The absolute height of the Crimean mountains. The highest mountains of Crimea

Crimean Mountains - the name of the peaks with a description. The uniqueness of the Crimean mountains lies in their origin, like the entire peninsula. Somewhere between 140 and 165 million years ago, the peninsula as such did not exist. At this location was the ancient Tethys Ocean, in the depths of which sea reefs formed over millions of years. Over time, the area that is now a peninsula rose to the surface. And all the mountains of Crimea are this moment are nothing more than fossil reefs, subject to active natural influence even today due to their composition.

At the moment the peninsula belongs to southwestern region RF. Almost the entire territory is surrounded by Black and Seas of Azov, including several bays. The connection with the mainland occurs through the Perekop Isthmus, which determines the isolation of Crimea. According to the landscape, Crimea is divided into three parts: Crimea with a flat surface, the Kerch Peninsula and mountainous Crimea.

General characteristics of the Crimean Mountains

The Crimean Mountains are located in the southern and southeastern parts of the peninsula. Connecting into three ridges, they form a whole system. The Outer, Inner and Main mountain ranges are parallel to each other and are separated by valleys located along their foothills. Mountains often consist of many small ridges no more than a few kilometers long. All three ranges are characterized by the fact that the surface of the mountains on the northern side is flatter, while on the southern side it is steep. The Outer and Inner ridges do not have high performance. Their highest points are 350 meters and 750 meters respectively. The main ridge is distinguished by the height of its peaks. The most outstanding of them are located in the massifs: Babugan plateau, Gurzuf and Yalta plateau. The highest point of the entire mountain system is located at an altitude of 1 km 545 meters on Mount Roman-Kosh in the Babugan-Yayly massif.

The largest mountain range Babugan Yayla

The name of the massif means “Wolf Berry”. This is explained by the fact that belladonna previously grew here in large quantities. The dimensions of the massif are 3.5 km by 8 km.

The names of the most famous peaks to visit with a description of the height:

• Roman-Kosh (1 km 545 meters);
• Tas-Tepe and Uchurum-Kaya (1 km 538 meters).

Other equally outstanding peaks:

• Dam-Kosh (1 km 514 meters);
• Boynus Tepe (1 km 542 meters);
• Zeytin-Kosh (1 km 537 meters).

Since the highest point of Crimea is located here, the routes to it are the most popular for tourists. Babugan-Yayla, like many other sites, is a conservation area, but organized visits are available. Depending on the route, you can include or avoid sharp descents and ascents during the hike. Along the way, pine and beech forests, valleys, and springs are available for viewing. There is even an area with a relict species of warty birch, preserved from the Ice Age.

Since limestone begins to predominate more and more in the composition of the rocks closer to the top, various failures easily form here. When filled with water, they can transform into bodies of water under certain conditions. There are also artificial lakes created in the Stratogai valley.

In addition, the mountain attracts Christian believers because of the Kosmo-Damianovsky monastery built on the top and the spring with healing water located next to it.

Descending from Yayla you can see the Golovkinsky waterfall near the Konek ridge.

“Roman Kosh” - “Highest Peace” and the highest point of the Crimean Mountains

So, for the Crimean Mountains this is the highest point, which belongs to a natural reserve, like the whole of Yayla. Therefore, visiting her is prohibited in principle. The traffic here is small, but it still exists, as some sneak through, bypassing the prohibitions. The routes here are quite safe. You just need to have endurance and athletic training, as there is a long way to go. As you climb to the top, picturesque landscapes open up. Including forest areas at the very foot, there are many springs with clean water, numerous caves located at the top of the mountain. At the very top there is a view of the gentle slopes of the massif and the forest valley. In addition, you can see the cities of Simferopol and Bakhchisarai, with a nearby observatory, a reservoir or otherwise Crimean Switzerland, mountains with cave cities: Chufut-Kale, Tepe-Kermen and Kyz-Kermen.

Due to the composition rock Various depressions also appear here, and numerous caves and grottoes are formed.

Cape "Alchak" - "Low Rock"

The cape and at the same time Mount Alchak are located in the Sudak Valley and are a nature reserve, but paid entry is possible. The rock is called low because its height is small and amounts to 152 meters. The mountain is ideal for hiking. It is not difficult to climb to its top. In addition, the cape is completely encircled by a hiking trail 800 meters long, entering the mountain, along which there are signs. It will take at least an hour to walk along the trail, and a little more with stops and photography. In addition, this place is geographically accessible. You can get to the cape through the Sudak embankment and the boat station.

