Ascent to Mt Škrlatica in Julian Alps

Mountain Škrlatica is the second-highest mountain in Slovenia and the third highest in the Julian Alps. The trail to Škrlatica is one of the most demanding in the Julian Alps.

Mt Škrlatica is a 2740 m high mountain in the Julian Alps. It is considered the second-highest mountain in Slovenia and the third highest in the Julian Alps. The path to the top of Škrlatica has always attracted many mountain lovers. The Škrlatica hiking trail is quite challenging. It is suitable for physically better-experienced hikers and mountaineers.

About Mt Škrlatica

You will quickly recognize Mount Škrlatica by its beautiful purple colour, which the mountain gets at sunset. That is how Mount Škrlatica got its name. The most beautiful view of the steep northern wall of Škrlatica is from the northwest, from the Vršič pass.

The Škrlatica is a mountain peak in the Julian Alps, which rises mightily between the valley of Vrata and Velika Pišnica. Towards the northeast is connected with the Martuljek mountain group via the Visoki Rokav mountain (2664 m). The south-western ridge of Škrlatica descends towards Kriška Stena.

From the top, there is a marvellous view of the surrounding mountains. You will see far away to the Adriatic Sea.
It is a mountain with magnificent views in the Julian Alps.

The Mt Škrlatica (Scarlet Mountain) is considered the queen of the Julian Alps.

Trails to Mt Škrlatica

Several paths lead to the top of Mt Škrlatica.
You can go to it from three starting points. Aljaž’s home in Vrata, Dolina Vrata and from the Vršič pass. The shortest route is from the Vrata valley, from 1015 m high.

Vrata Valley (1015m) – Škrlatica

From the Vrata valley, the path will first lead you through the forest, which rises steeply in some areas. The trail will lead you along a rocky, during low growth. After about 1 hour of walking, you will come to a grassy slope and in front of you opens a beautiful view of the nearby peaks and Triglav. On the slope of Mount Stenar you will reach Bivouac IV on Rušje. The bivouac has placed below the mountain Dolkova špica at a 1980 m. From the bivouac, there is a beautiful view of Stenar, Križ and part of Dolkova špica. The IV bivouac on Rušje is open all year round. Up to 8 people can find shelter in this bivouac.

From the bivouac on Rušje, the path will lead you over scree and grassy slopes and pastures. Here you will soon exceed an altitude of 2000 m. You will cross the south-eastern slope of Dolkova špica mountain. It is a 2591 m high mountain located between Stenar and Škrlatica. The path on the other side of the slopes will take you a little lower into the hollow, where the snow is until late summer. In the continuation, you will cross some gentle slopes. After a good half hour of walking path climbs steeply towards the ridge Zadnji Dalek. Before entering the wall, put away your hiking poles and put on your helmet. You will need some climbing skills and strength in your hands to overcome the climbing wall. 

The climbing part of the trail has protection with a steel rope, wedges and staples.

Route statistics

  • Distance: 8.2 km
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Lowest point: 1050 m
  • Highest point: 2740 m
  • Ascent: 1972 m
  • Difficulty: very demanding marked route

Zadnjica Valley (690m) – Škrlatica

The path to Škrlatica from Planina Zadnjica starts in the Trenta Valley. From Zadnjica, the route quickly ascends over the valley of Beli Potok.
You will meet the first steel cable soon.
This route will lead you through the forest and some more and less exposed ravines.

A little higher, you will come to steep scree. There is a marvellous view of the Trenta valley. You will continue your way in the planned direction towards Pogačnik’s home on Kriški Podi.
Along the way, you will get dazzling views of mountain peaks such as Planja (2453 m), Razor (2601 m) and Pihavec (2419 m).

From Pogačnik’s home, the path will lead you in the direction of Razor and Križ (2410 m). There is a rather steep path that will take you through the karst world of Kriški Podi. The next destination is Rdeča Škrbina, located at about 2500 m.
Continue along the way over a slightly exposed scree. After a few minutes of walking, you will arrive at the screen in Zadnji Dolek, where you will join the path from the Vrata valley. Continue your way to the south-western wall of Škrlatica.

Route statistics

  • Distance: 8 km
  • Duration: 8:45 hours
  • Lowest point: 650 m
  • Highest point: 2740 m
  • Ascent: 2440 m
  • Difficulty: very demanding marked route

Vršič, Russian Cross (1000 m) – Škrlatica

From Kranjska Gora, you can go to the top of Škrlatica from the Vršič pass. The trail starts at the third serpentine road to Vršič. First, you will climb through the forest to the vast grassy slopes. 

You will cross the Suha Pišnica stream and to the mountain in Klin. You will continue to the hut on Krnica. 

After a few steep ascents, you will leave the forest border at the foot of the Kriška wall. 

Some climbing skills you will need to the top of walls in Kriški Podi. Soon the trail takes you in the direction of Križ and Škrlatica. 

Along the way you will admire the mountains Mala Martuljška Ponca (2501 m) and Velika Martuljška Ponca (2602 m). Your next destination is Red Stump, located at an altitude of about 2500 m. You will follow by crossing the scree and some pretty outcrops sections. 

After a long walk, you will arrive at the scree in Zadnji Dolek, where you will join the path from the Vrata valley. The ascent to the south-western wall of Škrlatica follows. Following a secured climbing route, you will reach the top of Škrlatica.

Route statistics

  • Distance: 8 km
  • Duration: 8:45 hours
  • Lowest point: 650 m
  • Highest point: 2740 m
  • Ascent: 2440 m
  • Difficulty: very demanding marked route

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