Malý Kriváň (1,671 m a.s.l.) is the second-highest peak in the Malá Fatra range — a bold, rocky summit that rewards every hiker with a sweeping 360-degree panorama. If you visit just one peak in this part of Slovakia, make it this one.

The rocky top is free of tall vegetation, meaning nothing blocks the views in any direction. To the northeast you can spot the main ridge of the Krivánska Fatra with Veľký Kriváň, to the southwest the Martinské hole hills dominate, and on a clear day the Western and Low Tatras, Veľká Fatra, and the Kremnica Hills all appear on the horizon. The Žilina and Turčianska basins look like a relief map far below. The summit itself is dotted with limestone outcrops and rare calcicolous alpine vegetation, giving it a distinctive character. The northern slopes are protected as the Prípor National Nature Reserve, part of the Malá Fatra National Park. Whether you come in summer for the wildflowers or in autumn for the colours, the mountain never disappoints.

• From Nezbudská Lúčka — red trail along the main ridge via Stratenec (1,509 m), moderate difficulty
• From Snilovské sedlo via the Bublen saddle — red trail, moderate difficulty
• From Sučany via Ostredok — blue trail, moderate difficulty
• From Krasňany via the Priehyb saddle — blue trail, moderate difficulty
• From Varín via Javorina junction (green trail), then red ridge trail, moderate difficulty

• On the summit you will find a tall stone pillar and several stone 'nests' — natural windbreaks suitable for bivouacking.
• The international long-distance hiking route E3 passes directly over the summit.
• The peak sits on the boundary of Žilina and Martin districts within Malá Fatra National Park.

A GNSS survey carried out in 2017 corrected the summit elevation to 1,667.88 m — slightly lower than the previously quoted figure. The stone pillar on top is a well-known local landmark and a popular photo spot for hikers passing through on the E3 route.