Loop trail Latmos mountains at Bağarcık

An adventurous walk through an amazing landscape dominated by rock formations and giant boulders with in between many majestic umbrella pines. Perhaps the beauty of the landscape inspired people in ancient times to build a temple dedicated to Zeus here.
The landscape is further typified by the many streams and small rivers of which we sometimes even follow the bed. As a result, the route is less suitable at times of abundant rainfall.
Although we walk through a rather inhospitable landscape, there are no precipices along our way. So the trail is never exposed.
Some experience with navigation is required. The route is not signposted everywhere and on at some short stretches it is not easy to find our way.

About hiking in the Latmos Mountains.
Embark on a captivating journey into the heart of Turkey's natural splendor with an exhilarating excursion to the Latmos Mountains. Nestled in the southwestern part of the country, the Latmos Mountains, also known as the Besparmak Range, offer an enchanting escape for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.

As you traverse the rugged terrain, you'll be greeted by a panorama of awe-inspiring landscapes that seamlessly blend the timeless beauty of rolling hills, craggy peaks, and verdant valleys. The Latmos Mountains boast a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, with pine and oak forests providing a lush backdrop to the rugged rock formations. This diverse ecosystem creates a haven for a myriad of plant and animal species, making it a paradise for those with a keen interest in biodiversity.

History echoes through the mountainous expanse, as the Latmos Mountains were once home to ancient civilizations. Archaeological sites dot the landscape, revealing the remnants of past civilizations and adding a layer of historical intrigue to your expedition. The rock faces are adorned with ancient inscriptions and petroglyphs, providing a glimpse into the lives of those who once called this rugged terrain home.

Adventure enthusiasts will find ample opportunities for outdoor pursuits, from challenging hikes to serene walks through meandering trails. The Latmos Mountains are also a haven for rock climbers, with craggy cliffs and rocky outcrops offering a thrilling challenge against a backdrop of breathtaking vistas.

As the sun sets over the Latmos Mountains, casting a warm glow over the landscape, you'll be treated to a celestial spectacle. The clear night skies provide an ideal canvas for stargazing, allowing you to marvel at the celestial wonders above. Whether you're an avid astronomer or a casual observer, the mountainous isolation creates an unparalleled setting for connecting with the cosmos.

In essence, a journey to the Latmos Mountains promises an unforgettable fusion of nature, history, and adventure. It's a place where the echoes of the past harmonize with the rhythm of the present, inviting you to explore, discover, and connect with the mesmerizing allure of Turkey's Latmos Mountains.

About this trail.
The starting point of the route is at the mosque of Bağarcık where there is space to park a few cars. This picturesque village and the immediate surroundings are characterized by free-ranging cows (so watch out for cow dung).
We follow an easy road and soon pass a picnic table in a place with a beautiful view. The trail continues on an easy dirt road for a while and then turns into a narrower path, but it is still easy passable. It is also easy to find our way around along this stretch because there are frequent red-white markings to indicate the direction.
We pass a hut with some rudimentary furniture and then shortly afterwards we reach an archaeological peculiarity: the Temple of Zeus Akraios

Temple of Zeus Akraios
The Temple of Zeus Akraios and Thea Akre at Amyzon at the Rock (Bağarcık Kale)
Zeus Akraios is a small residential temple located on a hill covered with pine trees, west of Bağarcık. The temple has a square plan. There are shields and helmets on the columns at the entrance. It was understood from the inscriptions that Tekerlekdağ peak (Akraios), the peak of the Latmos Mountains, was dedicated to Zeus. An ancient Royal Road made of large stone slabs connects the temple to the Carian city of Herakleia Latmos on the shores of Lake Bafa, approximately 17 km away to the west.
Source: Peschlow-Bindokat, 1996
https://kulturenvanteri.com/tr/yer/zeus-akraios-tapinagi/#17.1/37.545807/27.621548

What is so special here, but that is actually everywhere in Turkey, is that there are no fences or educational signs around the place and that there is no graffiti, scratches or rubbish to be seen. It simply stands quietly and peacefully in the landscape as it has done for many centuries.

We continue our way and when we are about 3 km from the beginning the road becomes more challenging. We are now going up a pretty steep mountainside. On this path up it sometimes seems as if the road has been built, no doubt we are following the old road that ran from lake Bafa to the temple of Zeus.

When we have more or less reached the top, we turn left. At this point we leave the route with the markings and continue on a path that is more difficult to find. But if we pay close attention, we see that there is a clear trail that we will follow until we reach a stream bed. From here, our path follows this stream. We are now descending quite a bit. Because there are easily accessible stones, it is quite easy to do this descent. And so not long after we end up in an open valley, which serves as cattle pasture.
We walk through the valley while staying a bit on the left side and then arrive at a dirt road that we are going to follow.
The dirt road runs next to a stream and from here we generally walk quite easily. We pass a few water points and then arrive near the Latmos waterfall. We then continue along the Bagarcik creek over which we occasionally have nice vistas.
Following this creek, we easily return to our starting point.

Some additional information:
The route is designed in a counter clockwise direction.
Time spent: total = 6 hours 50 minutes of which moving = 2 hours 29 minutes
There is a picnic table after 0,5 kilometers
There is drinking water after 5,1 and 5,4 kilometers.
The track is moderate from a technical point of view. It is not always easy to find the route. An adequate orientation ability is therefore a requirement. It is recommended to wear sturdy shoes and long pants.
Presence of red-white signposts:
The first 3,8 kilometers.

If you think this is a nice track, please write a feedback. If you have had any problems, please comment and explain the solution you found. Remember that it takes less time to write a comment or review than it takes to create and post a track! But only in this way the information remains up-to-date.

Disclaimer.

I have personally performed and then downloaded the route described, along with the track and waypoints, based on my personal experience. However, it is important to note that these should be considered as general guides and not precise instructions. Trails may not always accurately represent the exact itinerary due to factors such as weak satellite reception during GPS recording, especially in areas with ravines, deep gorges, dense forests, and similar conditions. Furthermore, the situation of the hiking trails may change over time, meaning that the descriptions given no longer correspond to the current situation.

It is the sole responsibility of the individual undertaking these trails to take appropriate safety measures, which should be tailored to the specific difficulty level and be in accordance to the prevailing weather conditions. Additionally, it should be realized that one's technical and physical preparedness play a crucial role in ensuring a safe hiking experience.

I strongly recommend hiking with a companion when venturing into the mountains. Always inform a friend or family member of your itinerary and estimated time of return. Ensure that your phone has a sufficient battery charge, and carry an adequate supply of water, food, and appropriate shelter for the season and the chosen route.

Please commit to leaving the natural environment as pristine as you found it, or even better. This way, we can all continue to enjoy the beauty of these trails, leaving behind only the traces of our footsteps.