Zigalga National Park, National park in Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russia
Zigalga National Park sits on the Zigalga Ridge of the Southern Ural Mountains and spreads across a large area of forests, alpine meadows, and mountain tundra. The park includes 17 mountains, with Mount Poperechnaya being the highest peak in the territory.
The park was established in 2019 to protect the natural ecosystems of the Southern Urals, a region that connects Europe and Siberia. Its creation was part of a broader effort to preserve this transition landscape and its wilderness character.
The territory holds plant species that have survived since the Ice Age, adapted to different elevation zones throughout the landscape. Visitors can experience this natural diversity firsthand, from dense forests at lower altitudes to mountain tundra near the peaks.
Visitors should bring sturdy footwear and weather-resistant clothing, as mountain conditions can change quickly. Detailed hiking maps and 3D models are available to help navigate the various trails and peaks throughout the park.
The park bridges two major protected areas along the Southern Urals main ridge, creating an important conservation corridor. This connection allows wildlife to move between reserves and strengthens the protection of the entire mountain ecosystem.
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