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Latin America / Peru

Huandoy Viewpoint & Laguna Parón: a stunning day hike from Huaraz, Peru

13 November 2019

Last Updated on 25 September 2020

Widely considered to be one of Peru’s most stunning glacier lakes, Laguna Parón in Parque Nacional Huascarán is easily accessible as a day trip from Huaraz— photos of an impossibly blue lake framed by towering peaks of the Cordillera Blanca were all the encouragement I needed to cram yet another day of trekking into my already overflowing Peru itinerary. Featuring a fun scramble up to Huandoy Viewpoint and doubtlessly some of the best views I’ve ever seen, our day trip did not disappoint!

All the details: Laguna Parón day hike

Cost: Given the Class 2-3 scrambling required to reach Huandoy Viewpoint and the apparent inability of previous customers to accurately represent their own physical abilities, Akilpo only offers this day hike as a private tour. We paid $237USD for 3 people, which included transport from Huaraz, a knowledgable guide, and an excellent breakfast, lunch, and snacks— and we really can’t recommend the experience or the company highly enough.

Getting there: An Akilpo van will pick you up from your accommodation in Huaraz and drive you into Parque Nacional Huascarán, approximately 3hrs away.

Trekking distance: 5km

Elevation gain: 300m

Highest elevation: 4,562m 

Trail hours: 2.5hrs

Top tips: The climb up to Huandoy Viewpoint is much more of a scramble than a hike, so I’d recommend hiking boots, a lightweight day pack, and a good sense of adventure. You can leave the trekking poles at home, but definitely bring a few layers, because it can get really windy at the top.

Laguna Parón

After spending the entirety of yesterday laid up at our B&B in Huaraz with a terrible case of bronchitis (and some other symptoms that don’t bear mentioning here), dad is a bit surprised to see me bright-eyed and bushy tailed at our 6am pick-up. The bronchitis has obviously not resolved itself overnight, but Maruja, the absolutely gorgeous woman who runs our hotel, brewed me up a teapot of something and it has basically brought me back to life, plus or minus a bit of mucus.

Eileen, on the other hand, is fully tapped out today, exhausted from the non-stop trekking we’ve done on the trip thus far and badly in need of the rest day I just enjoyed yesterday (although, to be fair, I did not enjoy any part of yesterday). That leaves me and dad to meet the Akilpo guide this morning for a private trek to Huandoy Viewpoint above Laguna Parón. It’s certainly not the kind of outing that would ordinarily warrant a guide, but to save us from many public bus transfers and transportation nightmares the day before we’re setting out on our independent 10-day Huayhuash Circuit, it is worth it.

As it turns out, the private tour is “worth it” on all fronts. After a somewhat lacklustre guiding experience on the Ausangate Circuit, dad and I have our faith completely restored by Leonardo, an experienced and energetic mountain guide who is a veritable wealth of knowledge when it comes to the Cordillera Blanca. He retrieves us from our B&B in Huaraz and allows us to sleep/edit photos in relative peace for the next 3hrs, but zips into action setting up breakfast as soon as we arrive at Laguna Parón.

Laguna Parón from the carpark
Delicious brekky at Laguna Parón
Arriving at Laguna Parón

We certainly weren’t expecting the delicious morning spread that awaited us, nor the actual table and chairs that were set up overlooking the lake. Instantly impressed (and even more-so when we get to eat Eileen’s crepes because she’s not there), the day is off to a wonderful start.

When we do eventually polish off breakfast and make a move, it’s to follow a steep, sunny trail along a glacier moraine. Leonardo easily gauges our fitness level and sets a great pace, not too fast but also not numbingly slow, which is much appreciated. I can’t help but laugh at the fact that Akilpo originally wanted dad, being aged over 60, to provide a doctor’s certificate saying he was healthy enough to embark on today’s trek. Little did they know, dad eats treks like this for breakfast! Thankfully, I managed to weasel out of the doctor’s certificate situation, but I’m sure Leonardo was pleased to find a capable mountaineer rather than whatever decrepit senior-citizen they were obviously picturing.

Leonardo and dad admiring Huandoy
The view down valley
Leonardo leading the way to Huandoy Viewpoint

Laguna Parón
Dad scrambling up to Huandoy Viewpoint

Before long, we leave the trail and begin the real adventure, which is a Class 2-3 scramble leading all the way up to Huandoy Viewpoint. The fun of boulder-hopping adds tremendously to the already wonderful day, bright blue Laguna Parón stretching endlessly beneath us and Huandoy towering overhead.

When we reach the viewpoint, about 90min after setting off, we happily spend (I couldn’t tell you how long, it’s a blur of excitement) snapping photos and enjoying the incredible scenery. Dad and I dig into the delicious snack bags Leonardo packed for us and I’m beyond happy, with a mouth full of Cookies & Cream Oreos and eyes full of the most beautiful lake I’ve ever seen, that I pulled my infected self out of bed today.

Me and dad at Huandoy Viewpoint above Laguna Parón

Laguna Parón

Incredible Laguna Parón
Laguna Parón from Huandoy Viewpoint
Laguna Parón

Me and dad at Huandoy Viewpoint

We do finally break away from the highpoint, descending towards the lakeshore via a steep side-route where, like a Peruvian Mary Poppins, Leonardo pulls cutlery, plates, a thermos of hot tea, and curry out of his backpack for lunch. When I see the roti, I feel like I might cry. THIS is a guided trek. I give Akilpo all the stars.

Dad digging into a delicious lunch
Huandoy Viewpoint above Laguna Parón

Our journey back to the van along the lake is flat and passes quickly. Before we even know it, dad and I are back in Huaraz and all the packing that we still haven’t done for our 10-day Huayhaush Circuit is finally upon us. Undeniably, though, Laguna Parón was worth every minute.

