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Pictures of Grand Canyon, Crimea

"Bolshoy ('big') Canyon" is a deep (by Crimean standards), narrow canyon deep in the Crimean Mountains just off the winding road from Bakhchisaray to Ay-Petri Plateau. It is a very popular destination for both tourists and backpackers. When rangers are around, they charge a small fee for entering the canyon.

The most popular destinations in the Grand Canyon — "Blue Pond" and the "Bath of Youth" — are just 2-4 km up the stream from the parking area, so they are great for a day hike with children. Swimming is allowed, but the water is cold.

In the opposite direction from the parking area is the "Silver Streams" waterfall, also less than an hour's walk. Hiking trails continue higher up into the mountains.

There are a number of restaurants, cafes, and even guesthouses along the road at the Grand Canyon trailhead.

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Grand Canyon

This is the sight that meets you when you enter the canyon from the road.	It's cool down here at all times of the year, and they claim the water is always 9° C.	The brave take dips here.	"Blue Pond" (Goluboe ozero) at the bottom of the canyon in late June
More pictures of the stream			You can climb a trail that takes you above the canyon.
View of pines clinging to the cliff	Below are the "narrows" of Grand Canyon.	At one point the cliffs are only three meters apart! Watch out for flash floods!	Looking back down the canyon
If you continue climbing you reach this spot at 1100 m above sea level.	Cliffs rise above the canyon, late March.	The canyon in late March

Grand Canyon area

On your way to the canyon from Bakhchisaray, you will pass a tourist camp (turbaza) called Orlinyy Zalyot ("Eagle's Flight") two km down the road from Sokolinoe village.	The lodge is next to the Kokkoz River. It is inexpensive and usually has free rooms. It's best to call in advance, though.	Tatar restaurant in Sokolinoe village up the road	Tatar "chebureki," filled with cheese or cabbage
A man-made pool of water not too far from Grand Canyon	"Silver Streams" waterfall, 2 km off the road to Ay-Petri from Bakhchisaray across from "Grand Canyon"	Stream	Zagorskoe reservoir from below with the Yalta Mountains in the background
This rutted road past to the reservoir is closed to the public, but they let small groups of mountain bikers through.	Flowers in the forest in mid-May	Wildflowers	Looking past blooming bushes towards the Schastlivoe reservoir
This reservoir is located in one of the most remote areas of the mountains.	Schastlivoe village	Trees and bushes in bloom along the dirt road through Schastlivoe

All photos are the original work of Rick DeLong. To learn about purchasing originals, go here. Please contact me at before using my pictures for any purpose.