Kislovodsk Resort park, small saddle. Vacations in Kislovodsk - a repetition of the past - to the Big Saddle. Above your head on the left are the Blue Rocks
We got acquainted with all the significant sights of the Lower and Middle parks and walked along the most beautiful routes of the park. In this article we will continue to get acquainted with the beauties of Kislovodsk Park, namely the Upper Park or as it is also called Mountain Park. Using the cable car, we will climb Mount Krasnoe Solnyshko, after which one of the most mysterious trails in the park awaits us - the Kosygin trail.
Mountain Red Sun, Kislovodsk
And we will start our walk from the place where we stopped last time - from the Air Temple cable car station. From there the trailer will take us to the very top of the Red Sun Mountain.
From the top station of the cable car it is very convenient to start your descent to the Valley of Roses. The path will pass through the main attractions of the Upper Park. The upper station of the cable car is located at an altitude of 1167 meters and from here it is very convenient to walk to another mountain - Small Sedlo. From the top station the path will take about 3 km, and the elevation gain will be only 200 meters. From Mount Maloe Sedlo, you can walk to Mount Bolshoye Sedlo, the path will take about 3 km. However, it should be taken into account that Kislovodsk Park is really huge and there is not enough time or energy to see all the sights in one day. So we didn’t have time to visit either the Little or the Big Saddle. From the Upper Cable Car Station we headed west, where we came from.
The first attraction is a gazebo, from where you can see the entire expanse of not only Kislovodsk Park itself, but also the entire plateau. 
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Monument to Lermontov
A little further, the same surprise we talked about earlier awaited us. The monument to the great Russian poet Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov returned to its original place in 2017 - on Mount Red Sun. The poet’s gaze is again directed into the distance, and where the gaze was directed before can be seen in. Here is the same place with and without the poet: 
Is it worth mentioning that the poet actively participates in photo sessions? It’s no secret that in good weather, from the tops of Kislovodsk Park there is a view of the two-headed giant Elbrus, but having been in Kislovodsk several times, we never saw this phenomenon. And even good weather in Kislovodsk itself does not guarantee you a panorama of Elbrus. 
Blue stones
The monument to the poet is located directly next to a very popular attraction in the Upper Park - the Blue Stones. 
The attraction received its name by analogy with the attraction of the Lower Park - Red Stones, only here the bluish tint is not real, but illusory and noticeable only from a distance, when the haze gives the stones a bluish tint. 
From the Blue Stones you can clearly see the same cable car we climbed along. 
Going a little lower, the blue stones appear from a different angle, and become even more mysterious, against the background of the sky. 
Kosygin trail in Kislovodsk
There is a lot of conflicting and confusing information about this route on the Internet. The main difficulty is the question: How to find the Kosygin trail?. If you go to Red Sun Mountain on foot, and not by cable car, then at the place where the Blue Stones begin you will have to go straight, that is, leaving the Blue Stones on your left hand. Because climbing the Red Sun mountain means turning left and climbing these same Blue stones.
It is from this fork that anyone can get to an almost unvisited area of the park, but no less beautiful than other attractions of the park. This section of the path is located directly under the sandstone cliffs, and this gives the passage of this route a touch of mystery and enigma. 
Here you are actually on the Kosygin trail. But like any path, the Kosygin path also has its beginning and its end, and you can get to it from the other side. We chose the route from the Valley of Roses. And so that you don’t get lost, we strongly recommend using the application. Our route runs along a paved section of the road, with a beautiful birch grove on the right and pine trees on the left. This road comes from the lower part of the Valley of Roses. 
At the point where the paved road turns left, you will see a path leading further to the east. The entire path runs along the stream, so it will be difficult to get lost, and even if this happens, do not panic, you are in the park, just go back. Another half an hour and the trail will begin to turn to the left; you naturally turn along with the trail, gaining a small altitude along the way. So we came to the Kosygin trail. She walks along sandstone cliffs. In fact, we found ourselves at a fork and knowing that the road to the left would lead us to the Blue Stones, we decided to walk to the right. 
From time to time the trail bends close to the rocks, and even passes under overhanging rocks, which gives the walk an element of adventure. 
If you go right two more turns there is a blockage and the path begins to descend, so you can go back down to where we came from. But we go back to the fork to continue our walk along the Kosygin trail. On the way we encounter a large grotto with modern rock paintings. 
Further, the trail moves away from the rocks and passes along a picturesque pine slope, allowing you to admire the beauty of the forest and open space at the same time. 
Very soon the trail begins to stick to the rocky outcroppings again. 
After this, we will get acquainted with the most beautiful and large-scale attraction of the Kosygin trail - the path in the rock. Without any exaggeration, the trail is laid in limestone rock, in a place where the rock goes around the ravine. 
Following this, there is another turn, less spectacular. 
After which we go directly to the Blue Stones and walk parallel to them. By the way, the Kosygin trail is named after the Soviet politician Alexei Nikolaevich Kosygin. As the name of the trail suggests, Kosygin passed this route at least once. 