Me and dad at Huandoy Viewpoint

Read more about trekking in Peru

SAVAGE MOUNTAIN TO MACHU PICCHU: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO HIKING THE SALKANTAY TREK IN PERU

HIKING TO MACHU PICCHU: COMPARING THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL VS SALKANTAY TREK

A GUIDE TO TREKKING AUSANGATE & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN IN PERU

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO INDEPENDENT & SOLO HIKING THE HUAYHUASH CIRCUIT IN PERU

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 10 DAYS ON THE HUAYHUASH CIRCUIT

HIGH-ALTITUDE TREKKING: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO PREVENTING & TREATING ALTITUDE SICKNESS IN THE MOUNTAINS

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brooke beyond

Hey, I'm Brooke and I'm obsessed with getting off the beaten path, exploring backcountry gems & travelling beyond the ordinary! I left Australia 5 years ago after finishing a PhD in Biomechanics & have been travelling the world full-time ever since (joined by my life/climbing partner, James). Whether it’s road-tripping through Mexico, climbing alpine peaks in the Andes, scuba diving in the Red Sea, or tackling epic via ferrata in the Dolomites, I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb

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hi, I’m brooke!

I'm obsessed with getting off the beaten path, exploring backcountry gems & travelling beyond the ordinary! I left Australia 5 years ago after finishing a PhD in Biomechanics & have been travelling the world full-time ever since (now joined by my life/climbing partner, James). I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb

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@brookebeyond_
brooke ✨travel & mountain gal

@brookebeyond_

  • magical moments in the swiss alps 🐄🇨🇭🧀🫐🌺
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#swissalps #switzerland #matterhorn #zermatt #oeschinensee #lucerne #jungfraujoch #grindelwald #swisssummer
  • NEW CUSTOM GPS MAPS!!

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours on @caltopo building a GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when venturing off the standard trail (which I nearly always do) 🗺️

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I now have 8 super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

Available maps:
🇮🇹 Alta Via 2
🇮🇹 Alta Via 4
🇫🇷 Mont Blanc Summit
🇵🇪 Huayhuash Circuit
🇦🇷 Aconcagua Summit
🇺🇸 Teton Crest Trail
🇨🇱 O-Circuit
🇦🇷 Fitz Roy Loop
+ more coming soon!

These maps include detailed route beta with hundreds of waypoints, essential trail stats, alternatives & bailouts, side-trips & summits, all based on my adventurous modifications to these amazing routes! 

They’ve been heavily tested by friends & readers, and I’m confident you won’t find another resource like them 🗺️

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

ps. If you’ve bought one of my maps this summer (AV2 + AV4 have been SO popular!), I’d love to hear from you!!
  • We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
  • absolutely one of the most amazing little hikes we did in Switzerlnad this summer (& the competition was stiff) 🤩🏔️🌞🌸

📍Saxer Lücke

GETTING THERE: catch the Frümsen gondola to Staubernkanzel

HIKE: 1hr (2.5km, 250m gain) to this amazing viewpoint

WHEN TO GO: the best lighting is in the afternoon, these photos were taken around 4pm and it just kept getting better!
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#swissalps #switzerland #saxerlücke #swisssummer #alpstein
  • the BEST easy hike in Zermatt 🏔️🥾✨

For spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the enormous Monte Rosa massif, and the Gorner Glacier (as well as 29 peaks over 4,000m!), there’s no better EASY hike than Riffelberg to Gornergrat, accessible via the Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt. 

The hike only takes about 2hrs at a leisurely pace (I did it 7 weeks after knee surgery!), so it’s suitable for families and non-hikers with even a basic level of fitness 🏃🏻‍♀️

🇨🇭 START FROM ZERMATT
- purchase tickets (day-of is fine) from Gornergrat Railway, right across from Zermatt train station

🚞 GORNERGRAT RAILWAY
- tickets from Zermatt to Riffelberg cost 42CHF ($50USD)— there’s no discount for return, so keep it flexible by purchasing one-way
- the train takes the about 25min, sit on the right side for best views!
- when you finish the hike at Gornergrat, buy a one-way ticket back to Zermatt for 66CHF ($80USD)
- save 50% on tickets with the Swiss Half Fare Card— the pass costs 120CHF ($150USD) and lasts for a whole month, it’s almost always worth it!) 

🥾 HIKE DETAILS: RIFFELSEE TO GORNERGRAT
- the route is 5km with 560m elevation gain (entirely uphill)
- the best views of the Matterhorn are around Riffelsee, where several small lakes offer perfect reflections
- near Rotenboden (the train station in between Riffelberg & Gornergrat), there are excellent rocky viewpoints of both Matterhorn and Monta Rosa— it’s easy to find quiet views if you hike around a bit!
- as you get closer to Gornergrat, Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier are right in your face
- almost everyone does this hike in reverse (Gornergrat to Riffelberg), I just personally hate hiking downhill— but you can swap if you’d rather descend the entire way!
  • 2 months after knee surgery and barely a week after I stopped walking with a knee brace and cane, I was honestly so proud to be able to do this (objectively very easy) 5km hike with 250m gain— it may not seem like much, but for me, this was a HUGE step forward 🥹

📍 Saxer Lücke, Switzerland 

it’s been an extremely challenging recovery, both physically and mentally… but the milestone moments always fill me with hope that things are indeed getting better ❤️‍🩹

special shoutout to my fiancé/hiking partner/personal cheering squad @slatojc for slowing down with me on the trail and always offering a hand down slippery rocks before I even have to ask
  • it’s another “if it wasn’t so stupid beautiful, I’d never set foot in this country again because it’s bleeding me dry” kinda summer 🇨🇭🌸☀️🏔️🦋✨

(hands up if you feel personally victimised by Swiss prices but you can’t stay away because MOUNTAINS 😭😭)
  • magical summer sunsets in Switzerland ✨
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#swissalps #stoosridge #swisssummer #sunset
  • BEST EASY HIKES IN SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭❤️‍🩹

just 2 months after knee surgery, I found myself travelling through Switzerland— in search of easy hikes that were actually accessible post-op 🩼 

luckily, there’s hardly a better place in the world for easy hiking than the Swiss Alps!!

so whether you’re recovering from an injury, hiking with older parents/young children, or just a non-hiker who loves an epic view, this short list of HIGH VALUE viewpoints & hikes offer the most spectacular mountain scenery with minimal challenge

💸 BUDGET TIP: buy the Swiss Half Fare Card to save 50% all these gondolas and trains, which can seriously add up!!

