Gruda - Snježnica - Takeadventure

The descent

Country: Croatia
Area name: Dubrovnik
Activity: MTB
Date of the ride: 23-Mar-2011
Length (km): 37.8
Elevation gain (m): 1310
Technical difficulty: ●●●●●
GPS tracklog: download

Overview of mountain biking route:

The technically demanding MTB route Gruda – Snježnica is situated 25km from Dubrovnik town at Konavle region. The peak of Snježnica mountain at elevation of 1234 meters over the sea level is the highest peak at the south coast of Croatia. Snježnica mountain is situated near the border line of Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina. The trail leads near Kuna Konavoska village. The view from Snježnica peak is amazing and many mountains in the neighborhood can be seen from Snježnica. The singletrack and carriageway sections are dry and very rocky. The final section to the peak is placed on steep & very rocky singletrack. Count to hike with the bike from the elevation of 920 to 1234 meters. The downhill section is for experienced riders only. If you prefer you can leave the bike at the end of the carriageway section and hike to the peak without bike. In this case the technical difficulty rating is ●● only. Due to many unlabeled junctions the GPS unit with the uploaded route is recommended for fast and safe navigation.

Getting there: Europe, Croatia, Dubrovnik, Gruda (Konavle).

Map of mountain biking route:

Description of MTB route:

The starting point of the mountain bike route is in Gruda village. From Gruda village follow the labeled paved road to Konavoski Dvori. The paved road leads to the north course. Ascent on the paved road near the restaurant Konavoski Dvori and Ljuta stream. At the end of the stream turn left and after about 50 meters turn right. The paved road ends and the short hiking path leads to the paved road that leads to the west course. Proceed to the west for about 2km. Turn right on the labeled crossroad to Kuna Konavoska village. The long ascent in few turns leads to Kuna Konavoska village. At the end of the ascent section and just before the village there is an unlabeled junction. Turn right on the steep and rocky carriageway that at the beginning leads to north east course. At the end of the carriageway turn right on the singletrack along the small plateau. After about 200 meters turn sharp left and ascend on the rocky singletrack to Snježnica peak. Due to step ascent and rocky trail hike with the bike. Pass the saddle and proceed to the north west course. From the left side come and joins the hiking path from Kuna Konavoska village. The ascent leads to Snježnica peak. From the peak ride back on the same trail. At the end of the carriageway turn right and after 30 meters turn left on the rocky singletrack. Pass below Kuna Konavoska village and proceed on the unlabeled rocky singletrack to Sv Nikola chapel. For comeback you can use the same trail. For more details check above interactive Map and below Gallery & Notes of the route.

Elevation profile of MTB route:

Elevation profile of MTB route from Gruda to Snježnica summit

Notes & references:

Due to many unlabeled junctions the GPS unit with the uploaded route is a must for fast and safe navigation. Do not be confused with the labeled hiking path from Kuna Konavoska village to Snježnica peak. This labeled hiking path is not suitable to hike&ride with the bike. The reported trail is more easy for MTB!

Best time for ride: spring and fall.

Gallery of mountain biking route: