Haute Route Primer

Lucky Peak Route


Next Saturday, Rhonda and I join three other couples as we fly from Seattle to Geneva and then a train to Chamonix, France. Our goal is to hike the Walkers Route or Haute Route in the Alps from Chamonix to Zermatt, Switzerland, approximately 150 KM or 93 miles in 12 days.
Each night we will be staying in a Village hotel or a Swiss Mountain hut, so we do not need to carry sleeping bags, tents or cooking gear. Otherwise, all our gear and clothes will be carried on our backs, anywhere from 20 to 40 pounds.

Today was Rhonda and my shake down training hike. Our goal was to hike 6 miles up from Homestead Trailhead to the towers on Lucky Peak/Shaw Mountain, 5904', or an approximately 3000' climb. We were carrying all the gear we plan to take on the Haute Route.

Near the trailhead with Lucky Peak on the horizon

We left the TH at 7:30 when it was about 60 degrees, clear skies and nearly a full moon

Boise in the background and the Table Rock Fire. Home is below the burn, center left.

The gate before the bird observatory and the summit had a sign claiming access was closed because of the Hill Top fire, early this summer. 

So we hiked out the Ridge Road towards Aldape Summit and found some shade with a view for a snack break. 

A panoramic view of Lucky Peak to Bogus Basin, left to right. 

After 5 hours, 12 miles, 3000' up and then back down again, we returned home to nearly 90 degrees. Surely the Alps will be cooler.