- Stoos Ridge: take the Stoosbahn to the little village of Stoos + walk about 15min to the chairlift that can take you all the way up to Fronalpstock— you can walk as little or as much as you want up here, the views are amazing right away
- Riffelsee: take the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt to Riffelsee + hike 20min to the 2 beautiful alpine lakes (then either hike 1hr up to Gornergrat or catch the train)
- Saxer Lücke: catch a gondola + hike 1hr (2.5km, 250m gain) to this amazing viewpoint— hardest on this list and not suitable for those with extremely limited mobility 
- Kleine Scheidegg: take the train or the gondola from Grindelwald + hike about 20min uphill to the lake
- Jungfraujoch: from Kleine Scheidegg, take the gondola to Jungfraujoch + walk around the viewing platforms
- Trockener Steg: take the gondola from Zermatt + walk 10min from the top of the cable car to the lake for incredible Matterhorn views
- Oeschinensee: 20min walk from the top of the Kandersteg cable car to the lake (bus also available), then you can walk as little or as much as you want around the lake or on the famous Panorama Trail
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#easyhikes #swissalps #matterhorn #jungfraujoch #oeschinensee #stoos #switzerland
follow @brookebeyond_

travel beyond the ordinary

Explore my travel guides, custom itineraries & blog posts with an interactive world map ✨

all destinations

  • magical moments in the swiss alps 🐄🇨🇭🧀🫐🌺
.
.
.
.
.
#swissalps #switzerland #matterhorn #zermatt #oeschinensee #lucerne #jungfraujoch #grindelwald #swisssummer
  • NEW CUSTOM GPS MAPS!!

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours on @caltopo building a GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when venturing off the standard trail (which I nearly always do) 🗺️

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I now have 8 super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

Available maps:
🇮🇹 Alta Via 2
🇮🇹 Alta Via 4
🇫🇷 Mont Blanc Summit
🇵🇪 Huayhuash Circuit
🇦🇷 Aconcagua Summit
🇺🇸 Teton Crest Trail
🇨🇱 O-Circuit
🇦🇷 Fitz Roy Loop
+ more coming soon!

These maps include detailed route beta with hundreds of waypoints, essential trail stats, alternatives & bailouts, side-trips & summits, all based on my adventurous modifications to these amazing routes! 

They’ve been heavily tested by friends & readers, and I’m confident you won’t find another resource like them 🗺️

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

ps. If you’ve bought one of my maps this summer (AV2 + AV4 have been SO popular!), I’d love to hear from you!!
  • We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
  • absolutely one of the most amazing little hikes we did in Switzerlnad this summer (& the competition was stiff) 🤩🏔️🌞🌸

📍Saxer Lücke

GETTING THERE: catch the Frümsen gondola to Staubernkanzel

HIKE: 1hr (2.5km, 250m gain) to this amazing viewpoint

WHEN TO GO: the best lighting is in the afternoon, these photos were taken around 4pm and it just kept getting better!
.
.
.
.
.
#swissalps #switzerland #saxerlücke #swisssummer #alpstein
  • the BEST easy hike in Zermatt 🏔️🥾✨

For spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the enormous Monte Rosa massif, and the Gorner Glacier (as well as 29 peaks over 4,000m!), there’s no better EASY hike than Riffelberg to Gornergrat, accessible via the Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt. 

The hike only takes about 2hrs at a leisurely pace (I did it 7 weeks after knee surgery!), so it’s suitable for families and non-hikers with even a basic level of fitness 🏃🏻‍♀️

🇨🇭 START FROM ZERMATT
- purchase tickets (day-of is fine) from Gornergrat Railway, right across from Zermatt train station

🚞 GORNERGRAT RAILWAY
- tickets from Zermatt to Riffelberg cost 42CHF ($50USD)— there’s no discount for return, so keep it flexible by purchasing one-way
- the train takes the about 25min, sit on the right side for best views!
- when you finish the hike at Gornergrat, buy a one-way ticket back to Zermatt for 66CHF ($80USD)
- save 50% on tickets with the Swiss Half Fare Card— the pass costs 120CHF ($150USD) and lasts for a whole month, it’s almost always worth it!) 

