The Grand Canyon of Crimea on the map. Excursion to the Grand Canyon

More than a million years ago, due to a tectonic fault, appeared in the Crimea grand canyon. This miracle decorates Mount Ai-Petri from the northeast side, its height above sea level in different places from 700 to 1000 meters. For many thousands of years, water and wind have worked to shape the canyon, giving the rocks their unique shape. The length of the Grand Canyon of Crimea is 3 kilometers, the smallest distance between the rocks is 3 meters, and the most deep place canyon - 320 meters.

The majestic panorama of the giant Crimean cleft can be seen already on the way, right from the path that leads to the Grand Canyon from the Kokkozka Valley (it is also called Blue). Steep bizarre stone walls rush upward from all sides, overhanging cliffs evoke awe. From each cape protruding into the gorge, whether it be Storozhevoy or Pine, Fourth or Trapis, breathtaking pictures open up. WITH high altitude the canyon with its curves resembles a fairy-tale dragon. The most stunning view opens from the Fifth Cliff: the canyon is visible at a glance almost its entire length.

In the depths of the gorge it is cool even on the hottest summer days, because the sun rarely looks there. Running along the bottom of the canyon river Auzun-Uzen, into which many springs and springs flow. The water in this river is very cold even in hot summer. During floods, one cannot pass along the bottom of the Grand Canyon, as a very powerful stream rages here. In summer, Auzun-Uzen almost dries up, and the bottom of the gorge becomes accessible to people.

From all sides the canyon is surrounded by mountains, overgrown with relic pines, oaks, yews and junipers. In these protected forests grows the only evergreen deciduous tree in Ukraine - small-fruited strawberry. If you're lucky, you may well see a rare orchid, the lady's slipper.

The bottom of the canyon is covered with neat gullies resembling yellow porcelain shells. This is the work of Auzun-Uzen, which in translation from Turkic means "Loquatic". The bottom of the river here and there is cluttered with stones that have fallen from the sheer walls. In season heavy rains The talkative becomes a seething stream. The water easily spins the fallen stones as if they were made of Styrofoam, forming gouges, which eventually turn into evorsion cauldrons. The bottom of the canyon is practically dry only from mid-July and in autumn, when the mountains are not flooded with heavy rains.

There are two ways to Mount Ai-Petri from the nearest village of Sokolinoye, in the Bakhchisaray district: you can get there by the Yusupov trail, which runs along the walls of the Boyka rock massif, or along the Kokkozka River. The second path is much more picturesque: through mountains of huge boulders, waterfalls and deep baths, it will lead to the confluence of two rivers. Auzun-Uzen, which will be on the left, begins in the Grand Canyon, and further along its course are the Blue Lake and the Pania karst spring (Panagia is the All-Holy Mother of God). In total, there are more than two thousand sources of carbonate karst on the Crimean peninsula, and Pania is one of the largest. When water "soaks" into the rock, carbon dioxide from the karst reacts with it. As a result, the water chemical composition approaches a weak acid and corrodes the rock. The earth and stones serve as natural "filters", the water is purified and filled with all sorts of microelements - it is not for nothing that it is the most delicious in mountain springs.

In places of a sharp drop in the channel, there are many waterfalls and waterfalls, under which there are "Evorsion" boilers- large hollows, where the stream falls from the ledge. Water turns stones, and over time, the boiler deepens so much that it turns into a "bath". In front of the entrance to the narrowest part of the canyon is the "Bath of Youth", one of the largest in the gorge. As a rule, excursions end here. Tourists plunge into the water, which never rises above 9-11 degrees even in summer. Everyone chooses the method of “rejuvenation” for himself: many with loud cries dive from rocky ledges even upside down, because there are more than 3.5 meters to the bottom of the bath.

But why the screams, why the delight? It's very simple: water in "Bath of Youth" amazing purity and the deepest emerald green color, as if gem suddenly became liquid. All the greenery around is also bright green - wet moss, fern leaves. And somewhere far, far above, among sheer cliffs, there is a small piece of a clear turquoise sky.

The canyon is made up of water, rock and trees. Relic species of trees, flowers and grass grow on the slopes of the gorge. But we will probably return to this later.

The most mysterious part of the Grand Canyon begins immediately after the "Youth Bath". The walls of the gorge are approaching, the passage becomes very narrow. Because of the sharp sharp turns of the channel, formed by huge ledges or capes of the canyon, there is a feeling of uncertainty - what awaits there, ahead ...

HOW TO GET TO

How to get to the Grand Canyon by car?

From Yalta you can drive along the highway to Bakhchisaray. First you reach the Ai-Petri pass, then go down from the pass along the mountain serpentine to the sign with the inscription "Grand Canyon". Regular buses do not run here, only with your own car or with a tour.