The aesthetic appeal of the views from the mountain also affects the number of tourists visiting it. Having climbed to the top, you will be able to see the bays of the New World, the Genoese fortress on Fortress Mountain, one of the driest places in Crimea, the Kapesl Valley and Cape Meganom located next to it, as well as Mount Ai-Georgiy. When going up or down the mountain along the hiking trail, you can see a natural grotto in the rock called Eolofa Harp.

Advice from tourists who have been there: you can get to the mountain for free by entering from the other side.

“Uzun-Syrt” - “Long Ridge” or Mount Klementyev

This ridge, located near Feodosia, is the property of Crimea. The ridge is named long due to the fact that its length is more than 7 km. The highest peak is 268 meters high, and its widest part is 600 meters, which is significantly wider than other Crimean ranges. The ridge has three peaks: Koklyuk, Orta-Oba and Sary-Kaya. However, these characteristics are not what make the place unique. The ridge was unofficially named in honor of P. Klementyev, who was involved in testing gliders here. It was the presence of strong air currents that made it possible to engage in gliding, aviation sports and astronautics here even under the Soviet Union. There are no mountains with the same natural characteristics anywhere in Europe. Only America can boast of Mount Harris Hill with similar characteristics.

Therefore, a monument to glider pilots has been erected here, and there is also a Museum of Gliding. To train professional pilots, the Planetary Sports Center was organized here under the USSR, which is still operating. In addition, there are two clubs. One of them is a hang glider, and the second is a paraglider. They carry out training flights, including on AN-20 aircraft, and parachute jumps.

“Koba Kaya” - “Cave Rock” or “Mount Eagle”

This low rock is 165 meters high with an interesting shape. It is located in the Sudak region. Towards the coast its surface is gentle, but from the sea side there is a steep cliff. From different angles it acquires different shapes for the beholder. Seeing the exact silhouette of an eagle is quite difficult, however, it is because of this that the unofficial name “Eagle Mountain” was given. The official name “Cave Mountain” was given to the rock in connection with big amount existing caves and grottoes that arose naturally. Some of them are flooded with water and become the object of study by scuba divers. The most popular in this regard is the Legend cave. Inside the mountain there is an underground lake, as well as numerous stalactites and stalagmites. In addition, there are numerous underground passages created by order of Prince Golitsyn for storing wine products.

Visiting the mountain is only permitted in organized version, since this is a protected area. At the same time, you can see the Golintsyn adits and climb the mountain from which you can see great review to Sudak and Novy Svet with its bays, as well as to Cape Meganom. At the top and in individual grottoes there are acoustic effects in which the volume and transmission of sound are increased.

Opuk Nature Reserve with Cape Opuk and the mountain of the same name

Cape "Opuk" with a mountain of the same name is located in the east of Crimea. The name of the cape is associated with the legend of two women who turned into hoopoes. Actually, the word “opuk” is translated as “hoopoe.”

There are plants here that are on the verge of extinction. Also at the foot of the cape there is a specific lake “Koyashskoe”. It is distinguished by the red color of the water, which is explained by the presence of certain bacteria and algae. The authorities of the peninsula try to protect such places, so this zone is a protected area.

Near the cape, four kilometers from the coast, there are “ship rocks,” so named because of their resemblance to sailboats. Previously, they were one with the cape.

The reserve also includes a beach near the Black Sea, where the water is clear and suitable for diving. Moreover, there are remains of a sunken ship underwater. On the territory of the reserve there is also an archaeological site, the city of Cimmeric of the 5th century BC.

Since there is a military training ground nearby, this reduces the number of tourists violating the environmental regulations.

"Mountain of Two Hoopoes"

The highest point of the mountain crowning the cape is 183 meters above sea level. As is typical for the Crimean mountains, the northern slope of Opuk is flat, and there is a rocky cliff from the south. On the southern side, the presence of reef limestones in the rock composition is noticeable. Because of them, tectonic displacements occur at the top of the mountain and faults and grottos are formed. Some of them have natural wells with fresh water. The gentle slopes are covered with steppe and herbs.

