Kızıldağ National Park

Kızıldağ Overview

Kızıldağ National Park, known locally as Kızıldağ Millî Parkı, is a tranquil and ecologically significant protected area located in Isparta Province in southwestern Turkey. The park covers approximately 86 square miles, or about 223 square kilometers, and lies within the Sütçüler district near the western edge of the Taurus Mountains.

Its name, which means “Red Mountain,” comes from the rich, reddish soil and the hues of the surrounding terrain. The landscape is dominated by rolling hills, rugged limestone ridges, and forested highlands.

The park’s elevation ranges from about 1,400 to 1,900 meters, creating a cool, mountainous environment that serves as a natural refuge during Turkey’s hot summers. This combination of elevation, geology, and climate supports a wide array of habitats, including pine forests, rocky outcrops, and alpine pastures.

The vegetation in Kızıldağ National Park is particularly notable for its ancient stands of cedar trees. The park contains one of the oldest and most extensive natural cedar forests in the country, featuring majestic Lebanon cedars (Cedrus libani) that can reach heights of over 30 meters.

Some of these trees are estimated to be hundreds of years old, forming dense groves that provide both shade and ecological stability. In addition to cedar, the park supports black pine, juniper, oak, and various shrubs and wild herbs that thrive in its mountainous soils. During spring and early summer, the meadows and forest understories become dotted with wildflowers, contributing to the park’s seasonal beauty.

Kızıldağ National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, particularly species adapted to mountainous and forested environments. Mammals such as wild boar, red foxes, badgers, and hares are commonly seen, while more elusive animals like wolves and wildcats may inhabit the deeper forest zones.

Birdlife is plentiful, with sightings of hawks, owls, woodpeckers, and forest songbirds. The park also provides habitat for several species of reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies, enhancing its role in local biodiversity conservation. The quiet, undisturbed woods make the park an ideal site for birdwatching and nature observation.

Popular features of the park include the ancient cedar groves, the clean mountain air, and panoramic viewpoints offering scenic vistas of the surrounding Taurus ranges. Visitors often head to the Çimenova Plateau, a flat and grassy area used historically for summer grazing, which now serves as a favored spot for picnics and nature walks.

The healthful climate of the region, characterized by low humidity and cool, oxygen-rich air, has earned the park a reputation as a therapeutic retreat, especially beneficial for respiratory health.

Visitors experience Kızıldağ National Park through hiking, picnicking, camping, and nature photography. Well-marked trails allow for exploration through cedar forests and highland meadows, and designated picnic areas make the park suitable for day trips with family and friends. The relatively undeveloped nature of the park adds to its peaceful atmosphere, appealing to those seeking quiet and solitude.

Conservation efforts in Kızıldağ National Park have focused on protecting the ancient cedar forests and maintaining the park’s air and water quality. Although the park faces challenges such as grazing pressure and the risk of illegal logging, strong governmental oversight and local involvement have contributed to its preservation.

Sustainable tourism initiatives and environmental education programs help ensure that the park remains a sanctuary for both wildlife and visitors for generations to come.

Park Map

Kızıldağ National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Kızıldağ National Park also offers rich birdlife, particularly species adapted to pine forests, cliffs, and open meadows. The park’s high elevation and clean air attract raptors and forest songbirds alike.

Golden Eagle
Soaring over the park’s high ridges, the golden eagle hunts wild goats, hares, and smaller mammals. It builds massive nests on remote cliffs and is rarely seen up close.

Peregrine Falcon
This swift, cliff-nesting falcon is a powerful aerial predator. It hunts smaller birds in mid-flight, diving at high speed, and is often seen near rocky outcrops and ledges.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
The park’s largest nocturnal bird, the eagle-owl hides in dense pine forests and rocky outcrops by day and hunts rodents and birds at night with silent flight.

Common Buzzard
Seen circling above open areas, the buzzard feeds on small mammals, birds, and carrion. Its varied call and slow, soaring flight make it easy to spot in clearings.

Black Woodpecker
This large woodpecker lives in mature pine forests, using its strong beak to excavate insects from dead wood. Its loud drumming is often heard before it is seen.

White-throated Dipper
Found near clear mountain streams, the dipper dives into cold water to feed on aquatic insects and larvae. It’s recognizable by its white chest and bobbing movement.

Short-toed Snake Eagle
This specialist raptor hunts reptiles in open meadows and rocky slopes. It often hovers in place before diving to capture snakes or large lizards.

Chukar Partridge
This ground-nesting bird prefers dry, rocky slopes and feeds on seeds, grains, and insects. It travels in small groups and is known for its distinctive clucking calls.

Rock Nuthatch
Often seen clambering on rock faces, this small bird uses its strong bill to dig for insects and seeds. It also plasters mud to rocks to create its nesting cavities.

Crested Lark
Found in open grassy areas, this lark is recognized by its upright crest and melodic, flute-like song. It forages on the ground for seeds and insects.

Kızıldağ National Park combines fresh mountain air, wide open spaces, and pristine pine forests to create a haven for wildlife and bird species that flourish in its peaceful, elevated landscape.

Kızıldağ National Park, located in Isparta Province in southwestern Turkey, is known for its high-altitude plateaus, open pine forests, and the clean, dry air of its mountainous terrain. Named after its red-hued hills (“Kızıldağ” meaning “Red Mountain”), the park offers vital habitat for a variety of mammals and reptiles that thrive in its cool forests and open rocky landscapes.

Wild Goat (Bezoar Ibex)
Commonly found on the park’s steep rocky hills, the wild goat is a skilled climber with large, backward-curving horns. It grazes on shrubs and grasses and is often seen in small, agile groups.

Red Fox
This clever and adaptable predator is active in both the forests and open meadows. It feeds on rodents, birds, fruits, and insects and is known for its stealthy hunting style.

Grey Wolf
Roaming the more remote parts of the park, grey wolves are elusive but important apex predators. They hunt deer, wild goats, and other small mammals, helping regulate prey populations.

Brown Bear
Though rarely seen, brown bears inhabit forested and mountainous areas of the park. They forage for berries, roots, insects, and sometimes small animals and hibernate during winter.

Golden Jackal
This vocal and adaptable carnivore is found along forest edges and clearings. It scavenges and preys on small mammals and is most active during dusk and nighttime.

Wild Boar
Thriving in wooded areas and meadows, wild boars root through the soil for food such as acorns, tubers, and insects. They are strong, social animals often traveling in family groups.

European Pine Marten
This slender, tree-dwelling predator inhabits mature pine forests in the park. It is agile and nocturnal, hunting birds, squirrels, and insects with swift movements.

Hedgehog (Eastern European Hedgehog)
Common in open grassy areas and forest edges, the hedgehog feeds on invertebrates like worms and beetles. It curls into a spiny ball for protection when threatened.

Roe Deer
These elegant herbivores are often seen grazing in quiet forest clearings and along the edges of meadows. They are shy and quick, feeding on grasses, shoots, and herbs.

Anatolian Rock Lizard
This quick and nimble reptile is frequently found basking on sun-warmed rocks. It feeds on insects and is well-camouflaged against the dry, rocky terrain of the park.