From Simferopol you have to go by car along the Sevastopol highway to Bakhchisaray. In Bakhchisarai, choose the track to Ai-Petri. 3 km after the village of Sokolinoye there will be an entrance "gate" to the canyon. In summer, it is very busy here - there are many sightseeing buses, souvenir shops and cafes. You can park your car here. Further - only on foot.

How to get there by shuttle bus?

Buses run from Bakhchisaray and from Sevastopol, but only to the village of Sokolinoe. This is the closest locality near the Grand Canyon. Further along the highway is a footpath.

ABOUT PLACES OF POWER

A place of power is, as a rule, a small area where energy fields are concentrated that have a beneficial effect on a person. The impact occurs both on the physical level, and on the emotional and mental. The influence of the place of power is felt quite real and can be very significant. Therefore, before visiting such a place, it is very important to tune in internally and, if possible, remove negative thoughts. If you visit a place of power with a pure mind and due respect, it is likely that it will reciprocate. At the same time, a person feels an unusual physical and emotional upsurge. In such places, insight and understanding of many things that were not understood before often come. Such unusual places can be unique natural landscapes and places associated with the historical and religious activities of people. For example, mountains, caves, lakes, groves and springs, waterfalls and springs, as places of power, concentrate the energy field of the earth and a person, having got there, feels its impact.

The Crimean peninsula - with these words, many travelers' hearts begin to beat rapidly. And the reason for this is the many beauties of natural and man-made, with which the area is generous and rich.

Mountain peaks interspersed with flat plateaus, cave cities monasteries, but everything pales in front of the majestic canyon! The Grand Canyon in Crimea (LBC) is truly a sight to be seen at least once in a lifetime. And do not think that this is a small crevice, exaggerated by impressionable tourists - this is a place of power, incredible emotions, beauty and joy.

Where is the Grand Canyon in Crimea?

Between the Boyka mountain range and the Ai-Petrinsky highlands, on the southeastern side of the village of Sokolinoe, lies the most beautiful Grand Canyon of Crimea. The natural attraction is the deepest on the territory of the peninsula and reaches 320 meters, while the narrowest part is only 2 meters, while the length of the crevice is 3.5 km. The large Crimean canyon is rich in water flows, there are countless streams, and the Azu-Uzen River runs along the bottom - incessant and stormy, originating from the very upper reaches and “seeing off” travelers throughout the route.

Grand Canyon trails

Travelers are always offered a route starting from the Three Minnows cafe - it is believed that even a novice tourist will go from here to the Bath of Youth. The entrance fee is still charged (about 100 rubles each), but you can also go for free if the collectors have already collected revenue and left. So, from the post of foresters, which is next to the cafe, the path leads to Sary-Uzen.

The river fills up only during heavy rains, so in summer you can literally cross without getting your feet wet. The stone boulders are smooth, safe, you just need good shoes to walk easily and comfortably. Following the first there will be a second crossing - this is the Kokozka River, which is formed at the confluence of a pair of other rivers. It is not difficult to cross Kokozka, at the same time admire the local beauties, bushes and go on a well-marked path leading up.

There, where oak and hornbeam forests spread freely. For “wild” travelers, there is an opportunity to turn along the river and move along with the channel, but this path is a little more difficult.

And along the path, which is well trodden by hundreds of tourists' feet, it is easy, free and simple to walk. Having risen, the travelers will find themselves at a crossroads: the roads separate, you choose, but going to the left, you will definitely go to the village of Sokolinoye, and to the right there will be the Grand Crimean Canyon - we go there. From the fork in the road becomes more difficult, so calculate your strength.

A little ahead and you can already see the attraction itself, you can hear the sound of water and you can take a picture of a huge gorge with steep slopes covered with trees and shrubs. On the left, the watchtower cliff rises, it is the first to meet all travelers and escort them to the Second, Third and Fourth (Cave) cliffs. But this is all on the left “side”, on the right, the Pine Cliff is freely spread, hiding the Almanchuk tract with the playful river Yabloneva (Almanchuk) behind it. The name of the tract Almanchuk comes from a grove of wild apple trees that grow here to this day. After walking a little, you can stand on the observation deck and enjoy the stunning panoramic views.

And now further! The water is no longer just heard, but also seen - soon the entire expanse of the Blue Lake will open, so named because of the bluish reflection of the water playing in the rays of the sun. In general, this is not a lake, but just a backwater, but if the Bolshoi canyon, then let everything be called “big”. Through apple ford the path to the confluence with Kokozka is fast, and there is already a floodplain with dogwood bushes, hazel, wild apple trees - a little further the channel will lead to the Ai-Petri plateau, but it’s better to first have a good rest in a small grotto under an overhanging stone. This is where the parking of all tourists who do not violate the rules of travel happens. Rest is a must as the trail becomes more difficult and narrower, with steep descents, ascents and zigzag turns.