Previously, stone was actively mined here, so the mountain now has a whole system of passages, which are currently partially filled with water.

“Ak-Kaya” - “White Rock”, standing out from the background

The mountain is located between the plain part of Crimea and the Main mountain range. It is located in Belogorsk next to the river flowing there, which is about fifty kilometers from Simferopol.

The name is explained by the composition and therefore the color of the rock. Sandstone and limestone predominate here in large quantities, so the mountain looks almost white. This composition is susceptible to aqueous and air influence, which is usually expressed in the formation of caves and grottoes. Here they are also available, and some of them have their own names and even legends, associated either with the dragon or with the treasures of robbers.

However, erosion has also affected the overall appearance of the steep part of the mountain. Over time, it began to look like a man-made one with various grottoes, stone columns, and beautiful rubble. Thanks to this appearance The mountain is periodically used for filming. In addition, the presence of steep cliffs up to 107 meters high makes it possible to engage in extreme sports here. For example, jumping from a cliff on a rope. Since the place is very picturesque, it is also used by camping enthusiasts for a more relaxing holiday and unity with nature.

Mountain range "Echki-Dag" - "Goat Mountain"

Echki-Dag is located between Feodosia and Sudak. The massif is called triangular because three hills stand out in it.

• in the east Kokush-Kaya (570 meters);
• in the west Delyamet-Kaya (611 meters);
• in the north of Kara-Oba (670 meters).

The length of the array is about three kilometers. Goat Mountain was named due to the presence here earlier large quantity wild goats. The local legend about the hunter Ali, who was unable to kill a young goat at the request of his beloved and then went to a monastery, is also connected with them.

There are many opportunities for independent trails and camping in both quiet and popular areas. For example, in Fox Bay.

Rich deciduous forests grow on the mountain. From the top there is a view of Kara-Dag and the mountain lake. In the vicinity of the ridge there are interesting archaeological sites, for example, the Royal Mound, which dates back to the 4th century BC. There are also natural cracks. One of these is a real karst sinkhole called the “Ear of the Earth”. This well, according to speleologists, is 132 meters deep. It attracts tourists, but its examination should only be carried out by a trained person.

The Chatyr-Dag mountain range is a unique Crimean “Tent Mountain”

This yayla is located in the south of the peninsula near Simferopol and about ten kilometers from the sea.

Name of peaks with description of height:

• Eklizi-Burun (1 km 528 meters);
• Hangar-Burun (1 km 454 meters).

As you can see, these figures are very close to the highest point of the Crimean Mountains. Chatyr-Dag, while yielding quite a bit, has the advantage of being visible anywhere in Crimea. The name is explained by its trapezoidal shape, which was formed by a combination of steep slopes and rocky ledges. From the north, it clearly resembles a tourist tent in appearance.

Geological processes are very active here. Their result is the appearance of caves and crevices, the number of which amounts to hundreds. Some are dangerous to visit on your own, but many are quite accessible. There are even caves equipped with paths and observation decks. They have specific lighting installed. Some even have cafes.

You can also take a walk through the beautiful area, which includes the Angara River near the eastern slope.

Ridge "Taraktash" - "Stone ridge"

This comb, similar to a cock’s, is located in the eastern part of Crimea, namely a few kilometers from Sudak near the village of Dachnoe. The highest point is at an altitude of 533 meters. In general, the ridge is a large pile of different layers folded into beautiful shape, which is again explained by the oceanic origin of the mountain. The highest part on this ridge is called "Pigeon Rock". Due to its structure, Taraktash is suitable for mountaineering, but the mountain can also be used for hiking.

There is a lot to see on Taraktash. Nature, as the main designer, has created interesting shapes here from stone, similar to objects of human everyday life: cabinets, doors and windows. And the Taraktash cave, known to everyone in Crimea, attracts even speleologists with its unsolved secrets.

At the foot of the ridge passes the Taraktash trail, which was created back in the 19th century.

Ridge with different sides characterized by its natural characteristics. From the south it is constantly heated by the sun, and therefore the soil here is dry and rocky. But the northern slope is distinguished by its humidity and the presence of dense shady forest.

