Zyuratkul: Reservoir, Trails and How to Get There

• The settlement lies on the northeastern shore of the Zyuratkul Reservoir.
• The “Malaya medvezhya” eco-trail leads from the entrance to the settlement to the 1,175 m summit of the Zyuratkul Ridge. The trail is 6 km long one way.
• A 7.5 km route to Golaya Sopka branches off from the “Malaya medvezhya” eco-trail; the ascent begins at the entrance to Zyuratkul.
• The route to the Maly Moskal Ridge is 3.5 km long; from the summit, views extend to the lake and the Lukash and Bolshoy Nurgush ridges.
• Buses run daily from Ufa, Yekaterinburg, and Chelyabinsk to Satka; from there, continue by taxi.

The “Malaya medvezhya” eco-trail starts at the entrance to Zyuratkul and leads to the 1,175 m summit of the Zyuratkul Ridge. The route is listed as 6 km one way.

A 7.5 km route to Golaya Sopka branches off from the “Malaya medvezhya” eco-trail. The ascent begins at the entrance to Zyuratkul.

Another starting point for a hike is the dam at Zyuratkul Lake. The path to the Maly Moskal Ridge begins there; the route from the settlement to the ridge is 3.5 km long. From the summit, there are views of Zyuratkul Lake as well as the Lukash and Bolshoy Nurgush ridges. The path to the Maly Moskal Ridge is accessible to families with children. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

The Great Ural Trail can also start in Zyuratkul; Tyulyuk is named as another possible starting point. If this trail is part of your plans, you can first decide which of the two places is a better starting point for your trip.

Buses run daily from Ufa, Yekaterinburg, and Chelyabinsk to Satka. From there, continue by taxi either to the settlement of Zyuratkul or to the “U trekh vershin” cordon. As timetables and transport services can change, it is advisable to confirm connections before your trip.

The “Magnitskiy” checkpoint and information point provides access to Zyuratkul Lake, the settlement, and the starting points of the “Malaya medvezhya” and “Tayny ozera” eco-trails and the “Zyuratkulskie stolby” route. Check current entry and access rules before setting out. This will help you plan your journey around your intended destination and head to the right starting point once you arrive.

When looking for a hotel in Zyuratkul, it makes sense to first decide which trails you plan to take and where you will arrive. The entrance to the settlement, the dam, and access via “Magnitskiy” play different roles in route and access descriptions. When comparing specific accommodations, consider their locations in relation to your journey and the places you want to visit. This lets you tailor your search to your own plans instead of relying on the place name alone.

If the Great Ural Trail is part of your trip, also bear in mind that Zyuratkul and Tyulyuk are both named as possible starting points. For trails within Zyuratkul, you can compare the listed destinations and starting points: the Zyuratkul Ridge, Golaya Sopka, or Maly Moskal. Confirm transport connections as well as current access and trail conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Magnitogorsk, Rozhdestvenka, Vishnevogorsk, Yuryuzan, Tyulyuk, Karabash, Lazurnyy, Satka.

Where is the settlement of Zyuratkul?

It lies on the northeastern shore of the reservoir of the same name.

How do you continue your journey by bus?

Buses from Ufa, Yekaterinburg, and Chelyabinsk go to Satka. From there, take a taxi to the settlement of Zyuratkul or the “U trekh vershin” cordon. Confirm connections before your trip.

Which route is accessible to families with children?

The route to the Maly Moskal Ridge is accessible to families with children. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Back to the regional travel overview: Chelyabinsk Oblast.