Country: Croatia
Area name: Istria peninsula
Activity: MTB
Date of the ride: 10-Feb-2008
Length (km): 45.9
Elevation gain (m): 1490
Technical difficulty: ●●
GPS tracklog: download
Overview of mountain biking route:
The route Ćićarija – Veliki Planik is situated in the north east area of Istra peninsula on the Ćićarija mountain. There are many trails on Ćićarija and this one passes the ridge across the saddle near Veliki Planik peak. Veliki Planik is the highest elevation point of Ćićarija. From Veliki Planik you can take nice view on Učka mountain and Istra peninsula. The trail is dry and rocky. On the half way of the route is Korita Hut and the spring of water. The route can be combined with Učka route.
Getting there: Europe, Croatia, Rijeka, Veprinac, Poklon saddle in Nature Park Učka. You can come to Poklon saddle from Istra peninsula too.
Map of mountain biking route:
Description of MTB route:
The starting point of the mountain bike route is the parking place near Učka restaurant situated on Poklon saddle. From the restaurant take the north east course to Veprinac on the paved road. After 3.5 km of descent turn left on the crossroad and proceed on the unpaved road. Proceed straight for about 2.8 km. There is the crossroad in front of the hut. Turn left and proceed straight on unpaved road for the next 6.5 km. On the labeled crossroad keep left for the saddle near Veliki Planik peak. The next section to the saddle is a steep ascent. On the right side of the trail there is Bončića Kuća hut. It takes around 4.8 km to the saddle. From the junction at the saddle turn right and proceed on the hiking trail to Veliki Planik peak. It takes 5 minutes to the peak. From the saddle proceed to ride on the carriageway to the south west course. After about 1.1 km there is the labeled crossroad. Turn right on the carriageway to Korita. After about 0.8 km there is the next crossroad. Remember this crossroad because you will come back at that point from Korita. Turn right and next 2.2 km is the nice rocky section. At the next crossroad turn right. The steep ascent follows to the Korita Hut. After 1.2 km there is the crossroad. Turn left and proceed straight 400 meters to Korita Hut. The spring of water is around 200 meters from Korita Hut. Turn back on the same way to the crossroad I mentioned before. On the crossroad turn right on unpaved road to the south west course. Follow the labels Brest Pod Učkom or the trail number 7. After about 6.7 km of descent the trail leads to the crossroad with the paved road to the village Brest Pod Učkom. Turn left on the road and proceed to the village. On the crossroad in the village turn left on the unpaved road to the Poklon saddle. After about 2.4 km there is the crossroad. Turn right and proceed on the carriageway to the south east course. On all crossroads keep the course. The trail leads to the crossroad with the paved road near the parking place of Učka restaurant. Turn left on the paved road and after few hundred meters you will reach the starting point. For more details check above Map and below Gallery of the route.
Elevation profile of MTB route:
Notes & references: The route is recommended during all seasons. During winter time check the snow conditions.
Gallery of mountain biking route: