Overview
A 2–3 km walking loop enters the gully system known locally as the labyrinth — a maze of eroded clay channels that cut 5–15 m deep into the sediment. The Red Gorge section runs through an iron-oxide-rich stratum where the walls are a deep ochre-red on both sides and narrow to shoulder width in places. A second formation called 'the Paw' — a cluster of eroded pillars on the ridgeline that silhouettes into the shape of a large animal's foot from the south — is a 400 m side detour from the main track. The guide will typically identify both landmarks as part of the standard Aktau walk. The sediment underfoot is soft and powdery when dry; it adheres to shoes and clothing and can turn to thick mud after rain, so gaiters or tall rubber boots are useful in shoulder season.
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Viewing visit notes for Aktau and Katutau Mountains
Aktau — Labyrinth Walk and Red Gorge
Step 5 · 3 km from previous · 10 min drive
A 2–3 km walking loop enters the gully system known locally as the labyrinth — a maze of eroded clay channels that cut 5–15 m deep into the sediment. The Red Gorge section runs through an iron-oxide-rich stratum where the walls are a deep ochre-red on both sides and narrow to shoulder width in places. A second formation called 'the Paw' — a cluster of eroded pillars on the ridgeline that silhouettes into the shape of a large animal's foot from the south — is a 400 m side detour from the main track. The guide will typically identify both landmarks as part of the standard Aktau walk. The sediment underfoot is soft and powdery when dry; it adheres to shoes and clothing and can turn to thick mud after rain, so gaiters or tall rubber boots are useful in shoulder season.