The Grand Canyon of Crimea: amazing things nearby. Grand Canyon of Crimea: where it is and how to get there by car How to get to the Grand Canyon of Bakhchisarai
It's called the heart Crimean mountains. Grand Canyon Crimea is a lost world of pristine beauty. A grandiose three-kilometer depression filled with boulders, replete with picturesque waterfalls and baths, amazes the imagination of the most sophisticated travelers. The unique landscape reserve is strictly protected by the state. On protected lands it is prohibited to pick flowers, cut down trees, light fires, spend the night and set up tents...Visiting the canyon is paid and regulated, which does not prevent thousands of tourists from traveling to this strange place. The vivid impressions you receive are worth all the difficulties and costs!
And the rocks parted...
“The Heart of the Crimean Mountains” is located 3 kilometers from the village of Sokolinogo, Bakhchisaray district. There are many paved paths and paths leading to the northern part of the Ai-Petrinsky massif, so anyone who wants to get into the holy of holies can do so. True, it is best to choose a dry season, since during high water the Canyon can absorb uninvited guests. After all, his heart is made of stone, and it knows no pity.
The Grand Canyon is relatively young - it is only about 2 million years old! Once upon a time, the depths of the ocean raged at the place where it is located. Nature sculpted the local landscape, sometimes raising mountains to the skies, sometimes throwing them into the abyss of the sea. One day, during another reconstruction, one of the colossal blocks broke, resulting in a giant crack. A tectonic fault divided a single mountain range into two - Ai-Petri and Boyka. The work on the formation of the depression was continued by the Auzun-Uzen River. For many millennia, the river “drilled” into the rock formation, forming a gorge in the canyon. At the bottom of the canyon, many rapids, waterfalls and erosion boilers, the so-called baths, appeared. Today the channel is a three-kilometer depression with smooth walls along the sides, cluttered with blocks and boulders. Maximum depth its length is 320 meters, its width reaches from 3 to 5 meters.
First " lost World» Crimea was described by Professor I.I. Puzanov in 1925. One fine day, traveling through the Crimean Mountains with a friend, the scientist made an amazing discovery.
“Having climbed the Boyka massif, the rocky surface of which was no different from Ai-Petri, of which it is an outpost, we decided to go straight to Ai-Petri. ...After walking for half an hour, we suddenly found ourselves on the edge of a bottomless chasm, stretching parallel to Yaila. Looking with bated breath into the abyss that blocked our path, we saw that a river was flowing at its bottom. The opposite edge of the chasm was also absolutely vertical, like the one on which we stood. The direct distance to it was no more than 200-250 m. White-bellied swifts were whistling across the abyss separating us,” this is how the traveler described his impressions.
Perhaps the author of these lines was a little disingenuous. It's nice to feel like a pioneer of new lands! The gorge, of course, was well known even before Puzanov local residents. Other researchers and local historians also knew about its existence. In 1906, in a scientific article, the Canyon was mentioned by botanist I.V. Vankov. In 1915, N.V. Rukhlov described in detail the main rivers in the mountainous Crimea, including in the area of the Grand Canyon. The Crimean Society of Naturalists, shortly before the First World War, published a guide to Crimea, in which there is a mention that in the Kokkoz region there is ... “interesting mountain gorge"Canyon". A unique indentation was applied to topographic maps Crimea, published before the revolution. Puzanov further popularized the exotic corner of Crimea. After his article and the film “Along the Grand Canyon of Crimea,” filmed by F.F. Schillinger, natural monument began to become widely known. In the 30s of the last century, an excursion to the Canyon was included in the plan of the Kokkoz tourist base, and its description appeared in all Crimean guidebooks.
Nature of the Grand Canyon
High humidity and low temperatures have created a special microclimate in the Grand Canyon. The vegetation here develops with a delay of 3-4 weeks compared to the surrounding forests. On local slopes composed of limestone, you can find small groups of pine trees. Broad-leaved forests grow in the lower part of the gorge. Centuries-old hornbeams, beeches, ash trees, oaks, maples, rowan trees and lindens are the eternal inhabitants of these places. The undergrowth is represented by many shrubs. Hazel, dogwood, barberry, buckthorn feel great here... A feature of the Canyon flora is the presence of one and a half thousand tertiary relict trees. Among them, a prominent representative is the yew berry. There are real giants, reaching 1.5 meters in girth and 10-15 meters in height.
During the Ice Age, the well-insulated canyon became a haven for heat-loving plants. The depression warmed rare species of ferns, relict butcher's broom, endemic saxifrage, more than two-thirds of the orchid species of Crimea, among which there is a very rare flower called Lady's slipper.