Mount Paragilmen - "Going Beyond"

The mountain is located in the southern part of the peninsula near Alushta. The name of the mountain, derived from the Greek word “Paraginome”, is associated with the fact that it “separated” from the Babugan mountain plateau.

Its height is 857 meters and its length is almost 500 meters. The mountain has the shape of a trapezoid with sloping slopes and a flat top. The mountain and its surroundings are a natural monument, as many endangered plant species grow here. Of particular pride are the two Yew trees growing at the top, one of which is about 700 years old.

There are paved routes on the mountain with varying degrees of difficulty, suitable for both trained people and ordinary hikers. There are signs in many places to help you avoid getting lost. At the foot of the mountain there is even a camp of the same name for climbers, from where they head along their chosen routes.

Advice from experienced climbers who have been to Paragilmen: when the trail approaches a fork at which there is no sign, you need to turn left.

The mountain is picturesque because of the forest growing on it on all sides. From the top of the mountain, the coastal part, Cape Meganom, as well as the nearby mountains open up for viewing.

In ancient times, in place of the mountains in Crimea, there was a sea. The bottom of the Black Sea was uneven, divided by underwater ridges into deep elongated troughs in which sand and clay accumulated. In some places the ridges rose above sea level, forming rocky islands with an indented coastline. In the marshy areas of quiet shallow bays, they accumulated along with silt and sand. tropical plants, which later turned into coal.

In the eastern part of Crimea lies the Kerch Peninsula, cut by the low Parpach ridge. In place of the mountains in Crimea, in the Middle Jurassic era the sea continued to spread out. Its bottom was uneven, divided by underwater ridges into deep elongated hollows in which sand and clay accumulated. In some places the ridges rose above sea level, forming rocky islands with an indented coastline. In the marshy areas of quiet shallow bays, tropical plants accumulated along with silt and sand, which later turned into coal.

The continuing subsidence of the bottom of the geosyncline in the Middle Jurassic era again led to the formation of faults along which magma again rushed from the depths. This era was the time of the most intense volcanic activity in the mountainous Crimea. Remains of Middle Jurassic volcanoes were found in many parts of Crimea - on Kara-Dag, near the village of Limeny (Blue Bay), near Melas and Foros, near the village of Karagach (Kizilovka) near Simferopol and in other places.

At the border of the Middle and Upper Jurassic epochs there occurs most important event V geological history mountainous Crimea: for a relatively short period, almost the entire landmass of the mountainous Crimea becomes elevated above sea level. IN this period Over time, the main features of the “architecture” of the mountains in Crimea were formed. Then the sea returns to the mountainous Crimea again, but occupies a much smaller area. It was no longer an extensive geosyncline, but a narrow and long trough in which calcareous silts accumulated, which later transformed into limestones. Now they are composing the most top part First ridge.

The Late Jurassic trough, with some changes, also existed in the Lower Cretaceous era. By the middle of the Cretaceous period, the third major uplift in the history of the Crimean Mountains occurred: the islands, merging with each other, form the base of the future mountain range. Volcanoes appeared on some islands. The volcanic activity of the Cretaceous period was the last stage of volcanism in the mountainous Crimea. And although there were many more turbulent events in its further geological history, lava outpourings did not recur.
In subsequent geological epochs, the rise of the mountainous Crimea expands, and its modern appearance is formed. Initially a vast island, it gradually turns into a peninsula. Development was uneven: Earth's crust sometimes it sank, and the outskirts of the peninsula were flooded with the sea, sometimes it rose significantly in the form of a wide flat arch.

In the middle of the Neogene period (11 - 12 million years ago), the territory on the site of the mountainous Crimea was never again flooded by the sea. The surface, leveled by the sea, was raised by tectonic processes to a height of up to 1300 m. This is the level of the flat peaks of the First Ridge. The rise of the mountains in Crimea led to a sharp increase in the destructive activity of rivers. Massifs of rocks broke off from the coastal limestone cliffs of the First Ridge and slid down steep slopes to the sea.

