Ruski križ - Špik (via Koča v Krnici)

Access to starting point:
First, we drive to Kranjska Gora, and then we continue driving towards the mountain pass Vršič. Only a little before 3rd hairpin turn of Ruska cesta or Vršič road, we will on the right side notice Ruski križ (a cross), and on the left a smaller parking lot, where we park. Because the parking lot is relatively small and quickly full we can park also a little higher on a larger parking lot little above the 4th hairpin turn (in this case, we have to our starting point at Ruski križ descend a little).
To the starting point, we can also come from Primorska side through the mountain pass Vršič.

Path description:
Only a little before 3rd hairpin turn of road Ruska cesta, we will notice by the road signposts for mountain hut Koča v Krnici, which point us slightly left on a wide cart track which immediately starts moderately descending. After few minutes of descent through the forest, the path flattens and it brings us to a riverbed of Suha Pišnica. Only a little after we cross the mentioned stream, the path turns slightly to the left and it brings us out of the forest on ample grassy slopes of the mountain pasture V Klinu, where on the right side we notice a lonely cottage, and on the left a smaller memorial park Mali Tamar. The path ahead entirely flattens, and then it joins the forest road which comes from the former hotel Erika or bridge over Velika Pišnica. Here we continue right, and we follow relatively steep forest road all the way to the mountain hut Koča v Krnici, which we reach after approximately 20 minutes of additional walking.
From the mountain hut, we go left in the direction of Špik (straight Kriška stena), where after few minutes we get to a torrent gully, by which we are then ascending. After a good hour of walking from the mountain hut Koča v Krnici marked path crosses the mentioned gully, after that is for some time still ascending left from it. Higher, the path turns to the left and it starts ascending diagonally over slopes, which are partly covered with dwarf pines. With nice views on surrounding peaks we get to the upper part of Tarmanova žlefa (slope, which is steeply descending towards Krnica), where the path steeply ascends, and then turns to the right and passes on the northern side of Gamsova špica (1931 meters). Only a little further, we get to small indistinct saddle, where the path turns to the left and after a short ascent, it brings us to a more demanding part of the path, where with the help of fixed safety gear we ascend towards the summit Liprtica (also Lipnica).
Further, we descend for few altitude meters and with the help of fixed safety gear we cross steep slopes below the summit of Špik. And only a little ahead from the left joins the path through Kačji graben (option for a descent into the valley).
From the crossing ahead in front of us there is the last very steep ascent, where we are ascending very steep on rugged rocks (this part isn't secured and is exposed to falling stones - a helmet is mandatory!). After approximately 15 minutes of climbing on rugged rocks we step on the summit of Špik, from where a really nice view opens up.
The starting point - Koča v Krnici 45 minutes, Koča v Krnici - Špik 4:15.

On the way: Koča v Krnici mountain hut (1113m)