Dry Lake
Welcome to one of those places you don't often encounter – Dry Lake. The name sounds almost like a joke, doesn't it? "A lake, but dry?" Exactly! This is a magical spot, hidden high in the Rila Mountains, which impresses not only with its natural beauty but also with a touch of mystery.
How to get there
Starting point: Kirilova Polyana (1470 m)
End point: Suhoto Ezero (Dry Lake) (2180 m)
Elevation gain: ~ 710 m
One-way distance: ~6 km One-way time: 2 – 2 h. 15 min.
Total time (round trip): 4 – 5 h, plus time for breaks and photos
Route
🏁 Starting Point: Kirilova Polyana (1470 m a.s.l.)
The route starts from Kirilova Polyana – an easily accessible place with parking and a fountain, located about 7 km from the Rila Monastery. You can reach it by car on a good asphalt road. The area is surrounded by majestic Rila peaks, and the air is crystal clear – an ideal start for a mountain adventure.
From Kirilova Polyana, you follow the red markings, which start on the left side of the meadow (if you are looking towards the mountain). This is the route to Ribni Ezera Hut, and Suho Ezero is along it, but significantly closer.
🌲 First Stage: Kirilova Polyana – Ribniya Vir Shelter (~1 h. 30 min.)
The trail enters a dense coniferous forest – cool and wonderfully quiet. You will only hear the birds' songs, the wind in the branches, and the whispers of the streams you cross.
After about 30 minutes, you will pass a small wooden bridge over a stream – a beautiful spot for a short break. The markings are clear, and there are no confusing forks in the path. The trail is almost flat with a slight incline, making for a pleasant walk, even for less experienced hikers.
After about 1 hour and 30 minutes, you will reach Ribniya Vir Shelter – a small building with tables around it, offering good shelter in bad weather. Nearby there is also a fountain with spring water – an excellent place to refill bottles and have a small snack.
🏞️ Second Stage: Ribniya Vir Shelter – Suho Ezero (~40 min.)
After resting, continue along the trail with the red markings. From here begins the most beautiful part of the route – the landscape opens up, the forest thins out, and in places, views of the surrounding Rila peaks are revealed.
You will pass through several steeper, but short sections, and the path winds along grassy slopes. Higher up, you will start to feel the change in the air – cooler, fresher, and... magical.
After about 30-40 minutes, you will notice a stony basin nestled in a steep cirque – this is Suho Ezero (2180 m a.s.l.).
What not to miss
The view from above – if you have the strength, climb a little above the lake. The panorama towards Rila and the surrounding area is stunning.
The morning mist – if you are an early riser and catch the morning mist over the lake, you will feel as if you have stepped into a scene from a fantasy film.
The small details – pay attention to the wild flowers, the moss on the stones, and the amazing silence around you.
Ribni Vir Shelter – a great place for a photo and a rest. There is also a spring nearby – fill your bottles!
Fun fact
According to local stories, the lake is "dry" because… a magical dragon from Rila drank it! They say that every evening it would descend from the rocks to quench its thirst, and so the lake gradually disappeared. Of course, this is just a legend – in reality, the lake is of the so-called karst type, where water drains underground through limestone fissures. But it sounds much more fun if we imagine a hungry mountain dragon, doesn't it?
📍 Don't forget: Dry Lake is part of Rila National Park. Take your trash back with you, keep quiet, and respect nature. If you liked it – tell your friends. And if you really liked it – come back again. The mountain always welcomes you!
