The lovely Rose Valley (Güllüdere Vadisi) is adjacent to Red Valley and is often explored together with it.
As the name suggests, Rose Valley is known for its pinkish hue – particularly at dawn and dusk, when the rocks take on a soft rose color.
It’s one of the most enchanting valleys in Cappadocia, offering a mix of natural beauty and historical cave sites.
What is Rose Valley?
Rose Valley is a network of small valleys and trails nestled between Göreme, Çavuşin, and Ortahisar.
It’s characterized by sharp ridges and curved waves of rock, many tinted in pastel pink and white.
The geology here is similar to Red Valley as they’re next to each other, but Rose Valley tends to have more hidden cave churches and tunnels within its folds.
In spring, wildflowers bloom, adding splashes of green and color to the landscape.
Cave churches in Rose Valley
- Üç Haçlı (Three Cross) Church: Named for the three crosses carved into its ceiling. It’s a small chamber church hidden in the rock face. If you find it, step inside to see simple carvings and imagine hermits worshipping here many ages ago.
- Ayvali Church: Another cave church with some fresco fragments, also known as the “Column Church” because of the faux columns carved inside.
- Hacı St. Ürgüp Church: Sometimes referred to as Haçlı Church. This church has a unique stone carving of Malta crosses.
Some of these require a detour off the main path or climbing a ladder, which adds to the sense of adventure.
Ways to explore Rose Valley
There’s more than one way to experience the beauty of Rose Valley. From solo hikes to guided sunset walks and horseback rides, here are the top ways to explore this unforgettable landscape.
Independent Hike in the Valley
You can start a hike into Rose Valley from near the village of Çavuşin (at the base of Rose Valley) or from the trailheads accessible from the Göreme–Avanos road, where there is signage and often a parking area.
The trails are somewhat interconnected loops, and you can spend anywhere from 1 to 3 hours wandering around.
A popular loop is to start from near the Sunset Camping area above Rose Valley, hike down through the valley, pass some churches, and come out at Çavuşin, then either walk or take transport back to Göreme.
You’ll navigate tunnel-like paths (some cut-through ridges—short ducking required), open-air sections with stunning vistas, and garden areas where locals may still grow grapes or apricots.
It’s a moderate hike – some ups and downs, but nothing too strenuous for a person of average fitness.
Note: Just wear good shoes and carry water. Also, try not to hike alone near dusk; while crime is nonexistent on these trails, it’s easier to get lost in the dark, and you might spook yourself in a dark cave.
Guided Sunset Hike in the Valley
To truly appreciate Rose Valley’s famed sunset, consider joining a guided sunset hiking tour in Rose Valley. These tours typically start about 2–3 hours before sunset.
A guide will lead you on a trail, timing it so you emerge at a great viewpoint as the sun begins to set.
They often provide snacks or even wine/tea at the sunset spot. This way, you get commentary about the area’s history and geology during the walk, and you don’t have to worry about finding the best route or view.
Watching the sunset in Rose Valley is wonderful – the cliffs literally blush pink and then fade to orange.
It’s quieter than the main Red Valley sunset point; you might share the moment with just your small group and perhaps a few other hikers scattered in the distance.
Don’t forget your camera – the photo opportunities are fantastic.
Horseback riding in the Valley
Some sunset horseback rides go through Rose Valley because it’s scenic.
Riding a horse among those rock formations as the sky changes color is like a scene from a movie.
Even if you’re not on a horse, you’ll likely see a caravan of them trotting by in the late afternoon – it adds to the atmosphere.
You can also explore the Red and Rose Valleys on a camel safari tour.
Why is Rose Valley special?
Rose Valley has a bit of everything—fantastic scenery, a peaceful vibe, and tangible history hidden in the caves.
It’s less crowded than the Open-Air Museum or town sites, so you often have stretches of trail all to yourself.
The combination of the rose-colored rocks and the green valley floor (in spring/summer) is visually striking. And if you catch it at the right time of day, you’ll understand why people rave about it.
So lace up your shoes and hit the trail—Rose Valley is waiting to share its quiet wonders.
Experiences like this make Cappadocia so much more than just balloon rides; the land itself holds magic for those willing to explore on foot.
Why should you visit Rose Valley?
If you enjoy hiking and a bit of exploration, Rose Valley is a must-do.
Many travelers say some of their best memories of Cappadocia are hiking in Rose Valley, away from the crowds, with only the sound of the wind and maybe the distant call of a bird echoing in ancient caves.
The valley also offers great viewpoints. There’s something serene and almost spiritual about walking through the quiet trails where you occasionally come across a centuries-old chapel carved into the rock.
