History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Mount Idris, with its peak of 1,992 meters, is one of the highest peaks within the Elmadağ range and Ankara provincial borders. It is rumored that it took its name from Idris Baba, one of the Khorasan saints who brought Islam and Sufi morality to the region. The mountain, which has been the plateau home of Yoruk and Turkmen tribes for centuries, has a rich folk culture described with its steep rocky slopes, erosion valleys from the ice ages and mysterious caves. Local people believe that the prayers made at the İdris Baba maqam located at the top of the mountain are accepted and that the cold waters boiling from the mountain heal the troubles. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
The altitude is 1,700 - 1,992 meters. It has a steep mountain structure of volcanic and karst origin. Its slopes are covered with dense oak and Scots pine forests, and at the summit there are rich alpine meadows and endemic rock flowers. It is covered with heavy snow cover during the winter months. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:It is a high mountain and nature area open to the public and entrance is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days:Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; Except for winter conditions, May-October is the safest period for hiking.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: High altitude mountain climbing gear (high-tops, windbreaker, compass/GPS) is a must. Care should be taken on steep rocky cliffs; The summit track is not suitable for strollers and disabled use.•Facilities and Facilities:Natural shepherd springs, camping plains and stone paths are available; There are no commercial facilities. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:İdris Dağı location, Yeşildere / Elmadağ / Ankara.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is approximately 22 km from the center of Elmadağ; An asphalt and stabilized forest road extends to the foothills, and a 4x4 off-road vehicle or hiking is required for the upper ridges.•Real Public Transportation Information: It can be reached by nature sports and mountaineering club vehicles or private vehicles departing from Ankara.•Parking Availability:Free outdoor parking is available in the plains at the foot of the mountains. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots and Frames:The 360-degree horizon line combining the Elmadağ Plain, Kırıkkale valleys and Ankara city skyline from the summit ridge gives extraordinary photographs.•Light and Shooting Times:The early morning fog and the redness surrounding the mountain ridges at sunset are the most impressive shooting times.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:Before the climb, famous stone oven pita, tandoori buns and natural plateau honey should be obtained from Elmadağ district center.