The Croda da Lago Circuit is one of the most underrated hikes that we did in the Dolomites. We’ve explored this region on multiple trips and hiked many of its classic trails, and this loop still stands out for its variety: soaring limestone peaks, quiet alpine meadows, and the impossibly photogenic Lago Federa tucked beneath […]
Stage 8 is both the easiest and shortest of the 14 stages that make up the Walker’s Haute Route and it is a great chance to catch your breath and rest your legs before heading into the final stretches of the Haute Route. Beginning in Arolla, you will hike up and over hillsides, passing through […]
Stage 7 is one of our favorite stages of the Walker’s Haute Route. This is a beautiful walk from start to finish. Today’s trail covers a wide variety of landscapes, from glacier-covered mountains, a lovely milky-blue lake, forested hills, and wide open grasslands. In terms of difficulty, today’s stage is relatively easy. You will have […]
The Hörnlihütte (Hörnli Hut) is a lodge built at the base of the Matterhorn. For thrill seeking rock-climbers, the Hörnlihütte marks the start of the ascent up to the peak of the Matterhorn. Even if you do not wish to stand on top of the Matterhorn, simply hiking to and from the Hörnlihütte makes for […]
On very tired legs we started Stage 6 of the Walker’s Haute Route. Today’s hike is a quintessential day on the Haute Route. In about 7 hours, you will cross several cols, hike past glacial lakes, and enjoy views of spectacular alpine scenery. In fact, Stage 6 is the most scenic day yet. This is […]
Riva del Garda was our introduction to Lake Garda, and looking back, it was the highlight of our entire time there. We drove in from the Dolomites, stopping first at Villa Canale (amazing!) and Parco Grotta Cascate Varone, and then spent the remainder of the day visiting the historic city center, the MAG museum, Torre […]
Hopefully you are feeling well rested, as Stage 5 of the Walker’s Haute Route includes one of the largest climbs of the entire route. Beginning in the valley in Le Châble, you will work your way up into the high alpine mountain ranges where you will spend the night. Be prepared for wild changes in […]
The hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is one of our favorite short hikes in the Dolomites. This is a gorgeous hike every step of the way, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, a unique view of the “backside” of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and of course, an awesome view of the Cadini […]
After two long, strenuous climbs and steep descents offered by the last two stages of the Walker’s Haute Route, Stage 4 provides a much needed day of recovery. Although you will still end up hiking roughly 14 km (8 miles), Stage 4 is much less challenging and one of the easiest days of the entire […]
Stage 3 of the Walker’s Haute Route is the most challenging stage yet, but also one of the most rewarding. A massive, steep climb takes you up to the top of a mountain pass, Fenêtre d’Arpette, and along the way, you will have fantastic views of the Trient Glacier. It is a hard hike, and […]
After an easy, somewhat unexciting walk from Chamonix to Argentière, the hike gets to be a lot more interesting on this stage. It also gets a lot more challenging. Stage 2 of the Walker’s Haute Route is the first time you really get to test out your legs and enjoy the alpine views for which […]
Stage 1 of the Walker’s Haute Route is the shortest, easiest day of the entire trek. It’s a mostly flat walk between Chamonix and Argentière and for most of this stage, you are either walking through town or through an evergreen forest. If you spent any time in Chamonix or Argentière prior to starting this […]
Riding the series of lifts to Rothorn is one of the best things to do in Zermatt. Rothorn is one of the highest viewpoints in Zermatt, and from here you get a spectacular view of the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains. On the journey to Rothorn, you will pass through two stations, Sunnegga and Blauherd, […]
Although we hadn’t intended to hike to Rifugio Averau or Rifugio Nuvolau, seeing them in the distance while hiking the Cinque Torri changed everything. The views from both huts were spectacular, turning a spontaneous decision into one of our most unforgettable experiences in the Dolomites. Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau are two of the most scenic, […]
We’ve explored the Dolomites across multiple trips, hiking Tre Cime, the Puez-Odle Altopiano, Lago di Sorapis, and more, and we have strong opinions about what’s worth your time. The Cinque Torri belongs near the top of any list. It’s one of the most recognizable rock formations in the Dolomites: five jagged towers rising above alpine […]
Lago di Sorapis (Lake Sorapis) is one of the most popular hikes in the Dolomites. Located just outside of Cortina d’Ampezzo, this aquamarine lake attracts hundreds of hikers every day during the summer months. The vast majority of people hike out-and-back to Lago di Sorapis on the main trail. What many people don’t know is […]
There are 63 national parks in the United States, and we’ve visited 56 of them, from the remote wilderness of Denali to the coral reefs of the Virgin Islands. We’re a family of avid hikers who have spent over a decade exploring these parks, from multi-day backcountry trips to scenic drives with kids in tow. […]
Combining Jungfraujoch and the Eiger Trail is one of the best ways to spend one day in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland. If you move fast, you can also add on the Panorama Trail, which runs between Kleine Scheidegg and Männlichen. We did this same itinerary and it was our favorite day of our 3 […]