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Babia Góra 1725 m n.p.m.- The highest peak of [Beskid Żywiecki]

Here you will find practical information: Where to park your car? How long does it take to hike to Babia Góra? What is the shortest route to Babia Góra? Where is the Polish Crown of Mountains stamp located? Which trail should you choose for Babia Góra? You'll find answers to these and other questions below.

Babia Góra, also known as Diablak, is a true gem of the Beskid Żywiecki range. Its summit, standing at 1,725 meters above sea level, is not only the highest peak of this mountain range but also the second-highest point among the peaks of the Polish Crown of Mountains. However, Babia Góra is not just about spectacular views – it's also known for its unpredictable and capricious weather. Often referred to as the "Mother of Bad Weather," it's said that in just one day, you can experience all four seasons here. Therefore, it's worth preparing for every possible scenario, as this mountain loves to surprise!

We visited the highest peak of Beskid Żywiecki twice, and in this article, we'll describe two trails. The first time we hiked from Krowiarki Pass, and the second time from Zawoja Markowa – both times via the Perć Akademików trail, which is closed in winter for safety reasons. None of the trails we chose to Babia Góra are recommended for families with small children, mainly because of the challenging Perć Akademików section. This route, with its chains and metal rungs, can be a challenge even for adults, let alone beginner hikers. It’s a better option to consider for those traveling with teenagers who already have some hiking experience. However, if you’re planning to hike with a younger child, a much safer choice would be the red trail from Krowiarki Pass. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that Babia Góra is no easy feat, and even the easier trail can be quite exhausting. Many children we passed along the way were struggling with the hike’s difficulty (here's a suggested route).

Table of Contents:

1. Practical Information

2. Parking on the Zawoja Markowa Side

3. Trail from Zawoja Markowa via Perć Akademików

4. Parking at Krowiarki Pass

5. Trail from Krowiarki Pass

6. Shortest Trail (recommended for families with children)
    

Babia Góra – Practical Information:
 

- Paid parking (card payment available)

- Stamp locations (including Zawoja Markowa and Krowiarki Pass at the entrance to Babia Góra National Park, PTTK Markowe Szczawiny)

- Paid entry to Babia Góra National Park (price list)

- Babia Góra with children (better to choose this trail: link)

- Perć Akademików trail open from May 1st to October 30th (chains and metal rungs along the route)

Babia Góra – Trail Chosen by Us:

Zawoja Markowa - Odejście od ścieżki edukacyjnej - Kolista Polana - Skręt Ratowników - Babia Góra - Przełęcz Brona - Schronisko PTTK Markowe Szczawicy - Odejście od ścieżki edukacyjnej - Zawoja Markowa
 

Distance: 12.2 km

Hiking Time: 5 hours 20 minutes

Elevation Gain: 835 meters

Babia Góra parking at Zawoi Markowej

We started our hike in Zawoja Markowa, right next to the final bus stop and the 🅿️ paid parking lot. A full day of parking cost us 15 PLN, which we easily paid by card at the parking meter (parking coordinates).

From the parking lot, you can already see the wooden booth where you need to buy an entry ticket to Babia Góra National Park. In August 2024, the prices were 4 PLN for children and 8 PLN for adults. For more information on current prices, check the park’s website here.

At the same location, you can also get a stamp for the Polish Crown of Mountains. If you forget, you’ll have another chance to do so at the PTTK Markowe Szczawiny Shelter.

Babia Góra trail from Zawoi Markowej

We begin our adventure right away on the 🟢 green trail, parking our car at the final bus stop in Zawoja Markowa. The trail leads directly to the PTTK Markowe Szczawiny Shelter and initially follows a calm, gravel road surrounded by dense trees, with the sound of a stream in the background. After walking about 800 meters, we encounter the first charming spot – a wooden bridge, perfect for a memorable photo. This is a place where it’s worth stopping for a moment to capture the tranquility and beauty of nature. ❤

After the bridge, the stairs begin – and not just metaphorically 😉. As the trail becomes steeper, the incline reaches up to 30%. However, this is just a preview of what awaits us later. Since we are climbing Babia Góra for the second time, we know that every step and every effort will be rewarded – not only with stunning views but also with a delicious meal at the shelter.

After walking about 3.3 km, we reach the PTTK Markowe Szczawiny Shelter. The looks say it all – it’s time for a well-deserved break! This is the perfect place to rest, though we won’t tempt you with a photo of the apple pie with ice cream, so we don’t make you crave it 😉. This section takes us over two hours, but it was worth it.
 

After a longer break, we switch to the 🟡 yellow trail, known as Górny Płaj, and turn left at a 90-degree angle, heading toward Perć Akademików. At first, the trail is fairly flat, but this "idyllic" stretch doesn’t last long. After about 15 minutes, we arrive at a place called Skręt Ratowników, where we turn right. The name is not random – this is the route that the GOPR (Mountain Volunteer Search and Rescue) most frequently takes to reach tourists in need. Ahead of us is the most challenging section – Perć Akademików. Although it is physically and technically demanding, we know that the views from the summit will reward every effort!

As we gain altitude, the surrounding forest gradually gives way to expansive, open spaces. The views become increasingly spectacular – we can see the mountains stretching out in all their glory. Along the trail, we encounter streams several times, which can pose a challenge after rain, requiring our careful attention.

