A Hike Past the "Devil's Ass" Rock and the U Jakuba Lookout Tower

A Trip to the "Devil's Ass" Rock Formation in Czech Canada

Starting point

The "U Jakuba" parking lot near the village of Valtínov. Parking costs 50 Kč per day.
 

Description of the hike

Since we arrived at the parking lot fairly early and the observation tower was still closed, we first set out for the summit of Skalka. From the parking lot, we set off along a wide dirt road. After about 500 meters, we left that road and walked through the forest to another dirt road, along which the nature trail runs. After a while, the trail led us to the rock formations known as Filipovy kameny. We continued along the forest path toward Skalka. In the fields of Za Humny, we took a short break and enjoyed the views of the surrounding area. Then we continued along the trail toward Skalka. The path first descended slightly, but then the actual ascent to the summit of Skalka began. The final stretch is a bit steeper. The summit itself consists of a rock outcrop, from which there are limited views of the surrounding area.

After resting, we first headed back along the same path. At the meadow, we left the nature trail and continued along a wide forest path toward Ďáblová prdel. We rejoined the nature trail there. While we’d been essentially alone in nature up to that point, the crowds started to get crazy here. There were tons of tourists everywhere, which wasn’t exactly pleasant. Following the wide path, we descended to a series of ponds, from which the ascent to Ďáblová prdel began. A forest trail leads to the rock formation itself, and in some places the climb is steeper again. Ďáblová prdel was really packed with tourists. So we took the obligatory photo and started heading back toward the lookout tower.

Once again, we followed the nature trail, which winds past beautiful peat bogs. Finally, we climbed Havlova hora, where the U Jakuba observation tower and a forest park full of attractions are located. The observation tower offers a beautiful view of the landscape of Czech Canada. From there, we returned to the car along a wide path.
 

Difficulty

A simple hike with a few interesting stops along the way. The entire route follows trails or wide paths. There’s a gentle climb up to the “Devil’s Ass” rock formation itself. Ideal for families with children or as a hike with your dog.
 

Water availability

Refreshments are available at the U Jakuba observation tower. We didn't find any water anywhere else, so you'll need to bring some with you.
 

Mountain peaks

There are two peaks along the route—Skalka and Havlova hora. Thanks to the U Jakuba observation tower, there is a beautiful view of the surrounding area from Havlova hora.
 

Danger

The route is safe; it mostly follows wide trails. The steepest climb is to Ďáblova prdeli, but even there are no technically challenging sections.
 

Food

Refreshments are available at the U Jakuba observation tower on Havel Mountain.
 

Attractions

The U Jakuba Observation Tower was built in 2013. In 2016, a recreational forest park was created in the surrounding area. The observation tower is 40.7 meters tall, and there are 180 steps leading to the top. Admission is 70 Kč for adults and 30 Kč for children, and it is open every day of the week.