Brook trout splash in the cold, oxygenated water of the rivers of the gorge. Travelers often encounter hedgehogs, and if you are lucky, you can see a weasel, badger or roe deer. The most common birds are the tit, woodpecker, redstart, robin, warbler and jay. And, of course, the mistress of the concrete jungle is a nimble lizard.
The unique nature of the canyon requires careful protection and conservation. In 1947, the Grand Canyon of Crimea was declared a natural monument, and since 1974, its territory (more than 300 hectares) was declared a landscape reserve of republican significance by a resolution of the Council of Ministers of the USSR. Today, on protected lands, it is prohibited to pick flowers, cut down trees, light fires, or, in general, rudely interfere with the ecosystem of the area. The state of the reserve is monitored by employees of the Kuibyshev forestry enterprise. They also developed special routes for tourists.
In the heart of the Canyon
The journey to the heart of the Crimean Mountains begins not far from the Postal Oak. During the Great Patriotic War, partisans left secret messages in the once powerful tree. In peacetime, tourists continued this tradition. As a result of the fire, only part of the oak trunk remained. The guides suggest that the tragedy occurred due to a lightning strike, although it is quite possible that the main reason was human negligence.
There are two trails leading from the Post Oak. The first one goes to the bottom of the gorge, the second one, the “Winter Trail,” goes up and follows the right slope. The first option is convenient for summer walk, it is interesting and not so complicated. This is the route followed by the main tourist routes.
Travelers who choose the summer trail will, after some time, be greeted by the first attraction - Blue Lake. The reservoir, shallow in depth, is the widest in the Canyon. Those wishing to swim are in for a surprise - the water temperature in local springs, rivers and lakes does not exceed 11°C even in the hottest months. Blue Lake is the largest karst spring in Crimea. Every second it brings about 370 liters of water to the surface.
Walking along the bottom of the Grand Canyon of Crimea, you never cease to be amazed at the inexhaustible imagination of Mother Nature. Bizarre sculptures carved by water in stone are found here and there, evoking various associations.
The small waterfalls are incredibly picturesque. The water falling from the stones washes away the basins underneath, forming stone baths. One of them, the most famous, is called the “Bath of Youth”. Modern name“baths” have been known since the early 1960s, and they were once called “Kara-Gol”, which means Black Lake. This is the most deep basin in the gorge, reaching 4 meters. There is a belief: they say that after swimming in it you can rejuvenate yourself by several years. Indeed, 9-11 degree water is very invigorating!
The Bath of Youth is the last point of excursions along the Grand Canyon of Crimea. To go further, you need to have rock climbing skills. In the spring and during heavy rains, you must be prepared to move 100 - 200 meters knee-deep in cold water. Don't forget about the danger of rockfalls. During floods, movement along the extreme part of the canyon is strictly not recommended. Once upon a time, a gardener who worked in the park of the Yusupov tea house shared a warning with Professor I.I. Puzanov: “Our peasants say that at night wild screams, squeals and laughter are heard from the Auzun-Uzen crevice - that the devils are celebrating their weddings...”
For those who are not afraid of devils and witches and still decide to move on, fabulously beautiful corners of nature and unforgettable adventures await you!
From the article you will learn everything about the Grand Canyon of Crimea: why it is interesting, how long the excursion lasts, what attractions are included in the route.
The Grand Canyon occupies a special place among natural monuments Crimean peninsula. The huge majestic gorge is located about four kilometers from the village of Sokolinoe - on the northern slope of the Main Range of the Crimean Mountains. The height of the canyon bed ranges from 500 to 600 m above sea level. The mighty cliffs of the gorge rise 300-350 m above the sea.
The depth of the Grand Canyon of Crimea is also impressive - it reaches 320 meters. The length of the gorge is about 3,500 meters.
What is famous about the Grand Canyon in Crimea?
The Grand Canyon took thousands of years to form. It was washed by the waters of the mountain river Auzun-Uzen, which still flows between Yayla Ai-Petri and mountain range Boyka. The flora in these places is diverse. The rocky slopes are overgrown with Crimean pines. In the lowlands, trees form dense thickets. Here you can find birch, hornbeam, ash, beech, etc. There are also relict yew trees in the gorge. Rare species of ferns, relict butcher's broom and saxifrage - one of the endemics of Crimea - also grow here. Evergreen ivy is found almost everywhere.
The Grand Canyon in Crimea is famous for its picturesque waterfalls, rapids and monumental stone chaos formed by masses of marble-like limestone. The waters of a mountain river have been moving stone blocks downstream for thousands of years. It was they who “drilled” gorges and basins into the softer limestone bed.
