Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/04/2018
Mount Pilatus looms proudly over the lush green farmland of Alpnach, as seen from early on the trail.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/04/2018
From the heart of the saddle, looking up at the rocky and precipitous cliffs of Matthorn to the south.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/04/2018
Pilatus and Matthorn are incredibly easy hikes to navigate, especially given the helpful rock signs to eliminate any hiker doubt.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/04/2018
Ascend the steep, rocky face of Matthorn via the pseudo-via ferrata aid chains.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/04/2018
A large wooden cross sits alone at the top of Matthorn above the staggeringly blue Lake Lucerne in the background.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/04/2018
From atop Matthorn, an incredible expansive vista including Pilatus, its railway, and Lake Lucerne.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/04/2018
The high, cloud-obscured peaks in the distance are the Bernese Alps, what most people think of when they think Swiss Alps. The tallest peak is the iconic Jungfrau (13,642 ft), one of Switzerland's highest peaks. The lake in the foreground is Lake Sarnen.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/04/2018
From the saddle looking north to the trail up to Pilatus. The rocky outcrop to the right is Esel Peak (2,118 m), one of the Pilatus massif's prominences.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/04/2018
Looking down at a car beginning its descent down the Pilatus Railway, the steepest cogwheel railway system in the world.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/04/2018
As soon as you rise above the treeline when ascending into the saddle, be sure to take the time to look back at the view. Or better yet, hike it out and watch the sun set over these western peaks!
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/04/2018
Switzerland in the summer is all green and blue beauty.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/04/2018
Looking down at the lodge from atop the first viewing platform on Esel Peak (2,118 m) of the Pilatus massif.