Červený žľab, or the Red Gully, is one of the most dramatic features of the Bastions Ridge in the Slovak Tatras - a long, deeply cut gully that draws only experienced mountaineers seeking a genuine challenge. This is not a place for casual hikers, but for those who appreciate the raw, wild side of the mountains.

The gully drops from the Saddle above Červený žľab (approx. 2315 m above sea level) down to the Mengusovská Valley, with a vertical drop of over 500 meters. Its name comes from the distinctive reddish rocks that give the place its striking, rugged character. The terrain is extremely steep, and crossing its fourteen rock steps demands both physical fitness and climbing experience - the crumbling rock and risk of falling stones make this a genuinely dangerous route, especially after rain or in winter conditions.

How to get there

• Mengusovská Valley - the approach requires good fitness and alpine experience, climbing route takes about 3 hours, difficulty demanding (grade IV on the Tatra scale)

Practical information

• Climbing route rated IV on the Tatra scale, approximate duration 3 hours
• Exposed to falling rocks and crumbling terrain - experience and proper equipment required
• Not a hiking trail - accessible to climbers only

The first recorded ascent of the gully took place in September 1912, when Wanda Jerominówna, Mariusz Zaruski, and Aleksander Znamięcki nearly lost their lives crossing its ice-covered steps using the once-popular human ladder technique. Zaruski later described the harrowing ordeal in his story 'A Fight to the Death'.