Thus, we reached the very fork from which you can climb Mount Red Sun or descend to the Lower Park. 
Of course, we chose the path to the Lower Park, especially since the day was coming to an end. It’s a pity, of course, that the Maloye and Bolshoye Sedlo mountains remained unexplored, but this is another reason to return to Kislovodsk Park, walk its paths and admire the sights. And remember that you can and should come to Kislovodsk to improve your health and gain strength, because it was in Kislovodsk Park that they came up with such a type of treatment as health walking - health path. 
Video of a walk through the Resort Park of Kislovodsk
We visited Kislovodsk for the first time in 2014. This video will give you an idea of how much the Resort Park has changed in three years.
Mount Maloe Sedlo is a natural attraction and an excellent observation deck, which offers a beautiful view of the city of Kislovodsk. Its height is 1325 meters; in good clear weather, from the top you can admire the beauty and grandeur of the mighty Elbrus. Not far from Maly there is the Big Saddle, a mountain whose height reaches 1409 meters.
Maloe Sedlo is part of the Kislovodsk National Park, which is home to local and exotic tree species. The abundance of vegetation and richness of the animal world allow you to enjoy the beauty of the local nature and take a break from the noisy city life. People come here who want to restore and strengthen their health, which is facilitated by the mild climate and clean air. There are several path routes throughout the park - recreational walks and a hiking trail that will lead to Mount Small Saddle.
Preparing for the climb
The peak attracts many vacationers who come to Kislovodsk. Climbing the mountain is carried out all year round, because nature reveals itself differently at different times of the year. In spring and summer it is pleasant to enjoy the greenery, flowers and aromas in the air. In autumn, one admires the poetic charm of the elegant decoration of trees. The winter landscape is truly fabulous, and the air in the mountains is fresh.
To make your walk memorable and enjoyable, you need to choose comfortable clothes that will not hinder your movements. Shoes should also be suitable for walking in mountainous areas. It is important to remember that the air in the mountains can be cool even on warm summer days, so it is worth bringing a jacket or windbreaker with you. The local weather can often be capricious; rain can take you by surprise quite suddenly; it would be a good idea to take an umbrella or raincoat. A hat will also come in handy, as it will save you from the scorching sun and the blowing wind. In addition, it is worth taking drinking water and, if desired, food with you - at the top or on the way you can have a picnic, it will allow you to restore the strength you will need for the return journey. If you don’t want to take food with you, you can have a snack at food points located throughout the park.
Routes
Depending on your physical fitness and availability of free time, there are several options for traveling to the top of the Little Col.
The fastest and least tiring option is to reach the mountain, traveling most of the way by cable car. To do this, you need to go to the lower station, located near the “Temple of Air” pavilion. The ride on the cable car will take about 8 minutes, the cost of the service is 200 rubles. per adult and 120 rub. from a child aged 5 to 10 years. From the top there are beautiful views of the park and surrounding area. The upper station is located next to the Olympic complex, from here it is about 2 km on foot to the top of the mountain. Depending on the speed, this journey takes on average 40-60 minutes. If after the climb you still have strength and desire, then it’s worth getting to the top of the neighboring mountain Bolshoye Sedlo, which offers a breathtaking view of the outskirts of Kislovodsk. The return journey can be done entirely on foot or by walking to the cable car and going down on it.
The other option is more energy-consuming, but at the same time more picturesque and interesting. This is a walking route that goes along the choice of path No. 2 or No. 3 and then, before reaching their end point, goes onto the hiking trail.
Please note that the walking route is quite long; people who do not have health problems can overcome it. The route along the paths to the tourist trail is approximately 5 km, the trail to Mount Maloye Sedlo goes another almost 6 km.
Path No. 2 is easier - the slope of the path is moderate, part of the route passes through a pine forest. On a hot day, the shade from the trees saves you from the scorching sun and gives you coolness, and the air of the coniferous forest is not only pleasant, but also healthy. The route starts from the Narzan Gallery, along its length there are such attractions as the Lermontov site, the Colonnade, the Chess House, the Tsar's site, and the Air Temple pavilion.
Terraincourt No. 3 is considered a difficult route, it has steeper climbs and is designed for fairly good physical fitness. It starts at the same point, passes by the Tsar’s site, through the Red and Gray Stones, and at a certain place it connects with the second route. Before reaching the end points of the route, you need to go right at the 52nd station - onto the hiking trail. It passes through picturesque places, along the way there are natural grottoes, caves and observation platforms.
You can combine a walking route and a cable car ride - walk to the top of the mountain and then go down the cable car, or vice versa.
How to get there
The path to the top of the Small Sedlo mountain passes through the Kislovodsk national park, the stop closest to the beginning of the route is “Colonnade”. Next, you will need to go to the lower station of the cable car or overcome the path along the path, and then along the hiking trail.
You can also get to the park by car or using taxi applications: Yandex. Taxi, Gett, Red Taxi.
View from the Small Saddle mountain: video
View of Elbrus
On Saturday, a friendly group of us set off towards the Dzhinalsky ridge.