One that stands out in particular is last stages geological history of the Earth - Quaternary, which is also called glacial. At this time in the northern hemisphere not only high mountains, but the adjacent plains were also covered with ice. Large glaciers also covered the Carpathian and Caucasus mountain ranges adjacent to the Crimea peninsula. In Crimea, no direct signs of glacial activity were found either in the foothills or in the mountains. But some scientists believe that during the maximum glaciation on the Russian Plain, the Crimean Mountains, already significantly elevated, were covered with powerful accumulations of snow, and perhaps even with glaciers. In the middle of the Quaternary period, arctic fox, reindeer, and lynx lived here. The vegetation on the northern slope of the Crimean Mountains was represented by birch forest-steppe. And when the climate warmed, traces of glacial activity on the yailas were destroyed by the rapid dissolution of limestones.

Connected to the mainland by the narrow Perekop Isthmus, the mountainous Crimea has the shape of a quadrangle with a wide protrusion - in the east the long protrusion of the Kerch Peninsula, in the north-west the Tarkhankut Peninsula. The area of ​​Crimea is approximately 26 thousand square meters. km. The distance from the southernmost point of Crimea - Cape Sarych to Perekop in the north - 195 km, in the latitudinal direction from the Kerch Peninsula to Cape Tarkhankut - 325 km. Crimea is washed from the south and west by the Black Sea, from the east by Sivash, a shallow lagoon of the Azov Sea.
The surface of Crimea is sharply divided into a northern, flat (steppe) part, occupying three-quarters of the peninsula's area, and a southern, mountainous part, which accounts for a quarter of the entire area.
The relief of the plain part of Crimea is quite monotonous. The picture is different in the mountainous Crimea. The mountains stretch along the southern coast of the peninsula in the form of a gentle arc more than 160 km long. They consist of three ridges, gradually rising to the south and breaking off at the Black Sea coast with a multi-hundred-meter ledge.

The first, or Main ridge, is the highest, stretches along the coast from Feodosia to Balaklava. Between its northern gentle and southern steep slopes there is a leveled surface of ridges, the so-called yaylas, wide in some places (up to 8 km), narrow in others, and even interrupted by deeply incised gorges.
The height of the yayl is different. Above all is Babagun-yayla. It contains the highest peaks of the Crimean Mountains - Roman-Kosh (1545 m) and Demir-Kapu (1540 m).
The second ridge is significantly lower than the first (up to 600 - 750 m above sea level). It goes north, parallel to it, separated by a wide longitudinal valley.
The third ridge is the lowest, its height does not exceed 350 m at sea level. It is located north of the Second and is separated from it by a longitudinal valley, especially clearly expressed between Sevastopol and Simferopol.
In the eastern part of Crimea lies the Kerch Peninsula, cut by the low Parpach ridge.

May 2014

Note: green Greek translation indicated

AVINDA(Avunda) is a mountain on the Main Crimean Ridge, the highest point of Nikitskaya Yayla (1474 m). It rises on the territory of the Crimean Nature Reserve above the Gurzuf Mountain-Seaside Forest Amphitheater.

AVRORINA(Monasteryburun) rock is the central, southern spur of Cape Ai-Todor, closing the Yalta Bay of the Black Sea and the Yalta mountain-seaside amphitheater from the west. The steep (60 m) Aurorina rock is the southernmost spur of Ai-Todor. In the century before last, scientists discovered the remains of the ancient church of Fyodor Tyrone on the top of the cape, and it was from here that the toponym came - Ai-Todor, which means St. Fyodor. On Aurora Rock there is the well-known “Swallow’s Nest”, a picturesque small castle with an unusual location, the image of which has become one of the symbols of Crimea.

AGARMYSH- Yaylinsky plateau-like mountain range - a landscape in the east of the Main Crimean ridge, on the border with the Crimean forest-steppe foothills, near the city of Old Crimea. Length 9, width - up to 6 km. Highest points: Mount Bolshoy Agarmysh - 723 m, Mount Maly Agarmysh - 664 m, Yamantash - 650 m, Bald Agarmysh - 518 m, Spire - 491 m, Bochenki - 424 m.
The area of ​​the Agarmysh karst forest-steppe landscape is 35 square meters. km. It is composed of limestones, karst landforms are developed: funnels, caves - Bottomless Well (43 m), Fox Tail (17 m) and the memorial cave named after. M.V. Lomonosov (length 268 m, depth 121 m, area 260 sq. m).

