About the ecotrail
During the short mountain summer, the natural landscape changes several times. Early in the summer, primroses emerge from freshly thawed patches: anemones, pasqueflowers, candyk flowers, and fritillaries. In mid-June, the endangered Caucasian rhododendrons bloom in lush, milky colors. Throughout the season, you can see large yellow elecampane flowers, bright, tall fireweed, numerous varieties of bellflowers, gentians, geraniums, scabiosas, and many other plants.
The alpine meadows are pastures for Caucasian chamois—graceful wild goats that permanently inhabit the Krasnaya Polyana Resort. The cliffs are home to Russia's largest birds of prey—vultures, bearded vultures, and griffons. Also on the ecotrail is an atsanguar—an early medieval shepherd's enclosure, which is an archaeological site.
The radial trail starts from Polyana 2200, the upper station of the Vershina cable car, descends into the Cirque-1 natural area, and returns. There's a gazebo along the route where you can rest, have a snack, or find shelter from the elements.
Highlights of the route:
- Alpine grasses
- Mountain cirque
- Panoramic views
- Atsanguar
When planning your hike, we recommend considering your health and objectively assessing your physical capabilities.
What to take with you
Clothes
Sneakers or light trekking shoes, breathable T-shirt, fleece, hat for protection from the sun
Backpack or bag
1.5 liters of water, snack, sunscreen SPF 30+
On the phone
Krasnaya Polyana app and offline route map
Not necessary, but worth it
Trekking poles for the descent, binoculars, thermos with tea
Clothes
Sneakers or light trekking shoes, breathable T-shirt, fleece, hat for protection from the sun
Backpack or bag
1.5 liters of water, snack, sunscreen SPF 30+
On the phone
Krasnaya Polyana app and offline route map
Not necessary, but worth it
Trekking poles for the descent, binoculars, thermos with tea