🥾 HIKE DETAILS: RIFFELSEE TO GORNERGRAT
- the route is 5km with 560m elevation gain (entirely uphill)
- the best views of the Matterhorn are around Riffelsee, where several small lakes offer perfect reflections
- near Rotenboden (the train station in between Riffelberg & Gornergrat), there are excellent rocky viewpoints of both Matterhorn and Monta Rosa— it’s easy to find quiet views if you hike around a bit!
- as you get closer to Gornergrat, Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier are right in your face
- almost everyone does this hike in reverse (Gornergrat to Riffelberg), I just personally hate hiking downhill— but you can swap if you’d rather descend the entire way!
magical moments in the swiss alps 🐄🇨🇭🧀🫐🌺
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.
.
.
.
#swissalps #switzerland #matterhorn #zermatt #oeschinensee #lucerne #jungfraujoch #grindelwald #swisssummer
magical moments in the swiss alps 🐄🇨🇭🧀🫐🌺
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.
.
#swissalps #switzerland #matterhorn #zermatt #oeschinensee #lucerne #jungfraujoch #grindelwald #swisssummer
magical moments in the swiss alps 🐄🇨🇭🧀🫐🌺
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#swissalps #switzerland #matterhorn #zermatt #oeschinensee #lucerne #jungfraujoch #grindelwald #swisssummer
magical moments in the swiss alps 🐄🇨🇭🧀🫐🌺
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#swissalps #switzerland #matterhorn #zermatt #oeschinensee #lucerne #jungfraujoch #grindelwald #swisssummer
magical moments in the swiss alps 🐄🇨🇭🧀🫐🌺
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.
#swissalps #switzerland #matterhorn #zermatt #oeschinensee #lucerne #jungfraujoch #grindelwald #swisssummer
magical moments in the swiss alps 🐄🇨🇭🧀🫐🌺
.
.
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.
.
#swissalps #switzerland #matterhorn #zermatt #oeschinensee #lucerne #jungfraujoch #grindelwald #swisssummer
magical moments in the swiss alps 🐄🇨🇭🧀🫐🌺
.
.
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.
.
#swissalps #switzerland #matterhorn #zermatt #oeschinensee #lucerne #jungfraujoch #grindelwald #swisssummer
magical moments in the swiss alps 🐄🇨🇭🧀🫐🌺
.
.
.
.
.
#swissalps #switzerland #matterhorn #zermatt #oeschinensee #lucerne #jungfraujoch #grindelwald #swisssummer
magical moments in the swiss alps 🐄🇨🇭🧀🫐🌺
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.
.
.
.
#swissalps #switzerland #matterhorn #zermatt #oeschinensee #lucerne #jungfraujoch #grindelwald #swisssummer
magical moments in the swiss alps 🐄🇨🇭🧀🫐🌺
.
.
.
.
.
#swissalps #switzerland #matterhorn #zermatt #oeschinensee #lucerne #jungfraujoch #grindelwald #swisssummer
magical moments in the swiss alps 🐄🇨🇭🧀🫐🌺
.
.
.
.
.
#swissalps #switzerland #matterhorn #zermatt #oeschinensee #lucerne #jungfraujoch #grindelwald #swisssummer
magical moments in the swiss alps 🐄🇨🇭🧀🫐🌺
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.
.
.
.
#swissalps #switzerland #matterhorn #zermatt #oeschinensee #lucerne #jungfraujoch #grindelwald #swisssummer
magical moments in the swiss alps 🐄🇨🇭🧀🫐🌺
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#swissalps #switzerland #matterhorn #zermatt #oeschinensee #lucerne #jungfraujoch #grindelwald #swisssummer
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
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magical moments in the swiss alps 🐄🇨🇭🧀🫐🌺 . . . . . #swissalps #switzerland #matterhorn #zermatt #oeschinensee #lucerne #jungfraujoch #grindelwald #swisssummer
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NEW CUSTOM GPS MAPS!!

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours on @caltopo building a GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when venturing off the standard trail (which I nearly always do) 🗺️

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I now have 8 super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

Available maps:
🇮🇹 Alta Via 2
🇮🇹 Alta Via 4
🇫🇷 Mont Blanc Summit
🇵🇪 Huayhuash Circuit
🇦🇷 Aconcagua Summit
🇺🇸 Teton Crest Trail
🇨🇱 O-Circuit
🇦🇷 Fitz Roy Loop
+ more coming soon!

These maps include detailed route beta with hundreds of waypoints, essential trail stats, alternatives & bailouts, side-trips & summits, all based on my adventurous modifications to these amazing routes! 

They’ve been heavily tested by friends & readers, and I’m confident you won’t find another resource like them 🗺️

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

ps. If you’ve bought one of my maps this summer (AV2 + AV4 have been SO popular!), I’d love to hear from you!!
NEW CUSTOM GPS MAPS!!

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours on @caltopo building a GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when venturing off the standard trail (which I nearly always do) 🗺️

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I now have 8 super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

Available maps:
🇮🇹 Alta Via 2
🇮🇹 Alta Via 4
🇫🇷 Mont Blanc Summit
🇵🇪 Huayhuash Circuit
🇦🇷 Aconcagua Summit
🇺🇸 Teton Crest Trail
🇨🇱 O-Circuit
🇦🇷 Fitz Roy Loop
+ more coming soon!

These maps include detailed route beta with hundreds of waypoints, essential trail stats, alternatives & bailouts, side-trips & summits, all based on my adventurous modifications to these amazing routes! 

They’ve been heavily tested by friends & readers, and I’m confident you won’t find another resource like them 🗺️

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

ps. If you’ve bought one of my maps this summer (AV2 + AV4 have been SO popular!), I’d love to hear from you!!
NEW CUSTOM GPS MAPS!!

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours on @caltopo building a GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when venturing off the standard trail (which I nearly always do) 🗺️

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I now have 8 super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

Available maps:
🇮🇹 Alta Via 2
🇮🇹 Alta Via 4
🇫🇷 Mont Blanc Summit
🇵🇪 Huayhuash Circuit
🇦🇷 Aconcagua Summit
🇺🇸 Teton Crest Trail
🇨🇱 O-Circuit
🇦🇷 Fitz Roy Loop
+ more coming soon!

These maps include detailed route beta with hundreds of waypoints, essential trail stats, alternatives & bailouts, side-trips & summits, all based on my adventurous modifications to these amazing routes! 

They’ve been heavily tested by friends & readers, and I’m confident you won’t find another resource like them 🗺️

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

ps. If you’ve bought one of my maps this summer (AV2 + AV4 have been SO popular!), I’d love to hear from you!!
NEW CUSTOM GPS MAPS!!