If the trip takes place in the summer heat, you can walk along the river bed, the stones are covered with a thick soft layer of moss, which pleasantly springs under your feet. Well, in spring or autumn, the stream is always full-flowing, so you have to follow the path. Going on a hike along the Crimean canyon, grab a fishing rod - a little further the river becomes full-flowing and brook trout frolic superbly in it. It is not difficult to agree with the foresters to catch a couple of pieces, and you will be pleased to bake the catch, of course with the permission of the guide. If you didn’t take an umbrella from the heat, pluck a huge leaf of butterbur - there are plenty of them here. The protection is short-lived, but replaceable, and it saves perfectly from the sun.

A short path to the ford with a turn of the river over the rock will fly by quickly, but further, a little to the right, a real miracle awaits - the source of "Paniya". The fullness of the source is amazing, as always cold water in him. Get your cameras ready, we're going to shoot the most beautiful places kingdoms of stone pits and baths, including the famous bath of Youth. This is where the usual route to the Grand Canyon of Crimea ends.

But there are many others. For example, to go further, because all the most interesting opens just behind these cliffs. The path will be difficult, not every traveler will be able to pass. But if you have endurance and endurance, then go ahead! There, where the sheer walls almost close, muffling sunlight and settling in the gorge gloom and twilight.

It is quiet here, there is no sound of water, only pebbles rustle, gradually crumbling under the careless steps of travelers, and invisible trees rustle somewhere above. Even now, the dry bottom is lined with pebbles of limestone rock, often come across ledges of many meters in height and blockages rolled with stones. Sometimes you need to go through them, and this is where the minimum climbing skills and helping each other are required. There are rare paths that go around the rubble, but you will have to jump enough. By the way, you should not rush especially, the condensate settling on the stones is dangerous for fast movements - you can slip and fall.

Rockfalls also pose a danger to travel - at the bottom there are often huge pieces of limestone rock, crushed by falling. So far, no one has been hurt, but it's good to be careful. In addition, traces of destruction from water jets are everywhere visible on the walls: grottoes, niches, ledges. Because of this, the Grand Crimean Canyon cannot boast of even plumb lines, but all the depressions are convenient for travelers, you can lean on them, and it’s also interesting to look at the temporary layers of the “pie” of plumb lines.

In general, there will be enough interesting things on the way for a lifetime of memories, harsh beauty the canyon is amazing, every turn opens the new kind, panorama and it seems that he got into some other world, broke away from reality and now there will be an entrance to the kingdom of the gnomes. But two kilometers hard way ends, the walls move apart, become lower, and soon a magnificent basin with an anhydrous channel of the Kuru-Uzen (Dry River) and incredibly beautiful glades lined with soft grass opens before your eyes.

Now it remains to go to inspect Cape Trapis, go down to the Johan-Su valley with its springs and carefully look down from the huge Fifth Cape! The spectacle is definitely not for the faint of heart - a view of the entire gorge from a great height leaves such a storm of emotions in the memory that it is impossible to cope with them right away. Then a calm passage along the path, at first gentle, and then steeply running down, and finally, again the murmur of water, the trunks of ancient beeches and the spring of Dzhevizlyk, where you can rest before leaving the canyon.

There are plenty of routes along the Great Crimean Canyon, they differ in different lengths and complexity. And there is always the option to choose a lighter version, for example, to go on an adventure with the kids.

Crimean canyon map

Looking at the map, you should pay attention to a large number of rivers, springs and other sources. Formed as a result of a break in the earth's crust, the Grand Canyon of Crimea is indicated on the map as a deep crevice with a length of 3.5 km. The difficulties of crossing the gorge force agencies to offer routes along the upper edge, but if you wish, it is worth looking at the map and taking the risk of laying your own routes. Moreover, there are plenty of turns that allow you to shorten the path and go back to the confluence and exit to the cafe.

However, if tourists are not afraid of difficulties, they will open new world- these places are not accessible to many travelers and have retained almost pristine freshness natural beauties. It is impossible to see all the charm of the gorge from above, ledges, dense vegetation interfere, but from below the view enchants and does not let go, they are so beautiful nooks and crannies Great Crimean Canyon.

The tectonic fault has a lot of sights, both encountered on the way, and requiring a separate inspection.

Waterfall Silver Jets

It is only 4.5 kilometers to the south from the village of Sokolinoe to the waterfall, which is an hour's journey, but the time spent on the road will more than pay off! The luxurious waterfall is located at the entrance to the Small Canyon and is a "creation" of the Sary-Uzen River. But, contrary to the name (Yellow River), the waterfall is Silver, not yellow, and pleases travelers with its mellifluous tints.

