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Rocky Mountain National Park Longs Peak Chasm Lake hike
Colorado / USA

Vanlife diaries #31: Boulder, Fort Collins & Rocky Mountain National Park

17 October 2021

Last Updated on 18 May 2022

We spent much of this week making our way from Denver to Boulder to Fort Collins, visiting more breweries than are possible to count (although of course I did count and we are up to #95), eating heaps of wonderful food, and chatting to everyone we met along the way.

By Friday, we joined the crowds in Rocky Mountain National Park for a few snowy days of sightseeing and hiking, and then watched as the main road through the park closed for weather. The seasons are changing and it feels like our attempts to outrun the cold are failing miserably…

Denver Colorado Golden Brewery hopping
Denver Colorado Brewery hopping

What we’ve been up to this week

In the last two weeks alone (and largely due to the need to rest my broken toe), we have visited a whopping 26 breweries across Colorado and had some seriously incredible beer. 

And not only that, but we’ve also met some lovely people, including 2 separate couples who are building out a Promaster van similar to ours and who were incredibly eager for the full tour— which I genuinely love giving. We are so thoroughly stoked on vanlife that we’d probably give daily 4-hour seminars if anyone would listen, so getting to show off our layout, storage, and power system is always a treat. 

Invariably it also comes with new information on travelling (we talked to a couple for several hours who’d just been to Baja in their small RV and another which recommend New Mexico as our next stop) and on vanlife in general (we learned a lot about heater options from some new friends!). 

Denver Colorado Brewery hopping
Denver Colorado Golden Brewery hopping

I will be the first to admit that we didn’t know much about vans when we moved into ours, and chatting to people more handy or better researched than us has always proved a worthwhile source of vanlife knowledge! Mostly, we just make it up as we go along, but learning new things about our van and possible further customisation always helps.

Denver Colorado Brewery hopping
Denver Colorado Brewery hopping
Denver Colorado Brewery hopping

Here are all the breweries we’ve hit up in Colorado thus far, rated on a 3-star scale (*** being the best) as much for our own records as for your perusal. I’ll come back and update this as we continue through the state!

GREELEY

  1. WeldWerks***
  2. Wiley Roots***

DENVER

  1. New Image*
  2. Call to Arms*
  3. Cerebral***
  4. Fiction**
  5. Station 26***
  6. Comrade**
  7. Great Divide**
  8. Mockery*
  9. TRVE***
  10. Dos Luces***

GOLDEN

  1. New Terrain***
  2. Cannonball Creek**

BOULDER

  1. Wild Provisions**
  2. 4 Noses***
  3. Avery***
  4. Left Hand**

FORT COLLINS

  1. FunkWerks***
  2. New Belgium***
  3. Crooked Stave***
  4. Zwei**
  5. Jessup Barrel House**
  6. Odell**

ESTES PARK

  1. Avant Garde**
  2. The Post*

CENTRAL CO

  1. Outer Range***
  2. Casey**
  3. Aspen Brewing Co*
  4. Chrysalis***
  5. Elevation**
Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado autumn fall
Driving through Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado autumn fall
Autumn aspen in Rocky Mountain

When we finally decided to head over to Rocky Mountain National Park on Friday morning, it was just in time for a snowy forecast that closed scenic Trail Ridge Road through the park and disrupted all of the walks and hikes we’d been eyeing.

Still, we managed a stroll around Bear Lake and along Many Parks Curve overlooking the plentiful basins carved by ancient glacial activity in the Rocky Mountains.

Read more: THE ULTIMATE 2-WEEK COLORADO ROAD TRIP ITINERARY: HIDDEN GEMS + 3 NATIONAL PARKS!

Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado autumn fall
Walking around Bear Lake
Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado autumn fall
Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado autumn fall
Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado autumn fall
Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado autumn fall
Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado autumn fall
Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado autumn fall

We were eventually driven back to Estes Park by a particularly strong flurry in the afternoon, but occupied ourselves for the remainder of the evening poking around the eerie Stanley Hotel. 