ADALAR- rock-islands in the Gurzuf Bay of the Black Sea, at a distance of 400 m from the coast. They rise 35-48 m above sea level. They are composed of limestones (Yailin outcasts moved from the mountain ridge to the sea). Numerous seabirds live here. Complex natural monument local significance(reserved since 1964; area 0.1 sq. km).

AY-IORI- (St. George) - a rock in the Alushta amphitheater-forest landscape of the Crimean forest shiblyak sub-Mediterranean. Intrusion of volcanic rocks. Height 572 m. The slopes are covered with oak and beech forest.

AI-NIKOLA— (St. Nicholas) is a mountain within the boundaries of the Yalta mountain-forest nature reserve (near the village of Oreanda). The rocky limestone massif is the Yailinsky outlier. Height 389 m. The slopes are covered with a mixed pine-oak forest with the participation of a relict evergreen tree, small-fruited strawberry, and evergreen shrubs: Crimean cistus, Pontic broom, red pyracantha. At the top of the mountain is a 1000-year-old strawberry tree. The Kurchatovskaya tourist-ecological trail is laid along the slope.

AI-PETRI— (St. Peter) is the mountain peak of the Ai-Petrinskaya yayla on the Main Crimean ridge north of the city of Alupka. Height 1234 m. The jagged rocks of the peak, composed of reef limestones, reach 20-30 m (weathering figures). It drops steeply to the south, towards the Black Sea. Near the top there are numerous forms of karst relief, a large massif (614 hectares) of hornbeam-beech forest (since 1973, within the boundaries of the Yalta mountain forest nature reserve).

AKBULAT-BOTH(Akbulatoba) is a mountain of the Kerch shrub-steppe hills (Leninsky district) in the area adjacent to Cape Chauda. Height 51 m. The massif closes the arc of the Feodosia Bay of the Black Sea from the east. At Cape Chauda, ​​unique geological deposits of the Chauda basin, the predecessor of the Black Sea, about 1.8 million years old (a natural monument) have been preserved.

AK-KAYA(Akkaya) - mountain, natural monument.
1) A rocky, pyramidal peak in the east of the Inner Ridge of the Crimean forest-steppe foothills, near the city of Belogorsk. Height 343 m. Composed of limestones and marls white. As a result of erosion and weathering, grottoes and niches were formed on the slopes, and at the foot - screes and block heaps (chaos).
2) “MOUNTAIN AKKAYA” is a complex natural monument of republican significance (since 1981). Area 30 hectares. A unique landscape and archaeological area is protected, where more than 20 sites of Paleolithic man have been identified. In total, more than 400 species of vascular plants live here, including several narrow endemics (Lagozeris purpurea, Rumia critmofolia, Pallas sainfoin, Crimean astragalus, etc.).

AK-YAR(Akyar) is a mountain in the southern longitudinal valley of the Crimean forest-steppe foothills (left bank of the Belbek river; Bakhchisaray District Council). Height 742 m. Steep south-eastern slopes. Broad outlook on the surrounding deciduous forests and bushes.

(Alchak-Kaya) is a cape in the east of the Crimean forested sub-Mediterranean region. Pushed into the Black Sea between Sudak and Kapsel bays. Height 157 m. Reef mountainous massif with a flattened top and steep slopes. The limestone strata contains an abundance of calcite veins. Noteworthy is the original weathering form - the Aeolian Harp Grotto. The cape is covered with steppe vegetation. The Alchak-Kaya nature reserve is located here.

ARARAT- a mountain in the northeast of the Kerch Peninsula, 5 km south of Lake Chokrak (Leninsky district). One of the highest mountains on the Kerch Peninsula - 175 m. A well-separated sloping ridge in relief, composed of limestone and covered with shrub-steppe vegetation.

ARDI-KAYA(Ardikaya) is a mountain on the southern macroslope of the Main Crimean Ridge, 2 km north of the village of Shchebetovka. Height 384 m. An isolated mountain range covered with forest and shrub vegetation.

ASCETI- (ascetic) - a mountain located on the Black Sea coast, 2 km east of the entrance to Balaklava Bay. It is separated by the Shaitan-Dere ravine from Mount Fortress, located to the west. On the slope of Mount Asceti there is a spring called Kefalo-Vrisi or Mane Tunero, the water of which supplied the Cembalo fortress. This Greek name for the mountain is associated with the legend of an ascetic hermit who once lived on it. Another name for the mountain is known - Spilia (cave).