Visually, the entire flow of water resembles strings that the wind “plays”. In winter, the jets freeze and the waterfall turns into a "Crystal" waterfall - icicles hang in the most bizarre way, forming an intricate pattern and slowly ringing from the wind. The form itself is very unusual: countless streams of water escape from under the cap of moss, and behind the stream a back entrance to the grotto opens. Add to this a hornbeam forest interspersed with beech, mountain ash, ancient oaks and you get a complete feeling of a fabulous place, which is what this waterfall is!

bath of youth

The Grand Canyon of Crimea gives youth not only to the soul, but also to the body. The famous bath of Youth is believed to return the joy of life even to the older generation. It is this legend that attracts many travelers to bathing in the font, who want to plunge into the water, the temperature of which rarely exceeds 9-10 degrees. A pleasure that makes you think. The depth of the bath is 5 meters, so you can even dive, but few people dare such an enterprise, but you can always try!

post oak

The postal oak is another attraction that pleases the Grand Crimean Canyon. Once upon a time, partisans used the opportunity to put a letter in the hollow of an oak for transmission. And for a long time the tree of travelers was pleased with beautiful letters, where people wrote about their dreams and achievements, shared their joyful emotions. In fact, writing a letter and leaving it at the Postal Oak was the same as sending a message to Santa Claus. But in 1982, the tree was burned, and today only the skeleton of a mighty oak remains at the fork.

But this should not upset travelers, the Grand Canyon of Crimea is replete with miracles and remarkable places:

1. Blue Lake is a place where love confessions gain indestructible power;

2. On the Apple Ford, look who will give a hand - this often turns out to be the very person you have been waiting for all your life;

3. Source Pania always fulfills the most secret desires.

As you can see, here in the canyon nature takes on the fulfillment of the most secret dreams, and therefore you should thoroughly prepare for the excursion.

Excursion to the Grand Canyon

Journey to the Grand Canyon of Crimea - an excursion that gives you the opportunity to get acquainted with one of the most notable places peninsulas. As a rule, the route includes: an overview of the South Coast, a trip to the Bakhchisarai region, a walk along the canyon and lunch in a cafe. The duration of the adventure depends on the length of the route and takes from 8 hours. You will have to walk 2-3.5 km of the way through different terrain, so you should take care of comfortable shoes, clothes, changeable socks and a swimsuit. At the end of the trip, tourists will have barbecue, wine, juices, pilaf, Tatar manti in the Three Minnows cafe.

How to get there?

Going to the Grand Canyon of Crimea, think about how to get there:

1. On public transport from Yalta, Sevastopol or Simferopol go Shuttle Buses from bus stations on the route to Bakhchisaray. Walk and fixed-route taxis. You need to go to the village of Sokolinoye, then walk three kilometers to southbound and you will see the entrance to the gorge.

Bus schedule Simferopol-Bakhchisarai

Bus schedule Sevastopol-Bakhchisaray

Bus schedule Yalta-Bakhchisaray

2. From Sokolinoye you can also walk along the Yusupov trail, it will just lead you to the beginning of the route into the canyon.

If you go by car to the Grand Canyon of Crimea, then here's how to get there by car:

1. Drive along the Yalta highway to Bakhchisarai;

2. Turn to the Ai-Petri pass;

3. Before reaching the pass, there will be the village of Sokolinoe, where you can leave the transport in the parking lot.

How to get from Simferopol to the Grand Canyon

From Sevastopol

From Yalta

Attraction coordinates: N 44.3140 E 34.10. And remember that the Grand Canyon in Crimea is a territory where not all areas are open to the public, it is forbidden to pick flowers, eat fruits and cut down trees. For making a fire, you can get a fine, as well as for an unauthorized overnight stay. It is best to travel during the dry season and in no case should you bathe in stone "baths" with black water. It's really black, besides, and contagious due to rotting algae, don't risk it!

From the article you will learn everything about the Grand Canyon of Crimea: why it is interesting, how long the tour lasts, what sights are included in the route.

The Grand Canyon occupies a special place among natural monuments Crimean peninsula. A huge majestic gorge is located about four kilometers from the village of Sokolinoye - on the northern slope Main Ridge Crimean mountains. The height of the canyon bed varies from 500 to 600 m above sea level. The mighty cliffs of the gorge rise 300-350 m above the sea area.

The depth of the Grand Canyon of Crimea is also impressive - it reaches 320 meters. The length of the gorge is about 3500 meters.

Why is the Grand Canyon in Crimea famous?

The Grand Canyon took thousands of years to form. It was washed with water mountain river Auzun-Uzen, which still flows between the Ai-Petri yaila and the Boyka mountain range. The flora in these places is diverse. The rocky slopes are overgrown with Crimean pines. In the lowlands, trees form dense thickets. There are birch, hornbeam, ash, beech, etc. There are relic yew trees in the gorge. Rare species of ferns also grow here, as well as the relict butcher's broom and saxifrage - one of the Crimean endemic species. Evergreen ivy is found almost everywhere.

