Chernaya Sopka

Chernaya Sopka (literally "Black Hill", also known as Karatag, from the Khakas "kara" — black and "tag" — mountain) is the highest point of the Torgashinsky Ridge in the Berezovsky District of Krasnoyarsk Krai, about 15 km southeast of Krasnoyarsk. The mountain rises 688.7 meters above sea level. The peak and the surrounding area are protected as a regional natural monument.

Nature and geology

Geologically, Chernaya Sopka is a subvolcanic intrusion (a stock) of Early Devonian age, formed roughly 450 million years ago. In essence, it is the remains of an extinct volcano. The mountain's shape is close to a perfect dome, which local historians link to the fact that a volcanic vent once stood here. A diorite deposit is worked on the mountain.

History

After World War II, the mountain became an object of special veneration among Japanese prisoners of war held in camps around Krasnoyarsk: they saw in its outline a resemblance to Mount Fuji, sacred in Japanese culture.

Legends

According to a local legend, a treasure is hidden somewhere near Chernaya Sopka — the story is still told among local residents. Another legend speaks of a "Shaman Tree" on the summit, believed to hold magical properties. The mountain's near-perfect dome shape is also popularly explained as a trace of the ancient volcano, though this reading is closer to folklore than to strict geology.

What to see

Today Chernaya Sopka is a popular destination for residents of Krasnoyarsk. From the summit, a panoramic view opens onto the city and the villages of the Berezovsky District: the forested spurs of the Torgashinsky Ridge and the valley of the Bazaikha River are visible. The climb is considered easy: the trail has a minimal slope and suits even unprepared hikers.

Getting there

Chernaya Sopka can be reached in several ways:

• from the village of Kuznetsovo — the shortest route, about 3 km along a trail with a minimal slope; a bus runs to the village from Krasnoyarsk;
• from the village of Zykovo — conveniently reached by commuter train;
• from the village of Lukino — part of the route runs along a forest road that requires an off-road vehicle.