Frances Refuge - Paine Grande Refuge
Leave the refuge and continue along Lake Nordenskjöld, arriving at the entrance to the Valle del Francés after 2½ hours. Continue directly to the next camp, Camp Paine Grande on the northern shore of Lake Pehoe. Overnight stay at the Paine Grande Refuge.
Details
Creation:
Last update:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 12.58 mi -
Average duration: 7h 40 -
Difficulty: Moderate -
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Back to start: No -
Ascent: + 2,188 ft -
Descent: - 2,592 ft -
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Highest point: 2,484 ft -
Lowest point: 128 ft
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Country:
Chile
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Start: S 51.026106° / W 73.027433° -
End: S 51.07246° / W 73.094312° -
Hour-by-hour weather
Waypoints
- S : mi 0 - alt. 558 ft - Campamento Francés
- 1 : mi 0.68 - alt. 505 ft - Crossroads
- 2 : mi 8.51 - alt. 433 ft - Rio del Francés
- E : mi 12.58 - alt. 131 ft - Paine Grande Refuge
Other walks in the area
Paine Grande Refuge - Grey Hostel and Campsite
Visorando Member 7.37 mi
+1,198 ft
-1,142 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Chile
The route takes you along the edge of Lake Grey towards the southern front of the Grey Glacier, one of the last great glacier fronts at the southern tip of the Hielo Patagonico. No technical difficulty. Little elevation gain. The trail offers spectacular views of the lake filled with icebergs released from the Grey Glacier front. At the end of the morning, the first viewpoint of the Grey Glacier is a great place to have lunch.
From Las Torres Campsite to the Paine Glacial Lagoon
Visorando Member 11.77 mi
+3,104 ft
-3,097 ft
8h 05
Difficult
Departure from Chile
The hike leaves the plain below the massif to gain height and wind its way along a balcony overlooking the Rio Ascencio. A stop at the Chilean refuge is possible before continuing on to reach the Paine Towers moraine after crossing a beautiful coniferous forest. The path then becomes steeper and winds its way upwards. After an hour's effort, the path reaches the Paine glacial lagoon, dominated by the legendary Torres del Paine towers. Return via the same route.
Las Torres Campsite - Francés Refuge
Visorando Member 9.52 mi
+1,526 ft
-1,407 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Chile
This is the second stage of the W. There are no technical difficulties during this day. The stage is shorter than the previous day, with no steep slopes. The goal is to reach the Francés Refuge via the north shore of Lake Nordenskjöld. The trail winds its way under the beautiful Cuernos del Paine massif.
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