The Grand Canyon in the Crimea is famous for its picturesque waterfalls, rapids and monumental stone chaos formed by the 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” the baths and basins in 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 ready for difficulties and know that public transport is tight at this point in Crimea. The easiest way to get to the Grand Canyon is to take a taxi in the village of Sokolinoe. The locals have been driving for a long time and, most likely, they will figure you out from afar and offer you a lift to the beginning of the route. The point is small - to get to the Sokolinoye itself;
Solo travelers with a car. By car, Sokolinoye is easily accessible from (a little closer) and (a little further). Then climb up to Ai-Petri, following the signs. There is only one road, so there should not be any discrepancies. The second option is, on the contrary, to go down from the Ai-Petri plateau. A little below the middle of the path, the sign "Grand Canyon" awaits you;
Group tourists (with excursion). Most best option. You will be brought and taken with comfort, and during the walk everything will be told and shown.

The Grand Canyon is a landmark that is difficult to access by public transport. But it's worth visiting. Therefore order organized excursion seems to us the most profitable solution.

Where to stay in the Grand Canyon

For those who have their own car, we have an idea even better than day trip to the Grand Canyon. Especially it will appeal to Sevastopol residents and guests of the hero city. In the village of Sokolinoe there are two camp sites where you can have a great weekend. So to speak, at the foot of Ai-Petri, half an hour from the reserve.

We like both, which is better - choose for yourself.

#1. Manor Kutler

Landscapes of the Belbek Valley (Manor Kutler)

A family guest house in the Belbek valley, where at different times poppies bloom, then alpine herbs. In the Kutler estate, the rooms are decorated in the chalet style, they have air conditioning, panoramic breakfast terraces, a sauna and a well-groomed territory.

#2. Fisherman's Farm Chalet

A new hostel 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. On the territory of a well-groomed garden and a view of the mountains.

Grand Canyon - full itinerary

The excursion route along the Grand Canyon starts behind the village of Sokolinoe. After about 5 km the trail comes to the gorge. It leads through a beech forest to a small picturesque clearing where the Postal Oak stands - one of the most famous trees - about 350 years old. Oak is famous for the fact that since the middle of the last century, a tradition has appeared to leave notes with desires in the hollow of a centuries-old tree. If you make a wish from the heart, it will certainly come true.

In the early 80s. 20th century oak burned down. The dry, burned-out giant gradually turns 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, then soon you will see Blue Lake And Waterfall Silver Jets- two amazingly beautiful . Blue Lake is the widest erosion basin in the gorge. It is filled with unusually clean and clear water with a soft blue tint. The water temperature in the lake does not rise above 12 degrees even in the summer heat season. Bathing in a shallow cool bath gives tourists strength for the further journey.

At a height of two meters above the basin is picturesque waterfall Silver Streams. It fully justifies its name. From above, a green cap of moss hangs over it, and water flows down over the stones, splitting into jets that shimmer in the sun like silver threads.

Stop #2. apple ford

Apple ford - one of the stages of the tour of the canyon

After the descent from the Watchtower cliff, tourists are waiting for another of the natural beauties of the Canyon - Apple Ford. Here upstream in the river in large numbers growing wild apple trees. With the advent of autumn, their fruits and foliage fall into the water. The current brings them to a ford opposite the mouth of the Almachuk - a tributary of the Auzun-Uzen, whose name is translated into Russian - "apple".

Stop #3. Source of Pania

Pania Spring (Grand Canyon)

Beyond the ford, the river valley gets deeper and deeper. Not far from it is the source of Pania. Its name is a simplified form of the word "Panagia" ("All Holy"). In Crimea, there are many holy springs discovered in the Middle Ages. Most likely, Pania also applies to them. This is one of the largest sources fresh water on the peninsula. In an hour, up to 1400 m3 of water comes out of it. Near the spring there is a flooded cave of the same name.

Stop #4 bath of youth

The end point of the route - "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 boiler (5 m) along the Auzun-Uzen. From above, a waterfall falls into the basin. This is the most famous "youth bath" on the Crimean peninsula. It is filled with cold clear water, which does not warm up above 11 degrees even in forty degrees of heat. Swimming in the basin tempers and invigorates. By tradition, most tourists plunge into it.

Viewpoints of the Grand Canyon

Panorama of the canyon from the observation deck

The gorge has several viewing platforms. The most popular of them is the top of Sentinel Cliff, from which a magnificent panorama of the canyon is visible. good review on the tract also opens from the Fifth cliff. From this observation deck, the Grand Canyon is perfectly visible for almost its entire length.

What to bring on a tour

Walking through the Grand Canyon takes about 2.5-3 hours. The difficulty of the route is below average. However, it can be equated to hiking in the mountains. You have to go through the forest, jump over ravines, rivers, overcome obstacles. So note that For an excursion to the Grand Canyon of Crimea, you need to wear comfortable shoes. Girls climbing forest bumps in open sandals, sometimes even in 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 tour is long, there will be nowhere to buy on the route.