Babia Góra Perć Akademików
 

Here, we switch to the 🟡 yellow trail and approach the most technical segment of our journey – this is where the chains begin. Although the trail leads “over the abyss,” the path is wide enough that we can feel relatively safe, though it's important to watch every step. The chains also help us navigate the steep sections, and the biggest challenge on this route is Czarny Dziób, which is about 8 meters high. This is where the rungs and chains come to our aid, assisting us in climbing up. At this stage, our fingerless climbing gloves we bought from 8a were incredibly helpful, providing a secure grip.
 

After conquering this difficult section, there are only 500 meters left to the summit. We walk along a rocky path, and unforgettable views unfold behind us, stopping us every few steps to take a photo. 📸

At the summit of Babia Góra, we take a break, enjoying the picturesque landscape that stretches out in every direction. This time, we decide to descend via the 🔴 red trail toward Brona Pass. As we make our way down, we can't resist taking a commemorative photo to capture the moment.

We still have 2 km to reach Brona Pass, during which we'll descend about 320 meters. At the pass, there are benches where we can comfortably sit and catch our breath. If we were to turn left, we could head toward Mała Babia Góra; however, we choose the route to the right, toward the shelter, which is about 1 km away. The descent mostly leads over rocky terrain, so it’s a good idea to relieve your knees by using trekking poles – just remember to adjust them properly. 😊

 Babia Góra – Parking at Krowiarki Pass:

It’s best to park your car in the 🅿️ paid parking lot (parking coordinates). It’s a good idea to arrive early in the morning, as spots fill up quickly. From the parking lot, there’s a short walk toward the wooden booth, where you’ll find the ticket office and a souvenir shop. This is where you need to buy your entry tickets to Babia Góra National Park. In August 2024, the ticket prices were 4 PLN for children and 8 PLN for adults (August 2024) – you can find current prices here. Here, you can also get a stamp for the Polish Crown of Mountains, and if you forget, there will be another opportunity to do so on the way back.

Babia Góra trail from the Pass Krowiarki

After purchasing our tickets, we head toward the mountain signpost located just behind the booth. We begin our hike at an elevation of about 1,013 meters above sea level. Although the 🔴 red trail, the easiest and most popular one, offers beautiful views, we’re saving it for our return. For now, we choose the 🔵 blue trail, which leads toward the PTTK Markowe Szczawiny Shelter. This route runs along the slopes of Babia Góra, through Górny Płaj, offering a different, more tranquil landscape.
 

The 🔵 blue trail follows a calm, very easy, and pleasant path among the trees, which provide plenty of shade for most of the way. We cover the first 2 km very quickly and enjoyably without much effort. The second part of the trail has slightly steeper inclines of up to 20%, but it doesn’t require a significant effort. The entire route to Skręt Ratowników is 5.5 km and takes about 2 hours, with an elevation gain of around 200 meters. Up to this point, you could say it has been quite easy. Here at Skręt Ratowników, we turn left, heading toward Perć Akademików.

Babia Góra Perć Akademików

Here, we switch to the 🟡 yellow trail, and the most technical part of our hike begins – we start with the chains, where we walk “over the abyss.” The path is fairly wide, but we need to be careful and watch our steps. The chains on the trail also help us climb the steep sections, and the most challenging spot is Czarny Dziób, which is about 8 meters high. On this section, we find rungs and chains that assist us in climbing up. Throughout the entire route with the chains, our fingerless climbing gloves, purchased at 8a, provided us with a stable grip on the chains and rungs.
 

After navigating this part, there are about 500 meters left to the summit, along a rocky path, where stunning views unfold behind us.

At the summit, we recharge our energy, eat, and admire the stunning views. Before heading back, we checked the weather forecast and know that the beautiful sunny weather is about to change (the name “Mother of Bad Weather” is no joke ;)), so we don’t have much time to rest. We decided to descend via the most popular trail; from Perć Akademików, we turn left onto the red trail – and a beautiful view unfolds before us.

The distance from the summit of Babia Góra to Krowiarki Pass is 4.6 km, and the descent takes us about 1.5 hours. We follow the 🔴 red trail the entire time, passing only one possible fork leading to Perć Przyrodników, which we’re skipping this time as a storm is approaching ominously. The trail mainly consists of rocky terrain, and along the way, we pass Mały Garb Wyżni and Niżni. One of the most spectacular points on this route is Sokolica, which – although less famous than its namesake in the Pieniny Mountains – offers picturesque views. Sokolica in the Babia Góra massif rises to an elevation of 1,367 meters above sea level and is an ideal spot for a short break, weather permitting.

Najkrótszy szlak, a także najłatwiejszy szlak na Babią Górę

Babia Góra trail:

Przełęcz Krowiarki - Sokolica - Babia Góra - Sokolica - Przełęcz Krowiarki

Trail Length: 9.3 km
Walking Time: 3:38 h
Elevation Gain: 724 meters

On the way back, it might be worth taking a little city break in Kraków and then visiting Ojców National Park. Alternatively, you could stay in the mountainous vibe and head to other peaks of the Polish Crown of Mountains, such as Radziejowa in the Beskid Sądecki or Wysoka in the Pieniny Mountains.