Grand Canyon of Crimea - how to get there
- Independent tourists. As a rule, those who go on a hiking trip to the canyon are prepared for difficulties and know that public transport is difficult in this part of Crimea. The easiest way to get to the Grand Canyon is to take a taxi in the village of Sokolin. The locals have been driving for a long time and, most likely, will spot you from afar and offer you a ride to the beginning of the route. All that’s left to do is get to Sokolinoe itself;
- Independent travelers with a car. By car it is easy to get to Sokolinoe from (a little closer) and (a little further). Then climb up to Ai-Petri, following the signs. There is only one road there, so there shouldn’t be any discrepancies. The second option is, on the contrary, to go down from the Ai-Petri plateau. A little below the halfway point you will find a sign “Grand Canyon”;
- Group tourists (with excursion). Most best option. They will pick you up and take you in comfort, and during the walk they will tell you and show you everything.
The Grand Canyon is a landmark that is difficult to reach by public transport. But it's worth a visit. Therefore, ordering an organized excursion seems to us the most profitable solution.
Where to Stay in the Grand Canyon Area
For those who have their own car, we have an even better idea than day trip to the Grand Canyon. Sevastopol residents and guests of the hero city will especially like it. In the village of Sokolino there are two camp sites where you can spend a luxurious weekend. So to speak, at the foot of Ai-Petri, half an hour’s drive from the reserve.
We like both, which one is better - choose for yourself.
#1. Kutler Estate
Landscapes of the Belbek Valley (Kutler Estate)
A family guest house in the Belbek valley, where at different times poppies bloom and alpine grasses bloom. At the Kutler estate, the rooms are decorated in a chalet style, have air conditioning, panoramic breakfast terraces, a sauna and well-groomed grounds.
#2. Fisherman's Farm Chalet
A new camp site with nice, cozy rooms, which few people know about. In addition to standard amenities (bathroom, air conditioning, wi-fi), microwave ovens and electric kettles are available. The territory has a well-kept garden and mountain views.
Grand Canyon - full tour route
The excursion route along the Grand Canyon begins behind the village of Sokolinoe. After about 5 km the trail comes out to the gorge. It leads through a beech forest to a small picturesque clearing where stands the Post Oak - one of the most famous trees - about 350 years old. The oak is famous for the fact that since the middle of the last century, a tradition has emerged of leaving notes with wishes in the hollow of a century-old tree. If you make a wish from your heart, it will certainly come true.
In the early 80s. 20th century oak burned down. The dry, burnt out giant is gradually turning into dust, but still continues to stand at the entrance to the Grand Canyon.
Stop #1. Blue Lake
Waterfall "Silver Streams"
If you go from the Postal Oak along the path to the right, you will soon see Blue Lake And Waterfall Silver Streams- two amazingly beautiful . Blue Lake is the widest erosion basin in the gorge. It is filled with unusually clean and transparent water with a delicate blue tint. The water temperature in the lake does not rise above 12 degrees even during the summer heat season. Swimming in a shallow, cool bath gives tourists strength to continue their journey.
At a two-meter height above the basin there is a picturesque Silver Streams waterfall. It fully lives up to its name. A green cap of moss hangs above it, and water flows down over the stones, dividing into streams that shimmer in the sun, like threads of silver.
Stop #2. Apple Ford
Apple ford - one of the stages of the canyon excursion
After descending from Sentinel Cliff, tourists will find another one of them. natural beauty Canyon - Apple Ford. Here upstream the river in large quantities wild apple trees grow. With the arrival of autumn, their fruits and leaves fall into the water. The current brings them to the ford opposite the mouth of the Almachuk - a tributary of the Auzun-Uzen, the name of which is translated into Russian - “apple”.
Stop #3. Pania Source
Pania Spring (Grand Canyon)
Beyond the ford the river valley becomes deeper. Not far from it is the Paniya spring. Its name is a simplified form of the word "Panagia" ("All-Holy"). There are many holy springs in Crimea, discovered in the Middle Ages. Most likely, Pania is one of them too. This is one of the largest sources fresh water on the peninsula. Up to 1400 m3 of water comes out of it in an hour. Next to the spring there is a flooded cave of the same name.
Stop #4. Bath of youth
The end point of the route is “Bath of Youth”
The tour ends at the Bath of Youth - one of the main attractions of the Grand Canyon of Crimea. This is the deepest cauldron (5 m) along the Auzun-Uzen stream. A waterfall falls into the basin from above. This is the most famous “bath of youth” on the Crimean peninsula. It is filled with cold, clear water, which does not warm up above 11 degrees even in forty-degree heat. Swimming in the basin strengthens and invigorates. By tradition, most tourists plunge into it.
Viewpoints of the Grand Canyon
Panorama of the canyon from observation deck
There are several viewing platforms in the gorge. The most popular of them is the top of Sentinel Rock, from which a magnificent panorama of the canyon is visible. Good review the tract also opens from the Fifth Cliff. From this observation deck you can clearly see the Grand Canyon along almost its entire length.
