Love Valley hike in Cappadocia starting from Uchisar

Last Updated on October 25, 2024 by Ellen

Armchair travelers can enjoy special scenery from Turkiye with the fantastic photos on this post. Real-time travelers can get current and accurate info on the Love Valley hike in Cappadocia starting from Uchisar.

Most tourists get dropped off by car at the north entrance of the Love Valley trail a few miles from Goreme, pictured below. From there, it’s an easy walk to the phallic rock formations.

But I went the other way – starting from Uchisar and ending in Goreme — with no rides involved.

Note: some apps like AllTrails mark this hike as moderate, but there weren’t too many tricky spots if you stay on the main trail.

Love Valley hike in Cappadocia starting from Uchisar

Start at the ‘Uchisar’ sign on the main road. Walk down from the castle area if you’re staying in Uchisar, or take the bus from Goreme to the sign.

Across the roadway from the sign is Ozler Center Artisanal – a jewelry shop. Walk passed the store down the dirt road to the left of the Ozler building. Soon you’ll see a sign pointing the way to turn right.

A stone marker on the left side of the ‘road’ indicates the start of the actual trail. The marker is in Turkish. It says “Baglidere Vadisi” meaning Baglidere Valley. Love Valley – with the phallic rock formations pictured below – is only one part of this trail.

Baglidere Valley trail leading to Love Valley from Uchisar

The first part of the Baglidere trail leading to Love Valley from Uchisar goes down rock faces. At first glance, it might make the beginner hiker gasp. But if you go slow it’s doable. The trail is pretty clear.

Eventually you’ll get closer to the lower valley where the trail is mostly easier. Know that the main trail is not marked. Side trails can lead you to tricky spots.

After a either an hour or 90 minutes or two hours, depending on how fast you go and how much you veer off the trail, you’ll arrive at the phallic formations.

The end of the Love Valley hike

Once you reach the towers, you can either keep going along a river wash (the Baglidere River) or exit the park area to the main road back to Goreme. (That was pictured above.)

It’s about 30 minutes to the center of town on the main road on nice sidewalks.

Love Valley hike in Cappadocia is easy

I am not a great hiker. In fact, spouse Theo often makes fun of me for my lack of hiking ability.

This trail is rated as easy, but there were a few tricky spots for me on my solo Love Valley hike. As I said – stick to the obvious trails and if you do wander off the main route, just double back if you have to – instead of trying a harder route.

I saw only a couple of hikers who appeared my age or older and they had walking poles and hiking boots. I had no poles, balding sneakers, and I’m 52 years old – in OK-ish shape.

Younger tourists combine the Love Valley hike with the Pigeon Valley hike. I chose to do these over two afternoons so I could take my time and enjoy nature.

Life is Now.

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