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.