You are here

Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
3,839.00 ft (1,170.13 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
12.14 mi (19.54 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

This is a beautiful out and back hike that starts from the Los Glaciers National Park ranger station in El Cheltan. The trail is straight forward starting out flat and gradually begins to climb. Occasional glimpses of Fitzroy can be seen and further up when you reach a cow pasture Cerro Torre can be seen on clear days. The cow pasture section is the only flat area and lasts less than one mile.  After that, the trail enters a Lenga forest and begins to climb again.  There is one good stream here to get water. 

When the trail exits the forest, it is open country and the sun is strong on clear days.  It can also be very windy.  The trail continues uphill above the tree line. Off to the right is Fitzroy and Cerro Torre. The trail eventually reaches a rocky bench area where most people stop this hike.  It offers great views of Fitzroy and Cerro Torre and the Laguna's below.  However, the steep summit on the left is the end of the trail and the trail is very steep. Short switchbacks lead the way up to a rocky band that may require use of hands for a few moves to overcome but nothing too difficult. A short distance after this and the trail reaches the summit that offers a clear 360 degree view.  Complete the hike returning the way you came.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Amazing views.

Cons

Uphill most of the way.

Trailhead Elevation

1,281.00 ft (390.45 m)

Highest point

4,967.00 ft (1,513.94 m)

Features

Wildflowers
Wildlife
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.