 200-meter limestone cliff, offering impressive views of the Flower Meadow and Padiș Karst Plateau.

At the foot of the Yellow Stones there is a beech forest that changes its colors depending on the season. Among the meadows and the shelters of the Cossacks, the Valea Galbenei and its tributaries, including Groapa Rustinoasa, an impressive formation created by torrents in Mount Țapu, where canyons and waterfalls can be found.

Valea Luncșoara separates from Valea Galbenei and originates near Arieseni. In this direction, the ski slope on Vârtop Mountain and Cucurbăta Mare Peak, with the television relay, can be seen. Nearby, Mount Borțig descends towards Izbucul Galbenei, hidden by vegetation.

Tourist attractions in the area include the wooden churches of Cociuba Mică and Fânațe, as well as multiple nature reserves such as Avenul Borțigului, Groapa Rustinoasa - Valea Secă, Peștera Urșilor and others.