Overview and Is It Worth Visiting
Kamennomostsky Canyon (it has other names too — Kuban Gorge, as well as Devil's Wells) is located on the outskirts of the city of Karachaevsk, right at the road bridge over the Kuban River. This is a narrow rock canyon where the raging river flows through a cleft just a few meters wide. The place is interesting from a geological perspective — you can clearly see how water carved its way through the rock formations, and it's located quite close to the source of the Kuban (about 60 kilometers from the official source if you follow the main channel).
Probably, it's not worth traveling here from afar specifically — it's not a grand attraction, but rather a small viewpoint along the way. But if you're heading to Dombay, Uchkulan, or Khurzuk, you can easily make a 10–15 minute stop here to stretch your legs, take a couple of photos, and see how the Kuban gathers strength at the very beginning of its journey.
What's also convenient is that right at the bridge, with a view of the canyon, there's a cafe called "Tashkoyur". You can not only admire the gorge but also grab a bite, have tea or coffee while watching the churning water below. For those traveling through, this is an excellent option to combine a photo session with a meal. The viewpoint itself is right by the bridge, and from it you can clearly see the river noisily forcing its way through the narrow gorge.
Below, we'll tell you how to get here, where to leave your car, and what else you should know before visiting.
🕐 Opening Hours
24/7. But it's better to come during daylight hours to properly see the canyon and take photos.
💵 Entry Fee / Ticket Price
Free. The viewpoint is freely accessible, and there's no charge for anything.
🚶 How to Get There
Kamennomostsky Canyon is located on the outskirts of Karachaevsk, right at the road bridge over the Kuban River (canyon on the map). You can get there by your own car, by minibus, or even on foot from the center of Karachaevsk.
If you're driving, head towards the village of Khurzuk on the A-155 highway. The bridge and canyon are right on the highway; you don't need to turn off anywhere — you can stop on the side of the road or on a small parking area near the Tashkoyur Cafe. Parking space is usually sufficient, but it can get crowded on weekends.
For those without a car: minibuses heading to Khurzuk run from the center of Karachaevsk to the canyon (it's best to check the schedule at the bus station). You should get off right after the bridge. You can also walk from the city center — it will take about 30–40 minutes, a distance of about 2.5–3 kilometers.
Right next to the canyon, there's the Tashkoyur Cafe — an excellent place to grab a bite with a view of the river. The windows and summer terrace offer a great view of the gorge. You can also just stand by the bridge railing and watch the water churn below — that's enough to appreciate the spot.