Krasnoyarsk Stolby | National Nature Reserve

Rocks – legends

There is a reason why “Stolby” was given this its name. The main attraction of Sayan forts (occupied territories) were “syenite” rocks. These rocks were gigantic and looked like people, animals and mythological creatures.

In the Reserve there are more than 100 rocks, reaching up to 90 meters. For their visual appearance or location they were given names; Feathers, Lions’ gate, Savage, Fort, Grif, Monk, Cain and Abel, Sinner, Mitra, Sparrows, Ermak, Guard, Chinese wall. There even are family members: Grandma, Granddaughter, Grandpa, Grand-grandpa, Grandson, Twins and etc.

My Russian School: Out of class activity description

Must know:

1. It’s a walking trip, so you should wear appropriate shoes (e.g. hiking shoes);
2. You should take some kind of snack with you (Advise: take sandwiches, boiled eggs, tea in a thermos);
3. Weather is an unpredictable thing in Krasnoyarsk, so you’d better to take a rain coat with you;
4. Take a packet for your rubbish (we are eco-friendly)

Description:

At the appointed time we gather at school and set off to the National Nature Reserve which is 45 minutes away. Along the way to the Stolby we admire the contrast: industrial power next to picturesque views of untouched Siberian nature.

The bus reaches the parking place at the main entrance, we go out and walk to the check point, which is an information Centre. There we find out some more information about the National Reserve, check the routes on our map.

Then the guide leads us and we go upstairs (in some places of Central area there are wooden stairs). The first rock you see is Slonik (Elephant). This rock is beloved by the boulders. The next one on our way is Grandpa. It was called so, because it’s a lot like an old man’s face from the side. From his shoulder we see a big part of the Reserve and Krasnoyarsk far away.

Then we go down and have a snack (please do not forget to take the rubbish away, it’s essential)

After a small snack we go to see Feathers (just see, because it is pretty dangerous to climb them) and Lions’ gate. Lions’ gate is quite an easy to climb. At that spot the guide tells us interesting stories about those rocks and climbers who conquered them or failed to do that.