Velinac - Bačić kuk - Budakovo brdo (10/2022)

Physical difficulty: 3/5
Technical difficulty: 2/5 (Velinac & Budakovo Brdo); 3.5/5 (Bačić kuk)

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Note #1: The GPS bugged out and went wild near Velinac peak. It jumped around and added about 0.7 km to the overall trail length.

Note #2: Plan a whole day for this trail. Chances are that you'll be spending much time on the peaks, because they're beautiful. It would be prudent to bring headlights.

This trail starts at the point where the famous Premužić's Trail crosses "Dabarska cesta", a gravel road which goes through the Central Velebit range. See waypoint #1 for more detail. From the starting spot, you can choose to visit any of the 3 peaks in any order.

Velinac is probably the easiest, physically and technically. Bačić kuk is the hardest, in both respects. Budakovo brdo is near Bačić kuk, and arguably offers the best and most complete view, towards the sea on one side, and the inner part of Velebit on the other.

From the parking lot, the path to Velinac is fairly easy, without steep ascents and descents.

(1) Velinac. The lowest of the peaks. Due to it's southern position in regards to the other 2 peaks, it gives the best view of the coastline beneath Velebit, the Adriatic sea, and Pag island.

You need to take the same way back, all the way to the parking spot, continue on Premužić's Trail (the hiking trail goes parallel to the gravel right, on the right). You're going to slowly climb to Intersection #4, which is the crossroads towards Budakovo brdo or Bačić kuk.

You will first need to ascend a bit more, then descend sharply, then ascend again and you will finally arrive at the base of Bačić kuk. Since the actual peak is technically demanding to climb, the official peak stamp is located at the base, so less experienced hikers do not need to get to the very peak if they don't want to.

(2) Bačić kuk. Bačić kuk is a rocky peak. The highest and the northernmost in the sharp range of peaks called Dabarski kukovi. The peak area itself is very narrow, and the climb to Bačić kuk is demanding. It's secured with steel cables, but there are a few spots where you must traverse a few meters untethered to anything. It's not impossible, but you must be very careful - a slip-up could result in a grave injury, or worse.

From Bačić kuk you must backtrack to Intersection #4. Budakovo brdo is going to be that hilltop all the way up in the distance :) You will be tired by now so the climb will be slow, but at least it's technically extremely easy. The view is beautiful throughout the ascend.

(3) Budakovo brdo. This is a picturesque mountain ridge in the center of central Velebit. The hilltop is completely covered in grass. If you manage to time it so that you arrive here at sunset - congrats! Take some time to rest, eat a sandwich, and enjoy it!

Now, you must descend back to parking lot. If you've seen the sunset at Budakovo brdo, be sure that night WILL fall before you reach the parking lot. Bring a headlight.