It was decided to get to the village of Narzan and from there head along the Olkhovka gorge to Jinal. However, this was not destined to come true. The bus, which departed at 8.10, had just left, and we were advised to get to the Zarya sanatorium and from there head towards Jinal.
Looks like the road goes to Jinal... At first the path seemed clear, a good asphalt road led straight to the FSB dachas, then it turned right and ended. We climbed a hill along a dead road, passed through a small forest and ended up, as it later turned out, in the village of Narzanny. But we were not destined to get out of there either, since we went straight along the road, which clearly led to a private house.
There a local resident explained to us how to get to Maloe Sedlo. We started heading back. Having not reached the desired turn, we returned again to check another turn, and ended up at the gate of the nursery, the road through which leads to Jinal. However, the guard told us that there was no road, and we went towards the sanatoriums.
Somewhere there is Jinal 
Twenty minutes later the turn was found. Having passed by the horse farm, (you need to go around the horse farm on the right) we ended up on a path.
If anyone has enough time and does not want to waste extra energy, then do not go along the route that I will describe below. Just follow the path. It's easier that way.
So, having passed the bridge, the slope of the spur opens to view, which leads to Maloe Sedlo. You will have to climb the slope. In many places we follow paths that are not daring. Once you have to climb a small rock. There are various grasses all around, a downward slope ending in a cliff. At this time of year it is quite hot here, there are a lot of biting insects, but the cool breeze helps.
As a result, we approached the top of the Little Saddle from the northwest.
There are very beautiful views from Maly Sedlo. Here you can stand and relax and take photos. It's not that long to get to the Big Saddle. You can easily determine where to go, by the abundance of people who go there in crowds :) From the Big Saddle and nearby peaks, a beautiful view of the Yutsa River valley and the Dzhinalsky ridge opens up, which we never got to.
The car is rushing down... 
After eating in a pine forest, we followed the path through Krasnoye Solnyshko to Kislovodsk.
\"Demon\" under threat 
Don't swim in the fountain :) Today is a warm, slightly windy day. There are two of us, and we are determined to climb to the very top of the Small Saddle mountain. Let's go light. A minimum of things, a minimum of equipment. And one bottle of water for two.
13:05. Height 830 meters. We start from the main entrance to Kurotny Park, not far from the post office building, having first sent letters to home and loved ones.
13:35. Height 901 meters. Red stones. We stand for about five minutes, admiring the landscape.
13:42. Height 930 meters. We are right next to the cable car. The demon of temptation offers to climb up it. No, we cannot be tempted or broken! We'll go on foot!
13:55. Valley of Roses Height unknown. Roses! Lots of roses! Red, burgundy, white, cream! Beauty!
There is a wonderful rose: she
Before the astonished Cythera
Blooms blush and lush,
Blessed by Venus.*
But enough of the lyrics! There is no time to admire for a long time. Our goal is still far above.
14:10. Height 971 meters. We are at stop number 43. Let's look at the map. Did its creators themselves use it as a guide when they made it? Very inconvenient, heights and parking are not indicated. There is even a feeling that the scale has been maintained conditionally. We will move forward on our own on a whim. A navigator charged to 67% as an emergency reserve for emergencies.
14:30 Altitude approximately 1020 meters. We turn onto the hiking trail at parking lot No. 51. It will only get more difficult.
14:50. Height 1047 meters. Beautiful views! We pause to capture them and take a little breath.
15:10. Height unknown. We are at a fork in the road. Below is a trail possibly leading to the Big Saddle. There is a path going up, called the “Kosygin path”. Our goal is the Small Saddle. We turn onto the Kosygin path. Alexey Nikolaevich loved walking not only along traditional routes, but also walking along uncrowded paths, thinking alone about something of his own. During a visit to Kislovodsk, according to legend, I took a fancy to a small secluded path, which was not part of the route of the Kislovodsk health path.
15:40. Height 1200 meters. We noticed a small path going up. It's not on the map. Where does it lead? Is it worth the risk of veering off the main path? What awaits us there? We took this risk. Storming a steep hill through the bush. And we're at the top. This is not the final goal yet. But how beautiful! The reward for taking the risk is a wonderful view of the surrounding area.
16:05. Height 1245 meters. Last stop before the finish. The top is already clearly visible. Here, at a height, the hot sun alternates with the wind, which tries to knock you off your feet. 5 minutes of rest and go!
16:20. Height 1280 meters. We're at the top! We've dressed up the complexity! We were not embarrassed by the strange map and the fear of the unknown as we walked along inconspicuous paths. Having overcome the temptation to take the cable car or go out onto the “civilian” road, we followed the difficult, tourist route! We have reached the top and we have something to be proud of! Those landscapes that open only from the very top of the Small Saddle are like a reward for us.
The way back was easier. Tomorrow new heights and new adventures await us. It will soon start to get dark. And so we went down by cable car straight to the Valley of Roses.
* - excerpt from a poem by A.S. Pushkin
P.S. Photos may not reflect the height described in the story. I recorded the altitudes and time, but I forgot to record the photographs along with the altitude.