The present research is devoted to the assessment of the ecological conditions of the "Opukskiy"reserve (Republic of Crimea, RF) under the conditions of increasing anthropogenic pressure. The development of ecological tourism on the territory of natural reserves is one of the vectors of development of the system of protected areas in Russia. However, this is associated with an increase in anthropogenic impact on these objects. To correctly account for the permissible anthropogenic pressures, strict monitoring measures are required to control environmental conditions. The work is based on the material obtained over three years (2017- 2019) in the framework of scientific practices for students of St. Petersburg State University. As a result of the work, a map of the distribution of heavy metals in the soils of the reserve was compiled. The regularities of migration of pollutants in soils are described and the vulnerability to pollution is substantiated. The stages of anthropogenic digression of plant communities have been determined. The consequences of tourism development are assessed. Recommendations for the regulation of tourism are given.