Gorely volcano, Kamchatka: climb and impressions Sep 2017
During our expedition to Kamchatka in Sep 2017, Gorely was one of the first volcanoes we visited. Thanks to the fact that it is a shield volcano, the climb to its summit is relatively easy, not very steep, but about 10 km to walk (2-3 hours). Views on the landscape along the way and into its various craters are stunning.
Starting the trail to Gorely volcano (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(277 Hits)
(277 Hits)
View back to Vilyuchik volcano and the road leading to Gorely (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(396 Hits)
(396 Hits)
The landscape changes slowly as the trail passes vast aa lava flow fields (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(241 Hits)
(241 Hits)
As one climbs, the views to the north towards Vilyuchik volcano become wider. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(247 Hits)
(247 Hits)
The trail continues through lava fields, and is only moderately steep. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(216 Hits)
(216 Hits)
Vegetation becomes more and more sparse as we gain altitude and the ground is made of young lavas. (... [info]
(209 Hits)
(209 Hits)
After an hour or so, the summit complex is in front of us. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(211 Hits)
(211 Hits)
Sascha and Alina, our lovely driver/cook couple who care about our well-being during the expedition,... [info]
(223 Hits)
(223 Hits)
View towards neighboring Mutnovsky volcano, our destination for the coming day. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer... [info]
(199 Hits)
(199 Hits)
The views become better and better: Vilyuchik volcano and Koryaksky and Avachinsky volcanoes in the ... [info]
(272 Hits)
(272 Hits)
View over Gorely's SE summit crater towards the SE, where the summit of neighboring Mutnovsky volcan... [info]
(1009 Hits)
(1009 Hits)
The crater lake of the central summit crater of Gorely is partially frozen. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(1094 Hits)
(1094 Hits)
Steam from active fumarole vents inside the northwestern crater. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(213 Hits)
(213 Hits)
Ice covering parts of the central crater lake. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(290 Hits)
(290 Hits)
Some of the group is way ahead on the rim of the NW crater. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(221 Hits)
(221 Hits)
Another view of the central crater, which seems very calm and cold. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(232 Hits)
(232 Hits)
Patches of snow and ice on the inner crater walls. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(198 Hits)
(198 Hits)
View back along the crater rim. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(187 Hits)
(187 Hits)
View across the central crater of Gorely towards Mutnovsky in the background. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(188 Hits)
(188 Hits)
The crater walls made of layers of scorias from lava fountains and lava flows. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(177 Hits)
(177 Hits)
Mist hovers over the NW crater with its turquoise lake. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(180 Hits)
(180 Hits)
Group on the crater rim. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(162 Hits)
(162 Hits)
The NW crater of Gorely, site of the most recent episode of unrest at the volcano during 2013-14 whe... [info]
(1028 Hits)
(1028 Hits)
Closer view of the crater lake with sulfur deposits at its shore. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(191 Hits)
(191 Hits)
A very active field of fumaroles is located near the eastern shore of the lake. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer... [info]
(181 Hits)
(181 Hits)
A group has arrived from Petropavlovsk by helicopter. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(164 Hits)
(164 Hits)
Wider view of the NW crater of Gorely. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(812 Hits)
(812 Hits)
Weather clears and the evening sunlight warms us on the crater rim. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(153 Hits)
(153 Hits)
View towards Mutnovsky with its strong fumaroles. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(305 Hits)
(305 Hits)
Evening light shining on the reddish lava layers of the inner crater walls. It is time to descend! (... [info]
(145 Hits)
(145 Hits)
Cinder cone on the eastern flank of Gorely. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(149 Hits)
(149 Hits)
Last sunlight falls on the top of Vilyuchik. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(178 Hits)
(178 Hits)
Moonrise over the mountain peaks of the southern plateau. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(159 Hits)
(159 Hits)
The flat shield volcano of Gorely seem from Mutnovsky. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(156 Hits)
(156 Hits)
Breaking down camp in the caldera of Gorely. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(148 Hits)
(148 Hits)
A large lava cave at the base of Gorely (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(159 Hits)
(159 Hits)
Entering the lava cave, which once contained a mighty lava flow. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(341 Hits)
(341 Hits)
A small glacier occupies parts of the 20 m wide tube. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(662 Hits)
(662 Hits)
A ladder is conveniently placed to descend from the tube's glacier into its deeper parts. (Photo: To... [info]
(608 Hits)
(608 Hits)
Small lava stalactites from molten glassy material cover the walls of the cave. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer... [info]
(164 Hits)
(164 Hits)
