Žuti kuk and Kiza

From the large parking area by the restaurant in Baške Oštarije (920 m), follow the new narrow uphill asphalt road. At the first bend, you can turn right onto a footpath that rejoins the road after about half a kilometer.

With a gentle climb, the route leads to the isolated settlement of Stupačinovo (1,000 m), where you can fill up right at the start from the Vrilo Petrovac spring. Continue along the marked gravel road, from which both summits — Žuti kuk and Kiza — are already visible on your right. At the junction by the large hiking shelter, turn right.

After about 400 meters, the track heads onto pastureland on the right and climbs gently into low woodland, where more and more limestone rocks begin to appear. From here, pay close attention to the trail markers — in places they are a bit confusing and may lead you onto an easier path that only traverses below Žuti kuk instead of going to the top.

The easy climb ends at a junction below the summit of Žuti kuk.

Žuti kuk

From the junction, the trail climbs steeply among the rocks, with iron rungs and occasional cables helping you through the more difficult sections. A short spur leads to the rocky summit of Žuti kuk (1,197 m), so you need to watch the markings carefully so you do not miss it.

The descent from the summit is a little less steep than the ascent and is followed by a short, easier path across grassy terrain lined with stunted trees.

Kiza

Next comes a steep climb to the grassy area on Kiza. The actual summit of Kiza (1,274 m) is reached by a poorly marked, slightly more demanding rocky route. Its starting point is marked by a few iron rungs beside the signpost. From there, the route climbs up from the left — follow the faint remnants of trail markings and look for spots where the rock is slightly scuffed by boots, and you should find the right way.

The views from the summit of Kiza over the sea, the pastures above Baške Oštarije, and the sharp limestone cliffs stretching along the ridge of Velebit are well worth the slightly adventurous ascent.

The descent from Kiza follows a comfortable path winding through the forest down to the gravel road leading back to the settlement of Stupačinovo, from where you descend to the parking area.

Useful info