All about Uzundja canyon in Crimea

Crimea can not be called part of Colorado, but nevertheless there are still crevices here. Of course, they are not the deepest on earth, but this does not detract from their beauty. Hiking trails along mountain rivers are very popular among tourists, because they allow a break from the city bustle and noise of the metropolis. A great place for such an excursion is the Uzundja Canyon in Sevastopol.

From the Turkic language the name of the canyon Uzundzha is translated as “the long river”. It surprises a lot of tourists who find themselves in this picturesque place in the summer - the fact is that under the scorching rays of the sun the water dries out. But in early spring or early autumn the river appears in all its glory, turning into a real mountain beauty, full-flowing and impetuous. The total length of the canyon is 7.8 km, the width varies from 80 to 700 m. The highest point is about 560 m above sea level.

Conventionally, Uzunj canyon can be divided into two parts - one leads from the village of Rodnikovoye to the village farm and the collective farm has a relatively flat road so that the car passes without any problems. The second route starts from Kolodnoy - it is a completely wild path, it is impossible to overcome it by car.

There are several rather interesting routes along the canyon. Crimea is still a relatively small peninsula, the canyon originates from Ai-Petrinskaya Yayla, and the source of the river is considered to be the well-known Suuk-Su spring. First, the river flows between the mountains through the basin, here is the settlement of the collective farm.

The gorge itself begins a little further when the channel makes a sharp turn.

The river is surrounded by picturesque cliffs that hang over it, rising almost a kilometer. For many millennia, stones under the influence of wind and water acquired the most intricate shapes and rough surface - this is especially clearly seen at the bottom of the canyon in the summer when the river dries out - at this time you can appreciate amazing stone vases, bowls and baths, as if carved with water. The entire valley is literally covered with light round stones, which resemble ping-pong balls, only intended for giants.

If you go to the valley in spring or summer after a heavy rain, you can enjoy the beauty of the drains and diverse shallows - there are quite a few of them, although their height can not be called a record. The highest waterfall rises by 10 m, the water in them remains cool even in summer, but this does not stop lovers of mountain swimming.

The massif is densely covered with vegetation - here you can find juniper thickets, fruit trees, and also beech.

Among the attractions of the canyon can highlight several places.

Suuk-su source - Translated from Turkic, its name means “cold water”, this spring is filled with precipitation accumulating in the underground voids of the entire plateau.

Uzundzha Cave - not far from the source, just above it you can see the slit-like entrance to the cave, which is an extensive network of walkways with a total duration of 1.5 km.

No important historical finds in this place have been made.

Not far from the village of Rodnikovoye in the place where the canyon intersects with Baidar Valley you can see giant stone blocks about 3 m high. It is believed that they appeared about III-II cc. BC e.

Skelsky source - This is the second largest spring in the Crimea, the distinguishing feature of which is the strongest release of water, its consumption is approaching 1,400 l / s. Water never dries up, and the locals believe that this spirit of Uzunji gives the source of strength, as if this is the second breath of the mountains.

Skelskaya Cave famous throughout the Crimea - the majestic cave in the canyon, which is equipped for tourist excursions. The length of the passages in it is only 700 m. The vaults are rather high, empty, as if decorated with the most intricate stencils in the form of wild animals - looking closer, you can see the outlines of a gopher, a monkey, as well as dangerous dragons, phoenix and other mythical creatures. Some even compare the pillars with the architectural structures of the Crimea - the Swallow Nest and the Russian Fortress.

Canyon is famous for its waterfalls in the valley of the river Uzundzhi - Dry and Dead. They look very impressive - the valley near them is literally covered with flowers, which sparkle in the spray of water and shine with their rich colors. In hot weather, the waterfalls are empty, and they can only be found in the thickets of moss covering the stones. No less interesting is the waterfall Thorn Dew.

The canyon site between these waterfalls is often called Dead gorge - the fact is that bones of dead animals are often found here, besides, tourists note that the general state of health in this place is sharply deteriorating up to a complete loss of strength and even fainting. About the Dead Gorge go the most mysterious and mysterious legends that freeze the soul. However, none of them have any scientific or historical confirmation, but in any case, energy anomalies in this place, indeed, exist.

Tourists, who make a walk along the canyon, should bear in mind that it’s impossible to overcome the route by car. Of course, there is a small road in the upper reaches of the river, which can be accessed, but in this way you can only get to the middle of the gorge, and then you will have to leave the vehicle and walk further, overcoming rubble stones, sometimes slippery and thick with water.

Every tourist who chooses this route You should take care of comfortable shoes with a thick anti-slip sole, a walking suit, provisions and drinking water and, of course, a small first-aid kit. But even in this case, the road will be fraught with a lot of dangers, therefore, mainly people with special alpinist training and appropriate equipment, or accompanied by guides, are moving along it to the canyon.

In the next video you can watch the beauty of the Uzundji canyon from a bird's eye view.