Discover Enchanting Lakes, Majestic Mountains, and Cosmic Landscapes on the Ural Road Trips

Looking for unforgettable vacation or weekend getaway ideas? The Ural region offers a treasure trove of breathtaking destinations accessible by car.

1. Lake Turgoyak

Located near Miass, Lake Turgoyak is a top destination in the Chelyabinsk region. Surrounded by pine forests and rocky cliffs, its standout feature is its remarkably clear water, boasting visibility up to 17.5 meters and a maximum depth of 32.5 meters. Often dubbed the "Ural Baikal," Turgoyak’s purity and size captivate visitors.

This lake is millions of years old and wrapped in legends—from meteorite impacts to extinct volcano craters. One romantic tale tells of a young man named Tur who brought water from Lake Baikal to his beloved Goyak to protect her from a witch’s spell. As she washed with the water, droplets fell to the earth, forming the lake.

2. Taganay National Park

Spanning a vast area in Chelyabinsk, Taganay is home to mossy bogs, ancient forests, nine mountain ridges, a stone river, and more. Activities include:

• Climbing Dvuglava Sopka, a mountain with twin peaks offering panoramic views of the park and Zlatoust city, with a fresh spring at its base.
• Exploring the Fairy Tale Valley, featuring dwarf conifer forests and stone gardens, leading to the park’s highest point, Mount Kruglitsa.
• Venturing to Far Taganay for high-altitude tundra landscapes and an old meteorological station, ideal for experienced hikers.

Plan a 3-4 day trip to fully experience Taganay, with accommodations ranging from cabins to campgrounds.

3. Zyuratkul National Park

Famous for its mountain lake situated 724 meters above sea level, Zyuratkul is steeped in history with Stone Age artifacts found along its shores. Visitors can swim, fish, and hike surrounding ridges. Highlights include the Elk House sanctuary, the barren Golaya Sopka mountain, and spectacular Perseid meteor shower views in August. Nighttime stargazing is rewarding year-round, so overnight stays are recommended.

4. Mount Iremel

The second tallest peak in the Southern Urals, Mount Iremel is named after the Turkic word for "hero’s saddle" due to its distinctive twin peaks connected by a saddle-shaped ridge. The larger peak offers a nearly flat summit with 360-degree views. The ascent is moderate but requires caution over loose stones.

5. Sterlitamak Shikhans

These four limestone hills—Toratau, Yuraktau, Kushtau, and the now-lost Shakhtau—are natural monuments with over 200 million years of history dating back to the Permian salt sea. Fossilized shells and coral fragments can still be seen. The highest hill, Toratau, rises 280 meters above the surrounding land and is popular for paragliding in summer and skiing in winter.

6. Usva Pillars

The Usva Pillars are a striking limestone massif featuring the famous "Devil’s Finger" rock. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays. The hike follows the Usva River, offering lush forest views and towering cliffs. Nearby, the "Stone City" with its labyrinth of fissured rocks evokes legends of a vanished city transformed by magic.

7. Kungur Ice Cave

This extensive cave system near Perm features underground lakes, grottos, and towering "organ pipe" shafts. Colorful lighting enhances its mystical atmosphere. According to local legend, mammoths carved the cave, commemorated by a two-meter mammoth sculpture installed in 2021. Guided tours are recommended, and warm clothing is essential as temperatures remain below freezing year-round.

8. Ural Mars

Just under two hours from Yekaterinburg near Bogdanovich, the "Ural Mars" landscape showcases red hills, cracked earth, and crimson lakes resembling a Martian terrain. This unique area formed from refractory clay mining by the local factory. Visit during dry weather to avoid sticky mud, and complement your trip with stops at Baynovsky Waterfall, Kashin Settlement, and the Seven-colored Lakes.

9. Deer Streams Natural Park

Located 100 kilometers from Yekaterinburg, this park offers caves, river rafting on the Serge, rock climbing, and dense forests. Don’t miss Mitkin Lakes, Friendship Cave—the largest in the Middle Urals—and a 300-year-old pine tree older than Yekaterinburg itself. The park covers over 12,000 hectares, with parts protected as reserves. Plan a weekend stay in wooden cabins or campgrounds to explore fully.

10. Bazhov’s Land

Situated near Sysert in Sverdlovsk, this expansive park celebrates the tales of Ural writer Pavel Bazhov. It includes a deer farm, whimsical rock formations like Khrapy and Markov Stone, and the famous Tal’kov Stone Lake surrounded by pine forests. The lake was formed when a talc quarry flooded in the 20th century and now offers diving opportunities.

Mountain and lake camping is a beloved pastime in the Urals, inspiring the creation of smart mini-campers by a Yekaterinburg factory. These vehicles feature bedrooms, kitchens, showers, and air conditioning—ideal for summer adventures. They also offer remote control of lighting and temperature, with the first 30 units launching in September 2022.

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