Mount Krutoy Klyuch (Maly Uralsky Ridge)

Mount Krutoy Klyuch is a rocky peak 782 metres high at the southern end of the Maly Uralsky Ridge, in the Miass urban district of Chelyabinsk Oblast. It rises on the left bank of the Sukhokamenka River, between Taganay National Park and Lake Turgoyak, and is known for its all-round view of the Southern Urals.

Description

The summit is formed by rock outcrops, and the rocky crest runs for about 2 kilometres. A little to the north lies the highest point of the Maly Uralsky Ridge, at 913 metres. The name, which means "steep spring", is usually explained by a stream that starts on the mountain's steep slope.

In July and August wild raspberries grow on the slopes.

The view from the top

The mountain is not high, but the summit gives a full 360-degree panorama:

• to the north, the Maly Uralsky Ridge;
• to the west, the Bolshoy Uralsky Ridge, whose crest marks the boundary of Taganay National Park;
• to the south, the Varganova hills;
• to the southeast, Lake Turgoyak and the town of Miass;
• to the east, the Ilmensky Ridge.

The finest view is considered to be the one to the west, towards the Bolshoy Uralsky Ridge with the Taganay mountains behind it.

Legends

Local stories are attached to the area. One says that in the 18th century convicts were marched along an old stone road here on their way from Moscow to Chelyabinsk. Another claims that somewhere nearby Pugachev, fleeing the tsar's troops, sank two kegs of gold. Neither story has been confirmed.

Getting there

The way to Mount Krutoy Klyuch from Mashgorodok in Miass is about 50 kilometres; some routes into the area start from Lake Turgoyak. The road to the foot of the mountain is rough in places and passable only by off-road vehicles, so many people come on foot or by bike.

The climb is about 6 kilometres with roughly 400 metres of ascent and is tiring on the stony track. From the riverbank, the round trip to the summit along an overgrown road and path takes about an hour and a half. The descent is steep at first, then eases down gently to the Kushtumga River.