Route map to accompany you on your journey

Ticket prices for the Grand Canyon 2019

The Grand Canyon is a nature reserve, but they charge a fee at the entrance. Ticket price for adults - 100 rubles. The route is in excellent condition. Railings and steps are equipped along the trails, along the way you will see signs and maps.

You won't get lost, don't even think about it.

Grand Canyon on the map of Crimea

Where is the Grand Canyon in the Crimea, you can evaluate on the map. Find, mentally getting to the gorge from it will be easier.

And where is located. : how to get there, : how to get there. , - Where to stay.

Photo tour of the Grand Canyon. Enjoy nature, forest, clear water in the springs and, of course, the bath of youth!

Hello friends!

The Grand Canyon of Crimea, the photo of which is decorated with tourist sites, souvenirs and printed editions peninsula, is a very impressive attraction. A kind of aesthetic picturesque crevice with ice water - a crack on the body of the Crimean mountains.

And the tourists who exclaim "Are you seriously! A collapsed waterfall, underwater caves and holy springs - what is going on there in Crimea?!” I answer - you just start your journey along the Crimean trails, and already six months before your vacation you will start packing your backpack and waiting for a meeting with them!

If you are interested, join and let's go!

On the time scale, the Grand Crimean Canyon is still young. He is only about 2 million years old. After formation rocks, which was preceded by a long period - the struggle of the ocean and land, complete submergence under water, geological and other natural processes, rising above the deep sea, a tectonic fault occurred in this part of the peninsula.

After that, the waters of the mountain river and time worked on creating the image of the Grand Crimean Canyon, creating a kind of nature reserve with a unique microclimate, flora and fauna.

Short story

The first researcher of the amazing crevice, who gave official name Professor I. I. Puzanov became the “Grand Canyon” in 1925, to whom local peasants argued that this place was not good, strange sounds were heard from there at night, nothing more than “devils celebrate their weddings ...”.

But botanists, local historians, geographers and other interested societies studied the canyon even before the revolution, they say topographic maps of that time, with the applied coordinates of the gorge.

Since the 1930s, the canyon has been part of tourist routes, and in 1947 received the status natural monument. Since 1974, the Grand Canyon has been a nature reserve and has been protected and monitored by forestry officers.

What is the uniqueness of the canyon: description

The Grand Canyon stretches for 3500 m. Winding and winding, its path runs between the Ai-Petri massifs and the Boyka Mountains at a depth of 320 meters. The width of the gorge in some places is only from 2 to 3.5 m.

For many centuries, its own microclimate has been established in the crevice. It is always cool and humid here, thanks not only to the high "walls", but also to the plants growing on the slopes and in the gorge itself and the reservoirs located at the bottom.

Here you will find a rich collection of Crimean trees - pine, oak, linden, hornbeam, beech, ash, maple, mountain ash, berry yew and many others. In addition, unique shrubs and flowers "live" in the canyon, such as rare species of ferns and orchids.

In addition to the inhabitants of the Crimean fauna familiar to us - hedgehogs, lizards, rodents , here you can meet roe deer and badgers, and brook trout are splashing in cold and clear water!

Where is the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is located in the Bakhchisaray district, 5 km from the village of Sokolinoe. Our natural attraction perfectly complements the landscape of the main ridge of the Crimean Mountains. And to be more precise, it is the property of the northeastern part of the Ai-Petri massif.

What awaits us on the way

Tourist routes have been laid along the Grand Canyon for a long time. Where necessary, bridges or handrails are installed, steps are decorated and paths are laid out, signs, information boards and warning signs are placed.

But, despite this, the path will still not be easy, and in the rainy season it will be completely dangerous, as the rivers fill with water and even huge and heavy boulders are demolished by a stormy stream, and stone avalanches can break off the slopes of the canyon.

It is good to go with a guide for the first time, get acquainted with the route, do not miss important points and hear a detailed and fascinating story.

To understand what the Grand Canyon of Crimea is, it is not necessary to go along its bottom. There are also a calmer and safer excursion - on the right side. In this case, you will admire the surrounding beauties from the viewing platforms and continue your journey along convenient and wide paths.

Big excursion under the majestic walls of the Crimean gorge

So, you have decided that you need to explore the bottom of the canyon. What surprises and amazing moments will meet on your way, what to see and where to look without fail.

Start of the tour

The path through the beech forest will lead you to the first and famous sight - the Postal Oak, or rather, what is left of it. Unfortunately, the age-old oak, which became the place of secret correspondence of the partisans (the notes were hidden in the hollow), burned down for some unknown reason. But the scorched snag that remained from him still serves as a warehouse for letters, now tourist ones.

You can also scribble a couple of lines with wishes or parting words for travelers following you.

Waterfalls, ice baths and ... bungee

Please note that the hiking trail you need will be accompanied by marks on the trees so that you do not get lost.

A little higher is waterfall "Silver streams". Wooden paths lead to it. Observation deck And tourist parking(meadow with benches). This waterfall is beautiful and gentle against the background of gray giant stones and emerald foliage.

