One of the two national parks on the territory of the Chelyabinsk region is called the alpine lake Zyuratkul. It is located in the Satka region. It is convenient to get here by private car or as part of organized groups. You can come at any time of the year: the park is always different and opens up to guests from a new perspective.
The Zyuratkul National Park in the Chelyabinsk Region is one of the few locations in the South Urals, where, from the point of view of tourism, there is all the necessary infrastructure. If you want – go on a mountain hike on your own, or if you want – rent a room in a comfortable hotel overlooking the natural monuments.
You can just come for a day, wander through the woods, take a photo by the lake and leave at sunset. Weddings from all over the region come to the Zyuratkul National Park in the Chelyabinsk Region, they celebrate birthdays, New Years, make marriage proposals, take out schools on excursions and just walk.
History of the Zyuratkul National Park
The coast of the high-mountain lake Zyuratkul keeps a lot of material evidence of the presence of a person here since ancient times: from the Mesolithic through the Neolithic, in the Bronze and Iron Ages. In Soviet times, archaeologists discovered dozens of sites of ancient people in these parts. We even managed to find the remains of dwellings and workshops. Scientists concluded that Zyuratkul was a transit point for residents of those times on the way from Asia to Europe.
When they explored the Zyuratkul National Park in the Chelyabinsk region, they found stone statues, which, obviously, were objects of worship among the pagans. Scientists do not exclude that for a couple of centuries BC, these places were strewn with wooden temples, but today there is nothing left of them.
In tsarist Russia, these lands supplied cities and villages with wood and iron ore. Received here until the middle of the 20th century tar – wood resin, which was actively used in construction and in everyday life. Fir oil was also prepared on an industrial scale.
As sad as it sounds, most of the trees that you see in the national park today are by no means ancient plants. The timber was mined until 1993, when the area was declared a national park. The trees were used not only in construction, but also for the preparation of coal. Fortunately, nature took its toll and again gave us dense forests.
sights
The national park “Zyuratkul” in the Chelyabinsk region is beautiful because you can come here without even studying anything beforehand. The main attractions will lead you to the trail, which starts just behind the checkpoint at the entrance.
Zyuratkul ridge
Consists of several rocks. One after another follow Yuraktau, Zhuraktash, Serdtse-Gora and Golaya Sopka. The ridge stretches for 8 km, and its highest point is 1175 meters. Even those who have not gone to the mountains before can go there. The route is quite comfortable. However, we urge you to remember about safety and before climbing to warn the Ministry of Emergencies and the administration of the national park about your route.
Rocks Bears
Although it would be correct to call them outliers – this is how an isolated massif is called in geology, which during its existence has lost the rock around it. Imagination will help you to see the “family of bears”, the reference point is the white tops of the rocks. It is correct to call them quartzites – a rock, which consists of quartz.
Yuryuzan river
To see one of the most winding, longest (400 km) and high-mountainous rivers of the Southern Urals, you will have to go down to the foot of the Nurgush ridge. Here the river is no longer as wide as in the city of Yuryuzan. By the way, you can enter it after visiting the national park – by car, only 15-20 minutes.
Mount Lukas
Lake Zyuratkul is located at the foot of the lake. As a reward for conquering the summit, you will receive a stunning view of the water surface. And at the top there are bizarre stone outliers that resemble sharp teeth. You need to go upwards for about 2.5 km. In winter, you can ski the trail. It is especially interesting to ski down to the frozen lake.
Ice fountain
Back in the USSR, they searched for iron ore and drilled wells here. Geologists ended up in an artesian underground pool, from which a powerful jet shot to the surface. The work was stopped, and the jet has been pouring out ever since. In summer, the height of the fountain reaches seven meters. In winter, it freezes into a giant blue icicle.
Maral farm
It is called “Bear Joy”. Marals were brought here from Altai several years ago. A large area of the reserve has been allocated for them, so they feel free. The farm has a petting zoo where pigs, wild boars, huskies and Samoyeds live – a full Instagram set of animals.