AT-BASH(Atbash) is a mountain on the Ai-Petrinskaya Yayla of the Main Crimean Ridge, at the south-bank edge of the plateau. Asymmetrical pyramid. Height 1196 m. Composed of limestone. From the top there is a wide panorama of views of the South Coast, Yaila and the foothills.

AYU-DAG(Ayudag) is a mountain, the largest intrusive massif in Crimea. Located in the Alushta area. Made up of volcanic rocks. A dome-shaped peak, flattened towards the Black Sea. Height 571 m. On the rocky slopes there are outcrops of light green gabbro-diabase (the stands on Red Square in Moscow were built from Crimean diabase), and stone chaos. The absolute age of diabases is 161 million years. More than 40 are known on Ayudag mineral species. The slopes are occupied by sub-Mediterranean forest: 577 species of vascular plants are found here (one of the centers of phytodiversity in Crimea). 44 species of flora and 16 species of fauna are listed in the Red Book. Ayudag is a landscape reserve of national importance (527 hectares).

Translation from Crimean Tatar:

Biyuk- big
Burun- nose
Kaya- rock
Kuchuk- small

A person who comes to the legendary peninsula cannot fail to see the mountains of Crimea. However, it is important not just to notice them, the main thing is to look at them and enjoy what you see. It would also be nice to walk along the paths, absorbing the ancient spirit of this land. It is noteworthy that the most interesting thing on the peninsula is not in Crimea - by the way, experienced travelers who have seen a lot consider it quite boring. This does not happen often: usually the highest peak is different and interesting views from him. The mountains of Crimea are picturesque and diverse, the names of which are well known to everyone: Ayu-Dag, Ai-Petri, Demerdzhi, Rock-ships (Elken-Kaya), Karadag, Chatyr-dag... And all this would be worth a look!

in Crimea

Of all the chains, Babugan-Yayla has the maximum height. The highest mountain in Crimea is also located here - Roman-Kosh - with a height of 1545 meters. It is classified as natural, that is, it is considered that climbing it is prohibited. The reason for such a ban is a relict birch grove left over from the Ice Age. You won’t see any spectacular or particularly memorable views from Roman-Kosh, so tourists don’t particularly flock here. However, those who wish can reach it from Yalta or Ai-Petri along the northeastern mountain path in 6 hours. Just coordinate the trip with the foresters to avoid troubles!

By the way, it was previously believed that the highest mountain in Crimea was Chatyr-Dag, not far from Alushta. Only with the advent of more accurate measuring instruments this title passed to Roman-Kosh.

Demerdzhi and the Valley of Ghosts

According to everyone, Demerdzhi is, although not the highest mountain in Crimea, but the most beautiful and mystical. The most attractive for tourists is the southern slope, called the Valley of Ghosts. Even on a clear sunny day there is a lot to see there: as a result of weathering, the area is replete with stone “fingers” and figures of unimaginable shapes carved into the rocks. The most recognizable ones have long been named: Frog, Giant, Dwarf, Sphinx, Catherine... However, during frequent fogs, you really get the impression that you are in an ancient haunted castle. To get to this wonderful place, you need to take a trolleybus to the turn to Luchistoye and go up the right path.

Ayu-Dag

This is, of course, not the highest mountain in Crimea (climbers would probably consider it a high hill), but, perhaps, the most famous and popular. Its “height” is only 577 meters, but its outlines are so recognizable that they have become one of a kind business card peninsula (along with Swallow's Nest). At all times, travelers visiting Crimea sought to climb Bear Mountain. In the old days, this required only physical effort: from Partenit along the Raevsky trail you had to walk only two and a half kilometers. However, now the reserve is surrounded by a fence, through which you can only go through the Crimea sanatorium, using their passes. However, local residents(including the guards) do not agree with this restriction, so they will be happy to show you the nearest hole in the fence.

Ai-Petri

This Crimean mountain offers the most breathtaking views, so the flow of nature lovers here does not dry out throughout the season. The impressions begin on the cable car ride from Miskhor; the first one will probably be spoiled by the need to stand in line for several hours (in the Crimean heat!), but it is quickly forgotten at the first glance through the booth window. The main thing is that the fog does not completely spoil the mood - it reigns here two-thirds of the days of the year. However, in this way you can test your luck: many believe that if you saw the panorama from Ai-Petri the first time, it means for a long time they will be lucky in everything.

