Ještěd-Kozákov Ridge

Ještěd-Kozákov Ridge is part of the Western Sudetes mountain range in the Czech Republic.

The ridge is almost 60 km long, the width does not exceed 15 km. In the north-west it starts in a saddle between hills "Pískový vrch" (547 m) in the Lusatian Mountains and "Ostrý vrch" (514 m) already in the Ještěd-Kozákov Ridge. The altitude of the hills gradually escalates above 800 meters and culiminates with Ještěd (1012 m). Ještěd is the highest peak of the ridge and the only peak above 1000 m as well. The ridge continues to south-east. It is intersected by deep valleys of Mohelka and Jizera. The last hill above 700 m is "Kozákov" (744 m).

The range mostly consists of various quartzites, some parts are formed from sandstone. Almost the entire Ještěd ridge is till the valley of Mohelka covered by wood. The other part is a mosaic consisting of woods, meadows and fields. Most notable are beech forests, often protected as natural reserves. Ještěd-Kozákov Ridge is not protected en masse, however natural parks Ještěd and Maloskalsko and several smaller reserves and were created.

The terrain is suitable for hiking and cycling. Winter sports are limited by inconstant snow conditions. The most popular area for both downhill and cross country skiing is centered around Ještěd.