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours on @caltopo building a GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when venturing off the standard trail (which I nearly always do) 🗺️

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I now have 8 super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

Available maps:
🇮🇹 Alta Via 2
🇮🇹 Alta Via 4
🇫🇷 Mont Blanc Summit
🇵🇪 Huayhuash Circuit
🇦🇷 Aconcagua Summit
🇺🇸 Teton Crest Trail
🇨🇱 O-Circuit
🇦🇷 Fitz Roy Loop
+ more coming soon!

These maps include detailed route beta with hundreds of waypoints, essential trail stats, alternatives & bailouts, side-trips & summits, all based on my adventurous modifications to these amazing routes! 

They’ve been heavily tested by friends & readers, and I’m confident you won’t find another resource like them 🗺️

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

ps. If you’ve bought one of my maps this summer (AV2 + AV4 have been SO popular!), I’d love to hear from you!!
NEW CUSTOM GPS MAPS!!

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours on @caltopo building a GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when venturing off the standard trail (which I nearly always do) 🗺️

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I now have 8 super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

Available maps:
🇮🇹 Alta Via 2
🇮🇹 Alta Via 4
🇫🇷 Mont Blanc Summit
🇵🇪 Huayhuash Circuit
🇦🇷 Aconcagua Summit
🇺🇸 Teton Crest Trail
🇨🇱 O-Circuit
🇦🇷 Fitz Roy Loop
+ more coming soon!

These maps include detailed route beta with hundreds of waypoints, essential trail stats, alternatives & bailouts, side-trips & summits, all based on my adventurous modifications to these amazing routes! 

They’ve been heavily tested by friends & readers, and I’m confident you won’t find another resource like them 🗺️

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

ps. If you’ve bought one of my maps this summer (AV2 + AV4 have been SO popular!), I’d love to hear from you!!
NEW CUSTOM GPS MAPS!!

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours on @caltopo building a GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when venturing off the standard trail (which I nearly always do) 🗺️

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I now have 8 super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

Available maps:
🇮🇹 Alta Via 2
🇮🇹 Alta Via 4
🇫🇷 Mont Blanc Summit
🇵🇪 Huayhuash Circuit
🇦🇷 Aconcagua Summit
🇺🇸 Teton Crest Trail
🇨🇱 O-Circuit
🇦🇷 Fitz Roy Loop
+ more coming soon!

These maps include detailed route beta with hundreds of waypoints, essential trail stats, alternatives & bailouts, side-trips & summits, all based on my adventurous modifications to these amazing routes! 

They’ve been heavily tested by friends & readers, and I’m confident you won’t find another resource like them 🗺️

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

ps. If you’ve bought one of my maps this summer (AV2 + AV4 have been SO popular!), I’d love to hear from you!!
NEW CUSTOM GPS MAPS!!

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours on @caltopo building a GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when venturing off the standard trail (which I nearly always do) 🗺️

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I now have 8 super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

Available maps:
🇮🇹 Alta Via 2
🇮🇹 Alta Via 4
🇫🇷 Mont Blanc Summit
🇵🇪 Huayhuash Circuit
🇦🇷 Aconcagua Summit
🇺🇸 Teton Crest Trail
🇨🇱 O-Circuit
🇦🇷 Fitz Roy Loop
+ more coming soon!

These maps include detailed route beta with hundreds of waypoints, essential trail stats, alternatives & bailouts, side-trips & summits, all based on my adventurous modifications to these amazing routes! 

They’ve been heavily tested by friends & readers, and I’m confident you won’t find another resource like them 🗺️

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

ps. If you’ve bought one of my maps this summer (AV2 + AV4 have been SO popular!), I’d love to hear from you!!
NEW CUSTOM GPS MAPS!!

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours on @caltopo building a GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when venturing off the standard trail (which I nearly always do) 🗺️

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I now have 8 super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

Available maps:
🇮🇹 Alta Via 2
🇮🇹 Alta Via 4
🇫🇷 Mont Blanc Summit
🇵🇪 Huayhuash Circuit
🇦🇷 Aconcagua Summit
🇺🇸 Teton Crest Trail
🇨🇱 O-Circuit
🇦🇷 Fitz Roy Loop
+ more coming soon!

These maps include detailed route beta with hundreds of waypoints, essential trail stats, alternatives & bailouts, side-trips & summits, all based on my adventurous modifications to these amazing routes! 

They’ve been heavily tested by friends & readers, and I’m confident you won’t find another resource like them 🗺️

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

ps. If you’ve bought one of my maps this summer (AV2 + AV4 have been SO popular!), I’d love to hear from you!!
NEW CUSTOM GPS MAPS!!

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours on @caltopo building a GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when venturing off the standard trail (which I nearly always do) 🗺️

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I now have 8 super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

Available maps:
🇮🇹 Alta Via 2
🇮🇹 Alta Via 4
🇫🇷 Mont Blanc Summit
🇵🇪 Huayhuash Circuit
🇦🇷 Aconcagua Summit
🇺🇸 Teton Crest Trail
🇨🇱 O-Circuit
🇦🇷 Fitz Roy Loop
+ more coming soon!

These maps include detailed route beta with hundreds of waypoints, essential trail stats, alternatives & bailouts, side-trips & summits, all based on my adventurous modifications to these amazing routes! 

They’ve been heavily tested by friends & readers, and I’m confident you won’t find another resource like them 🗺️

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

ps. If you’ve bought one of my maps this summer (AV2 + AV4 have been SO popular!), I’d love to hear from you!!
NEW CUSTOM GPS MAPS!!

