Małołączniak via Kobylarzowy Żleb

Małołączniak (2,096 m a.s.l.) is a peak that can be reached by several routes. This page describes the ascent via the blue trail through Kobylarzowy Żleb (Kobylarzowy Gully). This is the only place in the entire Czerwone Wierchy massif where you will encounter artificial aids in the form of chains!

Choose this variant if you already have some experience in the Tatras, are not afraid of exposure, and want to spice up a tedious climb with a bit of scrambling.

💡 In a nutshell – Małołączniak via Kobylarzowy Żleb:

1. The only chain on Czerwone Wierchy: The gully features a short rock step, a dozen or so metres high, secured with a chain.
2. Watch out for rain: The limestone in the gully becomes as slippery as soap when wet. If the rock is wet, abandon the climb.
3. Do a loop: We strongly recommend ascending via the gully (blue trail) and descending via the safer ridge over Kopa Kondracka (yellow trail). Descending Kobylarzowy is dangerous.
4. A helmet is a good idea: Hikers above often dislodge stones in the gully.

Trail description: Loop via Kobylarzowy Żleb

We strongly recommend doing a loop: we ascend via the steep gully (blue trail), and descend via the safe, gentler ridge (yellow trail). Descending Kobylarzowy Żleb is very unpleasant and dangerous!

Stage 1: Through the forest to Przysłop Miętusi

We start in Gronik and walk along the floor of the Mała Łąka Valley. At the fork we choose the blue trail, which gently leads us to the Przysłop Miętusi pass. This is a good place for a first short break.

Stage 2: Kobylarzowy Żleb and chains

From Przysłop Miętusi the blue trail begins to climb steeply. We enter the dwarf pine zone, and the path becomes increasingly stony.

• We enter a narrow, rocky gully. This is Kobylarzowy Żleb.
• In the lower part of the gully there is a short rock step, a dozen or so metres high, secured with a chain. On dry rock, negotiating it efficiently does not cause major problems. However, after rain, the local limestone becomes as slippery as soap – in such conditions the step can be very dangerous!
• Above the chains, the gully widens, and we climb steeply up loose scree (watch out for falling stones!).

Stage 3: Czerwony Grzbiet and the summit

We emerge from the gully onto the broad, grassy Czerwony Grzbiet (Red Ridge). Everything changes – from a narrow canyon we find ourselves in an open space with fantastic views.

• From here, only a gentle, though tedious, approach to the flat summit of Małołączniak awaits us.

Stage 4: Descent via Kopa Kondracka

From the summit we head east (red trail) towards Kopa Kondracka. From Kopa we descend via the yellow trail to Kondracka Pass, and from there down to the Mała Łąka Valley and back to Gronik.

Logistics and warnings

• Chains: The step in the gully is not Orla Perć, but it requires the use of hands and sure-footedness. If the rock is wet, abandon the climb and choose the safe yellow trail.
• Helmets: Stones often fall in Kobylarzowy Żleb (dislodged by hikers higher up). A helmet is a very good idea.
• Winter: In winter, Kobylarzowy Żleb is a deadly avalanche trap. This trail is intended exclusively for advanced mountaineers with appropriate equipment.

Who is this absolutely NOT for?

Do not bring people with a fear of heights here, nor children who do not have experience on chains. Do not go this way after rain. If you just want to climb Małołączniak without stress, choose the yellow trail via Kondracka Pass.