Zawalidroga

Zawalidroga is a small rock formation in the Izera Mountains, in the eastern part of the Wysoki Grzbiet, in the Western Sudetes. It owes its name to its position: it lies across the trail, so hikers have to walk around it.

Where exactly to look for the rock

Sources give two possible locations for the rock, depending on the map. According to one, it lies on the slope below Rozdroże pod Zwaliskiem, about 2.2 kilometres south-east of Rozdroże Izerskie, at an altitude of about 999 metres above sea level. The approach leads from Rozdroże pod Zwaliskiem about 150 metres along the blue trail southwards, then a further 50 metres along a road westwards. According to the second location, the rock lies a kilometre further east, towards Wysoki Kamień, directly on the mountain ridge, at an altitude of about 1020 metres, with its top reaching about 1025 metres above sea level. This second rock stands right by the red trail.

Structure of the rock

Zawalidroga is about seven metres tall and rises as a tor within the Karkonosze-Izera block, in the contact zone between the granitoid Karkonosze massif and the Izera metamorphic rocks. The upper part is built of hornfels, forming a compact, boulder-like block, and the lower part consists of an aplite vein interspersed with flakes of muscovite. Viewed from the west, the upper part of the rock resembles the silhouette of a human head.

Practical information

• Location: Izera Mountains, Szklarska Poręba municipality, between the elevations of Wysoki Kamień and Zwalisko
• Getting there: along the blue trail from Rozdroże pod Zwaliskiem or the red trail towards Wysoki Kamień
• Also nearby are Zwalisko and Izerskie Garby
• It is worth combining the route with the Zakręt Śmierci (Bend of Death) on the way to Szrenica