Along the way, on the cliffs (if you get here in season), surprises await you - rides. And what about without them in the Crimea - pay money!

Rush from one ridge to another at a height of 70 m at a speed of 10 m / s - please! You will be put on a bungee or, as they say now, a zipline.
Walking 100 m along a staggering and absolutely “alive” suspension bridge is not a question! You are fastened to a cable and pushed in the back.
Dreaming of feeling like a cool climber - dreams come true! You will be given equipment and launched down the slope on a string!

If you haven't been impressed yet, let's move on.

Holy spring, bath of youth and search for apples

On the log bridge across the Apple Ford, all travelers turn their heads, trying to find miracle apples in the variegated foliage. But there are no apples over the ford of the same name. Fruit trees grow up the river, and the stream brings fruits and leaves to this place. It will be possible to see wild apples in the water only in autumn.

After the Apple Ford, the path will lead you to the holy spring of Pania (Panagia). This is a rather full-flowing and turbulent spring on the site of an ancient chapel.

And finally, the final point on the map of the Grand Canyon will be. A deep pit with ice water and a waterfall at the base attracts the bulk of tourists. After all, you can guess that this icy natural reservoir is called the “Bath of Youth” for a reason?

If there are no contraindications, feel free to plunge, where else will you have the opportunity to experience the power of a life-giving mountain spring.

What's next?

At this point, the Grand Canyon does not end with a blank wall or an abyss, just further the route becomes very difficult and unsafe. And ordinary tourists without training or an experienced guide should not go there. The main route will take you from 2 to 4 hours, depending on what walking pace you choose.

Impressions and reviews of visitors

Surely lovers of a sofa-beach vacation are unlikely to dare such a forced march through the rocky and river gorge on their only weekly vacation. But connoisseurs of hiking and Crimean natural beauties are happy to share their emotions regarding the tour of the Grand Canyon. Here's what they say:

amazing place, clean air and breathtaking landscapes;
good exercise stress, new sensations, strong natural energy;
the best photographs, excellent health and the desire to return again.

The list of reviews can be continued, but there are also negative points. They are associated with some difficulties encountered on the way. Firstly, it takes a long time to get there on your own, secondly, after the rains, a rockfall is possible, and thirdly, there will be no infrastructure along the way, for example, the same shops with snacks or water.

Information for visitors

The Grand Canyon in Crimea is a natural protected reserve. There is a fee for visiting and excursions:

adult ticket - 100 rubles;
children's ticket - 50 rubles.

Extreme entertainment:

zipline - 500 rubles;
suspension bridge - 500 rubles;
downhill from climbing equipment- 500 rubles.

In the summer, visiting attractions from 9.00 to 19.00.

Forbidden! Put up tents, burn bonfires, tear flowers, plants, litter, drink alcoholic beverages.

How to get there

It is easier to get from Simferopol through Bakhchisarai. On your own from the Bakhchisaray bus station to the village of Sokolinoe (minibuses run regularly), then either stomp 5 km on foot or order a taxi (in summer taxi drivers can be on duty on this route waiting for tourists).

By car by old track Bakhchisaray-Yalta up to 6 km per village Falcon. There is paid parking.

Sports tourists can go to the Yusupov trail in the area of the village of Sokolinoye and walk 5 km to the canyon along the slope mountain range Boyka.

Similarly, from Yalta you need to keep the course up to 6 km of the Yalta-Bakhchisaray highway. Buses depart from Sevastopol to Sokolinoe daily, but there are only three flights, so it is more convenient to take a ticket to Bakhchisarai, from where flights to Sokolinoe run every 20 minutes.

Good to know

Be sure to have comfortable shoes and warm clothes, at least a light sports jacket, depending on the season. Even in the heat, the temperature at the bottom of the canyon is about 18-20 degrees.

Do not tempt fate and do not visit the canyon after heavy rains You never know where a stone will break over your head. And also, if you are not prepared, do not “reckless” and do not climb where paths are not laid, do not go down and do not climb dangerous slopes.

In general, follow the safety rules and enjoy Crimean miracle nature.

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If you are really interested in Crimea and its wild sights, then here are a few articles for optional reading:

Well, for those who are interested in the topic independent travel, can safely go to the pages "" and "" to learn a lot of new things for themselves!

There are several ways and options by which you can get to the Grand Canyon of Crimea.

If you are going to the Grand Canyon of Crimea through Ai-Petri (the first part of the path can be seen in the travel material to Ai-Petri, we will not describe it again here), then on 40 km of the Bakhchisarai road, at the turn, where there is a captive source with excellent drinking water. Here you can make a stop, climb into the gazebo and admire the landscape. The valley of the river Kokkozki is located in the intermountain valley. From the western side rise the northeastern slopes of Mount Sedam-Kaya, hanging over the Grand Canyon with the rocks of the Eagle's flight, from the eastern side - Mount Boyka. The pointed peaks of the rock Ostroy or Syuyuryu-Kaya, which broke away from the nearby mountain range Sedam-Kaya, is located to the left of the canyon. Sharp Rock is located opposite the entrance to the Grand Canyon. But it is not visible - it is closed by the forest. Along the course of the Kokozka River, the Belbek Valley is visible in all its glory.