What to take with you on an excursion
A walk through the Grand Canyon takes about 2.5-3 hours. The difficulty of the route is below average. However, it can be compared to hiking in the mountains. You have to walk through the forest, jump over ravines, rivers, and overcome obstacles. So note that On an excursion to the Grand Canyon of Crimea you need to wear comfortable shoes. Girls climbing through forest potholes in open sandals, sometimes even heels, evoke not only a smile, but also sympathy. Take care of yourself!
And don't forget to bring a liter bottle of water per person. The excursion is long, there will be nowhere to buy things along the route.
A route map that will accompany you along the way
Ticket prices to the Grand Canyon 2020
The Grand Canyon is a nature reserve, but they charge an entrance fee. Ticket price for adults is 100 rubles. The condition of the route is excellent. There are railings and steps along the trails, and you will see signs and maps along the way.
Where to stay.
Photo tour of the Grand Canyon. Enjoy nature, forest, clear water in springs and, of course, a bath of youth!
Without exaggeration, we can say that the entire Crimean peninsula is one big nature reserve, every corner of which must not only be visited, but also felt its beauty and mood. The Grand Canyon was no exception. Just looking at it takes your breath away and you just want to silently look around and listen to the breath of nature.
This huge fault in the Crimean mountains stretches for many kilometers. The canyon is located in the south of the peninsula, not far from Yalta and Alupka. It is located on the northern slope of the main ridge of the Crimean Mountains, in the Bakhchisarai region and runs between the two massifs Ai-Petrinsky and Boyka.
Nearest locality to the big canyon - the village of Sokolinoe, which is located 5 km from it.
The Grand Canyon is the deepest and most impressive gorge on the peninsula. It was formed approximately 2,000,000 years ago as a result of tectonic activity accompanied by earthquakes and plate shifts. It still continues to be formed under the influence of the environment, landslides, weathering and water erosion.
Baths of the Grand Canyon of Crimea
Description
- To date it length is 3.5 km;
- depth on average 320 m, but in some places reaches 600 meters;
- width just as the depth ranges from 3 to 187 meters, sometimes narrowing and sometimes expanding throughout.
The river adds beauty to the canyon Auzun-Uzen flowing along its bottom. It is thanks to the water that has worked to create the landscape for many millennia that there are many rapids, waterfalls, boilers and baths. There are more than 150 of them here. There are many more attractions on the peninsula, and one of them is the Jur Jur waterfall, but this will help you understand how to get to it by car
How to get there
There are several ways to get to the reserve:
By car
If you drive from Yalta or its suburbs, then it is best to choose the highway leading to Bakhchisarai. At the Ai-Petri pass you will have to overcome the mountain serpentine. There is a "Grand Canyon" sign on the route leading to the right place.
If you move from the direction of Simferopol, you need to choose the Sevastopol highway and move along it to Bakhchisarai, then turn onto the road that leads to the Ai-Petri pass, you need to pass the village of Sokolinoe, 3 km from it, there will be the “entrance gate to the Grand Canyon”.
Video shows how to get there by car:
Near the entrance to the reserve there is a guarded parking lot, where you need to leave your car and continue on foot. You will also find out where the Marsian Lake is located, and how you can get there by car and on foot.
Public transport
All public transport should only go to the village of Sokolinoe, since further on there are buses and minibus taxis prohibited, so you will have to walk to your destination or use the services of a private cab. There will definitely not be any problems with this, since in Sokolin there are always enough people willing to take tourists to the famous Crimean landmark, for a small fee.
Excursion tour
On the video - how to get to the Grand Canyon of Crimea:
This excursion includes not only a hike through the most beautiful and largest canyon of Crimea, with a visit to its natural attractions such as:
- Blue Lakes;
- Pania Spring;
- Apple Ford;
- Yew Falls;
- The bath of youth and the Silver Streams waterfall, but also lunch in a cafe of Tatar cuisine. Every traveler will be interested to learn about how to get to the Taigan safari park in Crimea, as well as to see
To the starting point of the excursion tourists are transported by buses that follow very picturesque roads, however, all buses stop at a parking lot and you must explore the canyon on foot. Experienced guides lead groups along the most interesting impassable stone paths that will not leave anyone indifferent; you will have to walk a lot along rocky paths, so comfortable shoes are a must.
Video of the walking tour:
In addition to the stunning nature and views, there are many places in the canyon where you can swim, so be sure to take swimsuits with you.
No matter how difficult it is to get to the Great Crimean Canyon, it is a must-visit. This unique place, where rare species of plants and animals are found, in addition, it is simply very beautiful here. Everyone knows that the nature of the Crimean peninsula is unique and its natural attractions are in no way inferior to architectural ones. Any tourist would also like to know about this wonderful place, like the New World, and also about what beaches there are.