Malý Rozsutec: route, views and linking it with Jánošíkove diery

Malý Rozsutec is the smaller of the two rocky brothers above Terchová, and the craggy ridges of this massif are visible even from the garden at Chata Ranto. More routes lead to the summit than you might expect, and each suits a different kind of day. Here is an overview, including the ones not covered in Malý Rozsutec in autumn.

From Biely Potok on the green waymarks

The most direct route starts by Hotel Diery in Biely Potok. The green waymarks lead through forest to a small ridge with a view of Malý Rozsutec, through the hamlet of Podrozsutec, up steep forest, across a stream and through beech woods to the dwarf pine zone, where the chains begin. A hiking portal gives 9 km, 790 m of ascent and 5 hours for going up and back the same way.

From Zázrivá, the route with the fewest people

The municipality also recommends the climb from the north. From the Malá Petrová part of the village it is about half an hour on red to Príslop nad Bielou at 850 m, then on red to the Zákres saddle at 1,225 m and from there on green to the summit. You can also come back via Podrozsutec at 780 m. The whole route takes about 4 hours, with 788 m of ascent and 8.4 to 11 km there and back. According to the municipality you will meet very few hikers, and there are views of Osnica, Stoh and Veľký Rozsutec on the way.

The traverse from Štefanová to Biely Potok

The classic: from Štefanová via Vrchpodžiar and Horné diery to the Medzirozsutce saddle, up to the summit and down via Podrozsutec to Biely Potok. About 9 km and 4 hours; two cars make the logistics easy. It is described in detail in Malý Rozsutec in autumn.

A detour from Horné diery

If you are walking the big loop of Jánošíkove diery, you climb through Horné diery to the Medzirozsutce saddle. From there Malý Rozsutec is 30 to 40 minutes away; then return to the saddle and follow the green waymarks to Podžiar, avoiding the one-way Horné diery. More in Horné diery.

Chains below the summit

Near the top the path runs beneath rock overhangs, and chain handholds protect you on the way up. The municipality rates the route as moderate to demanding. Go for the chains in dry weather, with gloves and your poles strapped to your backpack.

Views

From the small ridge above Biely Potok you first catch sight of Malý Rozsutec itself. On the route from Zázrivá you have Osnica, Stoh and Veľký Rozsutec ahead of you, and from the summit the Medzirozsutce saddle and neighbouring Veľký Rozsutec feel within reach; there is a separate article on Veľký Rozsutec.

Is Malý Rozsutec open in spring?

Yes. The national park's spring closure from 1 March to 15 June applies to the red route via Medziholie, Veľký Rozsutec and Medzirozsutce. The green route from the Medzirozsutce saddle to Malý Rozsutec is not part of it, but during that period do not continue from the saddle towards Veľký Rozsutec.

From the cottage

Biely Potok is 4.8 km from Chata Ranto, ten minutes by car, and Zázrivá 13.5 km. The car park at Hotel Diery is paid; more in Jánošíkove diery: where to park.