Geyikbayırı (Turkish: Geyikbayırı) lies in the mountains west of Antalya. The area is known for limestone cliffs and climbing routes. The hike to the caves passes through pine forest and follows rocky roads, with views of Sivridağ and the surrounding ridges. Our route covered 17 kilometers with 560 meters of ascent and required a full day of walking.
The Start of the Route and Trebenna
The ancient city of Trebenna lies near the start of the track. You can visit its ruins before the main hike: sections of wall, remains of buildings, and stone elements of the necropolis survive among the trees. The site is extensive, so include time for exploring it in the day’s plan.
After the turnoff to Trebenna, the main route continues along forest roads and paths toward the caves. If the ruins are not part of your plan, skip the detour and continue along the track. In either case, estimate the time in advance so that stops at the caves do not leave the final kilometers until after dark.
Geyikbayırı Cave
The area’s main cave is about 120 meters long, and its deepest point is 6.5 meters below the entrance. It is usually dry, but the groundwater level rises during the rainy season and can flood lower sections. The interior is noticeably cooler than outside in summer.
You need a flashlight to inspect the entrance and make even a short visit, as daylight quickly becomes insufficient. Avoid flooded sections after heavy rain. Exploring the farther passages requires experience and suitable equipment. If conditions cause any doubt, remain in the entrance chamber.
The Route
A significant part of the route follows wide dirt and rocky forest roads. Narrower sections, stones, and dense vegetation appear on the approaches to the cliffs. Wet soil and rock become slippery after rain, so closed-toe footwear with grippy soles is essential.
Climbers regularly train in Geyikbayırı. Do not linger below walls where people are climbing, do not block approaches to the routes, and watch out for falling stones. Check the offline track at junctions: the forest roads look alike, and the turn you need is not always obvious.
Difficulty and Preparation
A distance of 17 kilometers and 560 meters of ascent require experience with long day hikes. The route’s high point is 657 meters. The distance, rocky surface, and stops at the ruins and caves create most of the effort. Maintain a steady pace from the beginning.
Bring a flashlight for every participant, a rain jacket, a first aid kit, food, and water for the entire day. Even if you plan to see only the entrance chamber, do not rely on a phone light as your sole source of illumination.
Our Hike
June 11, 2023. We covered 17 kilometers, climbed 560 meters, and descended 860 meters; the high point was 657 meters. The day was cloudy, with rain on part of the route, so the cave provided a convenient place to stop. Before repeating the route, check the mountain weather and download the track in advance.
