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Yosemite National Park
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California USA
Yosemite National Park is located near Mariposa, California, USA.
Glacier Grey Climb, Torres del Paine
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Magallanes Chile
- ABOUT THE SPOT
Ice Climbing in Glacier Grey Climb, Torres del Paine, Magallanes Chile
Top elevation:
131ft/40m
Ice caves and drains:
On a thousand years old glacier
Torres del Paine is located in Southern Patagonia and is one of the numerous spectacular national parks in Chile. It was created in 1959 and UNESCO has listed the location as a Biosphere Reserve since 1978. This place is a wonderland for hikers from all over the world.
Waterfalls and rivers, Magellanic subpolar forests, pampas, mountains covered with permanent ice, granite peaks, meadows and glacier fed lakes await the outdoor adventurers to discover the wild and unique nature of Patagonia. In order to reach Glacier Grey, you follow the trail that starts from the administrator area and hike on to the Glacier. You can follow the W or the Grand Cirquit trail to get there.
An alternative way to reach the lake is by taking the Gray II boat, that sails from Hosteria Lago Gray, all the way up to the Glaciers face. This amazing Patagonian ice field is a 131 ft/40 m tall ice wall, and it is 17 mi/28 km long. There are also ice caves and drains to explore, leading you deep in the heart of the glacier. The opportunity to climb a thousand years old glacier is a once in a lifetime experience. This place is windy and exposed to avalanches, so it is wise to take a guided tour, if visiting for the first time.
The nature around you is overwhelming with outstanding ecosystems, different landscapes and rare flora and fauna, found nowhere else on the planet. In every step you take, the views of this dramatic land take your breath away. You can hike this trail all year round, but the best time to visit Torres del Paine is between November and February.
There are many campgrounds and refugios along the Circuito Glaciar Grey Trail, where you can spend the night. Be very well prepared in regards with gear, food and clothing because the weather is unpredictable with high winds, rain showers, long hot days during summer, snow and everything else you may think of. Wind proof layers are the key.