You can also look at Ai-Petri from the sea: from the coast, the peaks look like the teeth of a huge dragon. Moreover, if you can get to the observation plateau by cable car or from Yalta by car, then to the “teeth” you can only walk. But the upper plateau will delight travelers with caves - Three-Eyes and Yalta. Also an unforgettable trip.

Kara-Dag

It's not just a mountain, it's solid array. It represents the remains of a volcano that died out 150 million years ago. It is located near Feodosia, and is most famous for its rocky coastal formations, almost each of which has a personal name. The most famous are the Devil's Finger, the Golden Gate (sometimes they are also called the Devil's Gate) and the Ivan the Robber rock, which really looks like a man in peasant clothes walking in waist-deep water. Since 79 of the last century, Kara-Dag has been part of the state reserve, so unauthorized visiting can result in fines. However, many beauties can be seen both from the sea and when traveling on foot along the borders of the reserve. Or join the excursion.

It is quite difficult to list all the mountain attractions of Crimea. But it’s enough just to get to the place where you are going to stay. And along the way you will understand what exactly you want to see.

The Crimean mountain ranges are a unique creation of nature, the heritage of the peninsula and its main wealth. Walking along the peaks will become excellent option spending summer vacation.

The Crimean peninsula is a paradise for tourists who prefer active mountain activities to passive time on the beach. Peaks and plateaus, rocks, ridges attract lovers of mountaineering and walking in places unspoiled by human activity. The Crimean mountains are located in three ridges - External, Internal and Main.

Mountain Crimea

The main ridge of the Crimean Mountains separates the northern part of the peninsula from the southern one. Its length is more than 100 kilometers, and most high point is Mount Roman-Kosh - it rises 1545 meters above sea level.
The peaks of the Main Ridge do not grow. More precisely, they rise 3-4 m per year, but due to the natural influence of precipitation and winds, the process does not develop and is completely invisible.
Rejected mountains that slid a long time ago formed new massifs. The most famous of them: Mount Cat, Paragilmen, Ai-Nikola. Chaos have “grown” on their steep slopes, some of which have even been awarded the title of landmark.

Mount Bakatash

On the road from Sudak to Simferopol you can see the amazing peak Bakatash. It is located near the village of Dachnoye. It received the name “Bakatash”, which means “Frog” in Crimean Tatar, for its resemblance to an amphibian. The forces of nature gave it such a bizarre shape - due to the constant weathering of centuries, the rocks changed their shape.
The mountain is notable for the fact that at some distance from it the massif ceases to resemble a toad, its outlines are more like a girl’s form.

Rock Panea

Simeiz has its own mountain attraction. This is the Panea rock - amazing creation nature, connecting to the Black Sea. It rises 70 meters above it.
Archaeological excavations that were carried out on the rock proved that a monastery with a temple was located here for a very long time, and dwellings for parishioners were also built. Elements of Taurian ceramics were found, which gives grounds to assert that it was the Tauri who previously lived on Panea.
From the top of the cliff there is a wonderful view of the sea surface. You can get here along the northern and northeastern slopes.

Mount Ayu-Dag

There are legends about Bear Mountain, next to Partenit. This is one of the most famous attractions in all of Crimea. Scientists have proven that it is a volcano, the lava of which was unable to escape and froze, forming a magma dome. The laccolith is shaped like a huge bear that decided to drink from the waters of the Black Sea. Its “body” is covered with dense vegetation, and from the top an incredibly beautiful panorama of small coves opens up.
Today Ayu-Dag is a landscape reserve, a monument of Crimean nature.

Date Rock

Rendezvous Rock got its name due to the close proximity of the two peaks, which are located side by side. One of the above is called Kuracha-Kai - rock-boy. The other one is smaller, they call it Deky-Kuracha - girl rock. They have been standing side by side for many centuries, as if they met here on purpose, away from prying eyes, in the lap of picturesque nature.
Another less romantic name for the rock is Camel.
The Crimean mountain ranges are a unique creation of nature, the heritage of the peninsula and its main wealth.