Resh: Nature, Minerals and Hiking Trails

• The reserve is on the eastern slope of the Ural Mountains in Sverdlovsk Oblast, 60 km northeast of Yekaterinburg and west of the city of Resh. It is located near the villages of Lipovskoye, Firsovo, Cheremisskoye, Oktyabrskoye, and Koltashi.
• It was established in 1995 to protect and preserve a natural complex that includes the “Samotsvetnaya Polosa Urala” mineralogical province.
• Lipovsky Geological Park has three hiking trails: “Plyazh” (1,400 m), “Tsvetnye gliny” (1,900 m), and “Smotrovaya ploshchadka” (4,860 m).

The “Samotsvetnaya Polosa Urala” mineralogical province is known worldwide for its variety of precious and ornamental minerals in a relatively small area. More than 170 mineral species occur there. Examples cited include Shaitansky agate (perelivт), multicolored tourmaline, amethysts, emeralds, alexandrite, topaz, aquamarine, sapphire, ruby, and beryl.

For historical context, it is important to note that the claim of more than 300 years refers to the mineralogical province’s renown. The nature and mineral reserve itself was established in 1995. Its purpose was to protect and preserve the unique natural complex that includes the province.

The three trails in Lipovsky Geological Park differ considerably in length: “Plyazh” is 1,400 m, “Tsvetnye gliny” is 1,900 m, and “Smotrovaya ploshchadka” is 4,860 m. This lets you compare the listed distances. Routes may change, so check the operator’s latest information before your visit.

For a longer hike, the “Svyatilishche drevnikh” walking route runs from the village of Oktyabrskoye to the “Shaitan-kamen” rock. The tour lasts six hours and covers 8 km. The “Po Samotsvetnoy polose” route also starts in Oktyabrskoye and goes to the Shaitansky deposit of perelivт; this hike is listed as seven hours and 10 km. By comparison, the second tour is 2 km longer and scheduled to take an hour longer.

Both are described as hikes for people with a moderate level of physical fitness; each is listed for groups of up to ten people. Since the operator offers these tours to visitors, check the current arrangements with the operator before planning.

The Shaitansky section forms the central part of the “Rezhevskoy” Nature and Mineral Reserve. Several pits are located near Oktyabrskoye and in the village of Shaitanka: Jepischkina Jama, Granatowaja Kop, Kasjonnaja Jama, and a pit by the Kozicha River. The Shaitansky perelivт deposit is also in this section.

This section therefore features both named pits and a mineral deposit. The place names give you specific reference points for understanding the area’s geological character. Plan visits based on the operator’s current arrangements.

Discover more destinations: Nevyanskiy rayon, gorod Artemovskiy, Beloyarsky Rajon, gorod Sukhoy Log, Sysertskiy rayon, Artemovskiy rayon, Verkhoturskiy rayon, Alapaevskiy rayon.

What trails are there in Lipovsky Geological Park?

“Plyazh” is 1,400 m long, “Tsvetnye gliny” is 1,900 m, and “Smotrovaya ploshchadka” is 4,860 m. Routes may change; check the operator’s latest information.

How do the longer hikes differ?

The hike from Oktyabrskoye to the “Shaitan-kamen” rock takes six hours and is 8 km long. The tour to the Shaitansky deposit of perelivт is listed as seven hours and 10 km. Both are described as suitable for groups of up to ten people and people with a moderate level of physical fitness.

What minerals occur in the “Samotsvetnaya Polosa Urala” province?

More than 170 mineral species occur there, including tourmaline, amethysts, emeralds, alexandrite, topaz, aquamarine, sapphire, ruby, and beryl.

For the broader travel overview: Sverdlovsk Oblast.