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Slana Voda - Babia Góra. Yellow trail

Nearby: Oravska Polhora
Country: Słowacja, Polska

Region:

Beskidy (Beskidy), Beskid Żywiecki (Żywiec Beskids)

Difficult - Dangerous spots/sections on the route

straighten Distance	8.1km
timer Time	4h 28min
north_east Ascents	981m
south_east Descents	24m

Elevation Profile:

Route Map

The slope of the terrain
Route in the sun
Restaurant or bar nearby
Access by car

The yellow trail from the tourist station Slana Voda to Babia Góra is the most popular route to the summit of the Queen of the Beskids from the Slovak side. The trail is challenging due to its length and significant elevation gain, but there are no major terrain difficulties.

Its greatest advantages are the peacefulness on the trail (compared to the trails on the Polish side), beautiful views (but also a lot of sun), and good infrastructure (shelters, benches). Dogs are allowed on this trail!

Slana Voda - Parking and Trailhead

We start our hike at the tourist station Chata Slana Voda (accommodation, snacks, souvenirs). The parking area is quite large and free of charge.

Tourist station Slana Voda beneath Babia Góra

We can clearly see our destination - it doesn't look threatening, right?

To reach the yellow trail, we need to turn right and cross a small bridge over the stream. Then we follow a rocky and straight path.

Yellow trail Slana Voda - Babia Góra. Trailhead

Yellow trail Slana Voda - Babia Góra. Intersection with the blue trail

We walk along this easy but somewhat boring path for about half an hour. We reach the intersection with the blue trail, and unfortunately, we have to walk a section on asphalt: straight and then to the right across the stream. When we finally reach the regional museum, we turn into the forest!

Yellow trail Slana Voda - Babia Góra. Trail markings

ATTENTION! The marking of the yellow trail leaves something to be desired... Actually, the signs, arrows, and the letters "BH" only appear at intersections (and not always...)

Once we enter the forest, we walk along a pleasant path next to the stream until we reach a small bridge.

Yellow trail Slana Voda - Babia Góra. Forest path

After the bridge, the real ascent begins!

Forest section of the yellow trail to Babia Góra

If it was boring before, it will be interesting now: we will climb steep, rocky paths through the forest. On a sunny day, the sun will accompany us all the time, and we will also have views of the neighboring Pilsko massif (the "younger brother" of Babia Góra, the second highest peak in the Żywiec Beskids), as well as the Tatra Mountains.

Yellow trail Slana Voda - Babia Góra. Steep ascent

Views from the yellow trail Slana Voda - Babia Góra

Along the way, there are several shelters, benches, and even a viewing tower:

Yellow trail Slana Voda - Babia Góra. Stavice viewing shelter

When the forest ends, we start climbing among small spruce trees, mountain pines, and blueberry fields. Yes, it can be steep, but the path is mostly comfortable, paved with large stones.

Yellow trail - the final ascent to the summit

Babia Góra - Summit

At the summit, stunning views await us: panoramas in all directions!

ATTENTION! It's always windy on Babia Góra! Bring jackets with you, and in spring and autumn, also hats and gloves. The weather on "Kapryśnica" (the capricious mountain) is very changeable: the wind blows away the clouds, constantly revealing or obscuring the views. It often happens that there is a storm on Babia Góra while the surrounding area enjoys nice weather.