Another couple of kilometers of serpentine and the Grand Canyon are very close: exactly at the 42nd kilometer the road makes a turn crossing the mountain river Sary-Uzen (a tributary of the Kokkozki), and our Ending station here - at the cafe "Three Minnows". Further, our route along the Grand Canyon of Crimea will be on foot.

How to get to the Grand Canyon of Crimea on foot from Ai-Petri

For those who want to visit the canyon again, it will obviously be more interesting to come to it from the other side, the east. This journey will, of course, require more physical preparation, because from Ai-Petri to the canyon itself you will have to walk along mountain paths.

So, having reached the road already familiar to us from Yalta to the Ai-Petrinsky pass, you will go to meteorological station. After the station, turn onto a dirt road (it is to the right). After about two and a half kilometers you will reach a branch of the road to the left, which will lead to a descent from the plateau. A good reference point is a hill on the plateau - Mount Roca (1345 m). The road passes near this remarkable point. Another landmark is the tour on the road. This is a pile of stones with a pole showing the way in winter, when there is snow all around.

From here you begin to descend along the northern slope of the Main Ridge towards the canyon. Before descending from the plateau, your attention will be drawn by the opening panorama. It does not look like a panorama of the South Bank: there is no sea space, steep and bare rocks. The green sea of the forest repeats the terrain: mountain heights, deep valleys, calm ridges. In the distance is the table-like mountain Boyka (1110 m above sea level), its southern slopes, as if cut by a giant sword, make up the right bank of the Grand Canyon of Crimea.

According to archaeologists, as early as 500-900 years ago, people lived on Boyka - the remains of six settlements and one of the largest three-absid temples of that time were found. M.P. Rozanov (one of the organizers of the Crimean Reserve), on the basis of archival documents, established that later, during the time of the Crimean Khanate, the area of the town of Boyki was permanent place Khan's deer hunting.

The descent to the canyon along a wide path is not steep. Mixed forest, mostly beech, protects you from the scorching rays of the sun. But the lower, the rarer beech trees are - they give way to pine, oak and dense undergrowth with thickets of hazel, dogwood, wild pears and apple trees. Sometimes the road runs out into a clearing with lonely and feral fruit trees. If it rained a few days before the trip, mushrooms will be waiting for you - there are a lot of them here, especially champignons ...

But from the clearing the path turned sharply upwards and twisted between the rocks. Higher, even higher - you are on the edge of the cliff, you are above the headwaters of the canyon! The sight is truly breathtaking!

Below you is a crevasse more than three hundred meters deep - a canyon in all its severe grandeur!

From here (right in front of you) you can see the Cow Cave gaping with a black hole.

You can go to it along the path, once laid along the ledge of the rocky cliff of the canyon by sheep. The cave is very extensive, often serving as a refuge for tourists in inclement weather. Some scientists (Prof. I. I. Puzanov and others) believe that the cave of eolian origin is the result of the work of the wind.

Returning to the pack trail, you will continue along the right bank of the canyon. In an hour and a half you will go down to the mail oak already familiar to you.

Travel options to the Grand Canyon

The eastern version of the route is somewhat more tempting: you will see the Grand Canyon from above almost its entire length, but you will have to walk more. Here, choose according to your strength how it is easier for you to get to the Grand Canyon of Crimea.

There is another route along the canyon - you can walk along the bottom of the canyon from its upper reaches to the exit to the Kokkoz valley. However, in this case, tourists should be able to climb rocks with a rope (through obstacles in the riverbed of the Auzun-Uzen). We recommend doing this hike only with an experienced rock climbing guide. You can go with this option from the Bath of Youth to the upper reaches and back. Or, without returning, go upstairs and go down to the post oak, admiring the panoramas from the cliffs, as already mentioned above.

The above two popular ways to visit the Grand Canyon are "in demand" depending on the "style of relaxation." The first one is more suitable for an organized visit with an excursion, while the second one is for hiking with a backpack, and even, as a rule, sometimes not for one day.

The third option is also more suitable for excursions or those who are not on the southern coast of Crimea. If you drive along the Simferopol-Sevastopol highway, then in the Bakhchisaray area there is a turn to Ai-Petri. Having gone along this road without turning anywhere, you will ride along the Belbek valley and reach the village of Sokolinoe (formerly Kokozy). From it you can walk along the river, but it's better to drive 10 minutes and arrive at your destination - the foresters' house and the beginning of the hiking trail. And then according to the route.