Giewont - Yellow Trail through Mała Łąka Valley
Nearby: Zakopane
With a Child to Giewont
The yellow trail through the Mała Łąka Valley is much less popular and therefore much less crowded for climbing the Sleeping Knight (Giewont). It is a bit harder and longer than the most popular blue trail through Kondratowa Hall. The yellow trail goes through the rocky Głazisty Gully, and as the name suggests, you will walk on falling stones. Climbing up this trail wasn't too difficult for us, but going down can be tiring and tricky. We recommend using this trail to climb Giewont and taking the easier blue trail to descend. If you plan to climb Giewont with children, remember:
- Although the Giewont massif is not particularly high (1894 meters above sea level), reaching the peak is not easy due to its rocky nature.
- The trail to Kondratowa Pass (the pass before reaching the Giewont peak) is not technically difficult but requires good physical condition. At the scenic pass, you can decide if you want to reach the peak.
- The approach to the Giewont peak is rocky and has chains. The trail is one-way. Everything depends on the child's individual fitness and fear of heights. The rocks on this part of the trail are very slippery.
Start of the Journey: Mała Łąka Valley - Getting There and Parking
The yellow trail through Mała Łąka Valley starts in the Gronik hamlet. To get there by bus, take one heading towards Kościelisko and Kościeliska Valley. Get off at the Kościelisko Gronik stop. There is a paid parking lot for cars right at the entrance to the valley.
The Mała Łąka Valley itself is a forest path with few views, gently climbing upwards. It leads to the Małołącka Clearing surrounded by mountains.
From Małołącka Clearing to Kondracka Pass
After the clearing, we start the climb through the forest. The trail leads through the rocky Głazisty Gully. This part of the trail is initially not very scenic, sometimes steep and rocky, with almost two-meter-high boulders. However, as is often the case in the mountains, climbing up is more tiring but easier. We didn't face significant technical difficulties on this part of the trail.
After climbing above the tree line, the trail becomes more exposed, which is scenic but uncomfortable for those with a fear of heights. However, don't worry - the path to Kondracka Pass is still quite safe.
Kondracka Pass
This is the pass between Kondracka Kopa and Giewont - the last place to rest before reaching the peak. Kondracka Pass is also a junction of many trails, including all approaches to Giewont. We have climbed very high, so it's worth taking a moment to rest. The view includes Kasprowy Wierch and the wrinkled noses of Nosal.
Approach to Giewont Peak - One-Way Trail
This is undoubtedly a moment of tough decisions: the trail leading to the Giewont peak is one-way. There is no turning back; you won't be able to change your mind and go back. Once you start the trail, you reach the peak and descend another way to Kondracka Pass. It's hard to give advice here; everything is very individual. What is an exciting challenge for some may cause fear and anxiety in others, regardless of age. The situation is not helped by the line of people behind you aiming to reach the peak - after all, it's the most popular mountain in the Polish Tatras.
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