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours on @caltopo building a GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when venturing off the standard trail (which I nearly always do) 🗺️

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I now have 8 super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

Available maps:
🇮🇹 Alta Via 2
🇮🇹 Alta Via 4
🇫🇷 Mont Blanc Summit
🇵🇪 Huayhuash Circuit
🇦🇷 Aconcagua Summit
🇺🇸 Teton Crest Trail
🇨🇱 O-Circuit
🇦🇷 Fitz Roy Loop
+ more coming soon!

These maps include detailed route beta with hundreds of waypoints, essential trail stats, alternatives & bailouts, side-trips & summits, all based on my adventurous modifications to these amazing routes! 

They’ve been heavily tested by friends & readers, and I’m confident you won’t find another resource like them 🗺️

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

ps. If you’ve bought one of my maps this summer (AV2 + AV4 have been SO popular!), I’d love to hear from you!!
NEW CUSTOM GPS MAPS!!

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours on @caltopo building a GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when venturing off the standard trail (which I nearly always do) 🗺️

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I now have 8 super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

Available maps:
🇮🇹 Alta Via 2
🇮🇹 Alta Via 4
🇫🇷 Mont Blanc Summit
🇵🇪 Huayhuash Circuit
🇦🇷 Aconcagua Summit
🇺🇸 Teton Crest Trail
🇨🇱 O-Circuit
🇦🇷 Fitz Roy Loop
+ more coming soon!

These maps include detailed route beta with hundreds of waypoints, essential trail stats, alternatives & bailouts, side-trips & summits, all based on my adventurous modifications to these amazing routes! 

They’ve been heavily tested by friends & readers, and I’m confident you won’t find another resource like them 🗺️

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

ps. If you’ve bought one of my maps this summer (AV2 + AV4 have been SO popular!), I’d love to hear from you!!
NEW CUSTOM GPS MAPS!!

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours on @caltopo building a GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when venturing off the standard trail (which I nearly always do) 🗺️

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I now have 8 super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

Available maps:
🇮🇹 Alta Via 2
🇮🇹 Alta Via 4
🇫🇷 Mont Blanc Summit
🇵🇪 Huayhuash Circuit
🇦🇷 Aconcagua Summit
🇺🇸 Teton Crest Trail
🇨🇱 O-Circuit
🇦🇷 Fitz Roy Loop
+ more coming soon!

These maps include detailed route beta with hundreds of waypoints, essential trail stats, alternatives & bailouts, side-trips & summits, all based on my adventurous modifications to these amazing routes! 

They’ve been heavily tested by friends & readers, and I’m confident you won’t find another resource like them 🗺️

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

ps. If you’ve bought one of my maps this summer (AV2 + AV4 have been SO popular!), I’d love to hear from you!!
NEW CUSTOM GPS MAPS!!

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours on @caltopo building a GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when venturing off the standard trail (which I nearly always do) 🗺️

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I now have 8 super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

Available maps:
🇮🇹 Alta Via 2
🇮🇹 Alta Via 4
🇫🇷 Mont Blanc Summit
🇵🇪 Huayhuash Circuit
🇦🇷 Aconcagua Summit
🇺🇸 Teton Crest Trail
🇨🇱 O-Circuit
🇦🇷 Fitz Roy Loop
+ more coming soon!

These maps include detailed route beta with hundreds of waypoints, essential trail stats, alternatives & bailouts, side-trips & summits, all based on my adventurous modifications to these amazing routes! 

They’ve been heavily tested by friends & readers, and I’m confident you won’t find another resource like them 🗺️

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

ps. If you’ve bought one of my maps this summer (AV2 + AV4 have been SO popular!), I’d love to hear from you!!
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
NEW CUSTOM GPS MAPS!! ✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨ Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours on @caltopo building a GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when venturing off the standard trail (which I nearly always do) 🗺️ And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I now have 8 super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!! Available maps: 🇮🇹 Alta Via 2 🇮🇹 Alta Via 4 🇫🇷 Mont Blanc Summit 🇵🇪 Huayhuash Circuit 🇦🇷 Aconcagua Summit 🇺🇸 Teton Crest Trail 🇨🇱 O-Circuit 🇦🇷 Fitz Roy Loop + more coming soon! These maps include detailed route beta with hundreds of waypoints, essential trail stats, alternatives & bailouts, side-trips & summits, all based on my adventurous modifications to these amazing routes! They’ve been heavily tested by friends & readers, and I’m confident you won’t find another resource like them 🗺️ ✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨ ps. If you’ve bought one of my maps this summer (AV2 + AV4 have been SO popular!), I’d love to hear from you!!
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼 (#8 might just be my personal fave 😂) ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
absolutely one of the most amazing little hikes we did in Switzerlnad this summer (& the competition was stiff) 🤩🏔️🌞🌸 📍Saxer Lücke GETTING THERE: catch the Frümsen gondola to Staubernkanzel HIKE: 1hr (2.5km, 250m gain) to this amazing viewpoint WHEN TO GO: the best lighting is in the afternoon, these photos were taken around 4pm and it just kept getting better! . . . . . #swissalps #switzerland #saxerlücke #swisssummer #alpstein
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
the BEST easy hike in Zermatt 🏔️🥾✨

For spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the enormous Monte Rosa massif, and the Gorner Glacier (as well as 29 peaks over 4,000m!), there’s no better EASY hike than Riffelberg to Gornergrat, accessible via the Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt. 

The hike only takes about 2hrs at a leisurely pace (I did it 7 weeks after knee surgery!), so it’s suitable for families and non-hikers with even a basic level of fitness 🏃🏻‍♀️

🇨🇭 START FROM ZERMATT
- purchase tickets (day-of is fine) from Gornergrat Railway, right across from Zermatt train station

🚞 GORNERGRAT RAILWAY
- tickets from Zermatt to Riffelberg cost 42CHF ($50USD)— there’s no discount for return, so keep it flexible by purchasing one-way
- the train takes the about 25min, sit on the right side for best views!
- when you finish the hike at Gornergrat, buy a one-way ticket back to Zermatt for 66CHF ($80USD)
- save 50% on tickets with the Swiss Half Fare Card— the pass costs 120CHF ($150USD) and lasts for a whole month, it’s almost always worth it!) 

