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    O Circuit: Trek to Grey Glacier

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    5-7.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    16.5 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    839 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    Directions to Trailhead
    O Circuit: Trek to Grey Glacier

    The O Circuit: Trek to Grey Glacier is an incredible stage of the 120.0 km long O Circuit Trail within Torres del Paine National Park. While out trekking this path, you will navigate the John Gardner Pass between Cerro Cóndor and Cerro Blanco Sur, before descending the opposite slope to reach the frigid expanse of the Grey Glacier. This stretch of the O Circuit features a fair amount of uphill climbing, making it more physically demanding than the previous stages.

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    Route Description for O Circuit: Trek to Grey Glacier

    A tough uphill climb and mesmerizing views overlooking a massive glacier are what characterize this leg of the O Circuit. The trek to Grey Glacier is certainly a challenging undertaking; however, traversing the John Gardner Pass and the “top of the world” feeling that comes with it are unforgettable!

    Setting out from the campsite next to Laguna Los Perros, you will make your way west through a serene valley that is shaped by the slopes of Cerro Cóndor and Cerro Blanco Sur. Here, you will steadily gain elevation before the route begins to climb sharply upward through the rugged terrain of John Gardner Pass.

    With rough terrain and (usually) windy conditions, the pass can be a bit of a challenge to navigate; however, the views from the highpoint are spectacular. Here, you will stand towering above the vast expanse of the Grey Glacier, and on a clear day will have views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

    After cresting the pass, you will begin your descent of the opposite slope, carefully working your way through the mountain landscape to enter into the forest. Shortly after entering the tree cover the trail will bend to the south, bringing you to Campamento Paso, which some travellers use if the route is overly busy.

    Continuing on to the south, you will pass a number of scenic viewpoints that look out onto Grey Glacier, and will cross over a series of suspension bridges. Eventually, you will arrive at a junction next to the Grey Camp. Many people chose to turn right at the junction in order to hike a bit further to a breathtaking vantage point looking out across the glacier.

    After taking in the views, backtrack along the trail to return to your camp, where you can set up for the night and get some rest ahead of the following day’s trek on the O Circuit: Grey Glacier to Lake Pehoé.

    Getting to the O Circuit: Trek to Grey Glacier Trailhead

    The starting point for this hike can be found at the Los Perros campsite along the O Circuit of Torres del Paine National Park.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      Campamento Paso, Camping Grey

    • When to do

      October-April

    • Pets allowed

      No

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      One Way

    O Circuit: Trek to Grey Glacier Elevation Graph

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    O Circuit: Trek to Grey Glacier Reviews

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