Although The Shining with Jack Nicholson wasn’t filmed here, it was SET here, as Steven King actually stayed at The Stanley while writing the original novel. Unsurprisingly, they play to the supernatural pretty heavily now and even offer ghost tours through the property. 

Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado Estes Park
Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado Estes Park

Our next excursion into the park was to hike to Chasm Lake beneath Longs Peak. Under ordinary circumstances, we would have been tackling the summit of Rocky Mountain National Park’s tallest 14er— as it was (broken toe aside), the weather was absolutely shocking and there’s no way a climb would have been possible. 

By 12pm, the summit was entirely encased in storm clouds, and that’s to say nothing of the ice that had frozen over the boulder field and ledges en route. What would ordinarily have been fun scrambling was now a death-wish.

Rocky Mountain National Park Longs Peak Chasm Lake hike
Approaching Chasm Lake
Rocky Mountain National Park Longs Peak Chasm Lake hike
Chasm Lake
Rocky Mountain National Park Longs Peak Chasm Lake hike
Rocky Mountain National Park Longs Peak Chasm Lake hike
Rocky Mountain National Park Longs Peak Chasm Lake hike
Rocky Mountain National Park Longs Peak Chasm Lake hike

As a consolation, Chasm Lake is about as good as it gets, a soaring alpine hike with superb views of Longs Peak and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. 

The journey up to the lake was truly beautiful, mostly blue skies with clouds starting to roll through over the final few miles. My toe hurt but felt manageable (a constant pain I could ignore) and it was even fun scrambling up the ice-slicked boulder field (when I wasn’t fearful for my life). 

It was the return journey that got me, and it’s a special kind of suffering to watch all the breathless hikers you passed on the ascent just FLY BY you on the descent while you cry in pain with every step. 

Rocky Mountain National Park Longs Peak Chasm Lake hike

I’m glad I got out and saw a small slice of this glorious park before winter rolled in (a foot of snow forecasted this week), but it’s definitely looking like I’ll be off the trail a bit longer. Devastated more than I can say— you’ll currently find me drowning my sorrows in hot springs and seasonal saisons throughout Colorado as we wait for the snow to pass.

Rocky Mountain National Park Longs Peak Chasm Lake hike
Approaching the base of Longs Peak
Rocky Mountain National Park Longs Peak Chasm Lake hike
Hiking to Chasm Lake

Where we stayed this week

Breweries are not only our main source of beer, but also our main source of accommodation, apparently.

  • Quality Inn near the Denver Airport ($32 after reward points; 4 Oct)
  • Boondocking in Denver, CO (free; 5 Oct)
  • Boondocking outside Avery in Boulder, CO (free; 6 Oct)
  • Boondocking outside New Belgium in Fort Collins, CO (free; 7 Oct)
  • Boondocking outside Avant Garde Aleworks in Estes Park, CO (free; 8 Oct)
  • Boondocking outside Odell Brewing in Fort Collins, CO (free; 9 Oct)
  • Boondocking outside Avant Garde Aleworks in Estes Park, CO (free; 10 Oct)
Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado autumn fall
Rocky Mountain National Park
TAGS:vanlifevanlife USA
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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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The Comments

  • Anonymous
    19 October 2021

    Sounds like you’re having a wonderful time! Hope your toe heals soon! Love reading about your adventures! Aunt Leta

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Anonymous
      26 October 2021

      Thanks so much for reading, Aunt Leta! We are looking forward to seeing you in Mexico in a few months 🙂

      Reply

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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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.
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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 🐄🇨🇭🧀🫐🌺
.
.
.
.
.
#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
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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.
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.
.
#swissalps #switzerland #matterhorn #zermatt #oeschinensee #lucerne #jungfraujoch #grindelwald #swisssummer
magical moments in the swiss alps 🐄🇨🇭🧀🫐🌺
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.
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.
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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
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
magical moments in the swiss alps 🐄🇨🇭🧀🫐🌺 . . . . . #swissalps #switzerland #matterhorn #zermatt #oeschinensee #lucerne #jungfraujoch #grindelwald #swisssummer
2 days ago
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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!!
4 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”
7 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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