🥾 HIKE DETAILS: RIFFELSEE TO GORNERGRAT
- the route is 5km with 560m elevation gain (entirely uphill)
- the best views of the Matterhorn are around Riffelsee, where several small lakes offer perfect reflections
- near Rotenboden (the train station in between Riffelberg & Gornergrat), there are excellent rocky viewpoints of both Matterhorn and Monta Rosa— it’s easy to find quiet views if you hike around a bit!
- as you get closer to Gornergrat, Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier are right in your face
- almost everyone does this hike in reverse (Gornergrat to Riffelberg), I just personally hate hiking downhill— but you can swap if you’d rather descend the entire way!
the BEST easy hike in Zermatt 🏔️🥾✨

For spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the enormous Monte Rosa massif, and the Gorner Glacier (as well as 29 peaks over 4,000m!), there’s no better EASY hike than Riffelberg to Gornergrat, accessible via the Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt. 

The hike only takes about 2hrs at a leisurely pace (I did it 7 weeks after knee surgery!), so it’s suitable for families and non-hikers with even a basic level of fitness 🏃🏻‍♀️

🇨🇭 START FROM ZERMATT
- purchase tickets (day-of is fine) from Gornergrat Railway, right across from Zermatt train station

🚞 GORNERGRAT RAILWAY
- tickets from Zermatt to Riffelberg cost 42CHF ($50USD)— there’s no discount for return, so keep it flexible by purchasing one-way
- the train takes the about 25min, sit on the right side for best views!
- when you finish the hike at Gornergrat, buy a one-way ticket back to Zermatt for 66CHF ($80USD)
- save 50% on tickets with the Swiss Half Fare Card— the pass costs 120CHF ($150USD) and lasts for a whole month, it’s almost always worth it!) 

🥾 HIKE DETAILS: RIFFELSEE TO GORNERGRAT
- the route is 5km with 560m elevation gain (entirely uphill)
- the best views of the Matterhorn are around Riffelsee, where several small lakes offer perfect reflections
- near Rotenboden (the train station in between Riffelberg & Gornergrat), there are excellent rocky viewpoints of both Matterhorn and Monta Rosa— it’s easy to find quiet views if you hike around a bit!
- as you get closer to Gornergrat, Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier are right in your face
- almost everyone does this hike in reverse (Gornergrat to Riffelberg), I just personally hate hiking downhill— but you can swap if you’d rather descend the entire way!
the BEST easy hike in Zermatt 🏔️🥾✨

For spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the enormous Monte Rosa massif, and the Gorner Glacier (as well as 29 peaks over 4,000m!), there’s no better EASY hike than Riffelberg to Gornergrat, accessible via the Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt. 

The hike only takes about 2hrs at a leisurely pace (I did it 7 weeks after knee surgery!), so it’s suitable for families and non-hikers with even a basic level of fitness 🏃🏻‍♀️

🇨🇭 START FROM ZERMATT
- purchase tickets (day-of is fine) from Gornergrat Railway, right across from Zermatt train station

🚞 GORNERGRAT RAILWAY
- tickets from Zermatt to Riffelberg cost 42CHF ($50USD)— there’s no discount for return, so keep it flexible by purchasing one-way
- the train takes the about 25min, sit on the right side for best views!
- when you finish the hike at Gornergrat, buy a one-way ticket back to Zermatt for 66CHF ($80USD)
- save 50% on tickets with the Swiss Half Fare Card— the pass costs 120CHF ($150USD) and lasts for a whole month, it’s almost always worth it!) 

🥾 HIKE DETAILS: RIFFELSEE TO GORNERGRAT
- the route is 5km with 560m elevation gain (entirely uphill)
- the best views of the Matterhorn are around Riffelsee, where several small lakes offer perfect reflections
- near Rotenboden (the train station in between Riffelberg & Gornergrat), there are excellent rocky viewpoints of both Matterhorn and Monta Rosa— it’s easy to find quiet views if you hike around a bit!
- as you get closer to Gornergrat, Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier are right in your face
- almost everyone does this hike in reverse (Gornergrat to Riffelberg), I just personally hate hiking downhill— but you can swap if you’d rather descend the entire way!
the BEST easy hike in Zermatt 🏔️🥾✨

For spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the enormous Monte Rosa massif, and the Gorner Glacier (as well as 29 peaks over 4,000m!), there’s no better EASY hike than Riffelberg to Gornergrat, accessible via the Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt. 

The hike only takes about 2hrs at a leisurely pace (I did it 7 weeks after knee surgery!), so it’s suitable for families and non-hikers with even a basic level of fitness 🏃🏻‍♀️

🇨🇭 START FROM ZERMATT
- purchase tickets (day-of is fine) from Gornergrat Railway, right across from Zermatt train station

🚞 GORNERGRAT RAILWAY
- tickets from Zermatt to Riffelberg cost 42CHF ($50USD)— there’s no discount for return, so keep it flexible by purchasing one-way
- the train takes the about 25min, sit on the right side for best views!
- when you finish the hike at Gornergrat, buy a one-way ticket back to Zermatt for 66CHF ($80USD)
- save 50% on tickets with the Swiss Half Fare Card— the pass costs 120CHF ($150USD) and lasts for a whole month, it’s almost always worth it!) 

