At 2334 m above sea level, Malý Kriváň is a summit that punches well above its weight. Technically a secondary peak on the southern ridge of the mighty Kriváň, it rewards hikers with a view that few spots in the area can match — and one entirely unique feature you simply cannot get anywhere else on the trail.

The peak sits along Pavlov Ridge and is separated from the main Kriváň summit by the triple-saddle Kriváň Pass (Daxnerovo sedlo). The ridge is open and wind-exposed, offering sweeping views across the surrounding valleys in summer and a blaze of golden dwarf pine colours in autumn. This is the only point on the entire trail from which you can see the full outline of Zelený pleso Važecký (the Green Važec Lake) — a view that makes the effort entirely worthwhile. A small spur drops eastward toward Veľký žľab, while the western flanks fall away in steep cliffs into the Važec Valley, which is closed to tourists.

• Jamské pleso (Jam terrace, Važec Valley) — blue trail, via Pavlov Ridge and Kriváň Pass toward Kriváň; approximately 3 h 45 min up, 2 h 50 min down; difficulty: moderate to demanding

• Malý Kriváň lies along the blue trail to Kriváň — there is no separate marked route to this peak itself; you pass over it on the way.
• The Važec Valley below the western cliffs is closed to tourists — leaving the trail in that direction is not permitted.

The routes across Malý Kriváň were well known long before modern hiking — they were used by miners working the gold and antimonite mines on Kriváň's slopes, known as the Kriváň Mines. Today's hikers follow the same paths, with considerably more enjoyable intentions.