🥾 HIKE DETAILS: RIFFELSEE TO GORNERGRAT
- the route is 5km with 560m elevation gain (entirely uphill)
- the best views of the Matterhorn are around Riffelsee, where several small lakes offer perfect reflections
- near Rotenboden (the train station in between Riffelberg & Gornergrat), there are excellent rocky viewpoints of both Matterhorn and Monta Rosa— it’s easy to find quiet views if you hike around a bit!
- as you get closer to Gornergrat, Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier are right in your face
- almost everyone does this hike in reverse (Gornergrat to Riffelberg), I just personally hate hiking downhill— but you can swap if you’d rather descend the entire way!
the BEST easy hike in Zermatt 🏔️🥾✨

For spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the enormous Monte Rosa massif, and the Gorner Glacier (as well as 29 peaks over 4,000m!), there’s no better EASY hike than Riffelberg to Gornergrat, accessible via the Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt. 

The hike only takes about 2hrs at a leisurely pace (I did it 7 weeks after knee surgery!), so it’s suitable for families and non-hikers with even a basic level of fitness 🏃🏻‍♀️

🇨🇭 START FROM ZERMATT
- purchase tickets (day-of is fine) from Gornergrat Railway, right across from Zermatt train station

🚞 GORNERGRAT RAILWAY
- tickets from Zermatt to Riffelberg cost 42CHF ($50USD)— there’s no discount for return, so keep it flexible by purchasing one-way
- the train takes the about 25min, sit on the right side for best views!
- when you finish the hike at Gornergrat, buy a one-way ticket back to Zermatt for 66CHF ($80USD)
- save 50% on tickets with the Swiss Half Fare Card— the pass costs 120CHF ($150USD) and lasts for a whole month, it’s almost always worth it!) 

🥾 HIKE DETAILS: RIFFELSEE TO GORNERGRAT
- the route is 5km with 560m elevation gain (entirely uphill)
- the best views of the Matterhorn are around Riffelsee, where several small lakes offer perfect reflections
- near Rotenboden (the train station in between Riffelberg & Gornergrat), there are excellent rocky viewpoints of both Matterhorn and Monta Rosa— it’s easy to find quiet views if you hike around a bit!
- as you get closer to Gornergrat, Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier are right in your face
- almost everyone does this hike in reverse (Gornergrat to Riffelberg), I just personally hate hiking downhill— but you can swap if you’d rather descend the entire way!
the BEST easy hike in Zermatt 🏔️🥾✨

For spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the enormous Monte Rosa massif, and the Gorner Glacier (as well as 29 peaks over 4,000m!), there’s no better EASY hike than Riffelberg to Gornergrat, accessible via the Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt. 

The hike only takes about 2hrs at a leisurely pace (I did it 7 weeks after knee surgery!), so it’s suitable for families and non-hikers with even a basic level of fitness 🏃🏻‍♀️

🇨🇭 START FROM ZERMATT
- purchase tickets (day-of is fine) from Gornergrat Railway, right across from Zermatt train station

🚞 GORNERGRAT RAILWAY
- tickets from Zermatt to Riffelberg cost 42CHF ($50USD)— there’s no discount for return, so keep it flexible by purchasing one-way
- the train takes the about 25min, sit on the right side for best views!
- when you finish the hike at Gornergrat, buy a one-way ticket back to Zermatt for 66CHF ($80USD)
- save 50% on tickets with the Swiss Half Fare Card— the pass costs 120CHF ($150USD) and lasts for a whole month, it’s almost always worth it!) 

🥾 HIKE DETAILS: RIFFELSEE TO GORNERGRAT
- the route is 5km with 560m elevation gain (entirely uphill)
- the best views of the Matterhorn are around Riffelsee, where several small lakes offer perfect reflections
- near Rotenboden (the train station in between Riffelberg & Gornergrat), there are excellent rocky viewpoints of both Matterhorn and Monta Rosa— it’s easy to find quiet views if you hike around a bit!
- as you get closer to Gornergrat, Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier are right in your face
- almost everyone does this hike in reverse (Gornergrat to Riffelberg), I just personally hate hiking downhill— but you can swap if you’d rather descend the entire way!
@brookebeyond_
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the BEST easy hike in Zermatt 🏔️🥾✨ For spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the enormous Monte Rosa massif, and the Gorner Glacier (as well as 29 peaks over 4,000m!), there’s no better EASY hike than Riffelberg to Gornergrat, accessible via the Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt. The hike only takes about 2hrs at a leisurely pace (I did it 7 weeks after knee surgery!), so it’s suitable for families and non-hikers with even a basic level of fitness 🏃🏻‍♀️ 🇨🇭 START FROM ZERMATT - purchase tickets (day-of is fine) from Gornergrat Railway, right across from Zermatt train station 🚞 GORNERGRAT RAILWAY - tickets from Zermatt to Riffelberg cost 42CHF ($50USD)— there’s no discount for return, so keep it flexible by purchasing one-way - the train takes the about 25min, sit on the right side for best views! - when you finish the hike at Gornergrat, buy a one-way ticket back to Zermatt for 66CHF ($80USD) - save 50% on tickets with the Swiss Half Fare Card— the pass costs 120CHF ($150USD) and lasts for a whole month, it’s almost always worth it!) 🥾 HIKE DETAILS: RIFFELSEE TO GORNERGRAT - the route is 5km with 560m elevation gain (entirely uphill) - the best views of the Matterhorn are around Riffelsee, where several small lakes offer perfect reflections - near Rotenboden (the train station in between Riffelberg & Gornergrat), there are excellent rocky viewpoints of both Matterhorn and Monta Rosa— it’s easy to find quiet views if you hike around a bit! - as you get closer to Gornergrat, Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier are right in your face - almost everyone does this hike in reverse (Gornergrat to Riffelberg), I just personally hate hiking downhill— but you can swap if you’d rather descend the entire way!
2 weeks ago
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