We didn't make it all the way to the Refugio Frey walking up from the base of Cerro Cathedral but even going half way there were beautiful views of lakes and mountains. The trail was well maintained and of easy to moderate difficulty. We were fortunate to go on a beautiful sunny day in April, not too warm or too cold. The trees were beautiful yellows, oranges and reds. Well worth doing!
The journey is just as great as the destination in this case. It's a fairly tough hike but the ascent is pretty gradual and the views are spectacular. The Refugio itself is pretty cool and the staff is nice. You can order food and buy beer there as a reward for your hike up. Highly recommended if you're in Bariloche.
We hiked to the Refugio Frey with some friends, stayed the night and came back on the next morning. We had a wonderful time!The trails are well-signalized and maintained. We could enjoy the nature and the sport feeling safe all the time. I got cholera a couple of days after the hike, and suspect it could have been the water from the creeks, so maybe bring some bottled water with you, who knows what happens upstream...The Refugio itself is very well organized, with restrooms (no showers, though), space for camping for free, bunk-beds in a dorm to stay for 100 pesos/night, a little kitchen where you can get some (expensive and burnt) pizza, a fire-pit where everyone gathers to sing and play music at night, and a nice little lake to take a swim. The managers were really friendly and helpful. We didn't have the gear, but we heard that there is some incredible climbing around the area. A sense of community and communion with nature can be felt. Everyone there was really friendly and willing to share their food, instruments, wine and experiences.
The best way to do this hike is to hike the loop from the top of Cerro Catedral, riding the ski chair lifts, then hike the ridge south to the pass, dropping into the valley where Frey is located. This ridge is rough hiking with significant rock scrambling for the first several miles. Route-finding is relatively easy by way of large painted dots on the rocks to show the way. From Frey down the trail back to the Catedral parking lot is pedestrian, but long. Impressive views of Monte Tronador all along the ridge. If you are not comfortable rock scrambling, stick to the regular trail from the parking lot and return the same way.
If you are looking for a confortable resort this isn't your option. By the way if you are looking for a really mountain experience, here you will find everything. Awesome landscapes, amazing sky at night, great experience!
We hiked to Refugio Frey and back in a day starting from Catedral. The bus is easy, one where you can pay on the bus rather than needing a rechargeable card.At the village signs are not obvious but head out to the left and you will soon find signs and tracks.The trek itself was one of my favourites in South America with stunning views and ever changing scenery. it is quite a tough day up and down but easily doable and the tracks are will marked and stable so no scrambling. There was snow on the ground for the last couple of hundred metres to the Refugio itself where we turned round but this caused no problems.A very beautiful walk an amazing area.
Well worth the climb. Best in summer. Icy in winter. The lake provides all electricity, and the bunk beds are cozy. An adventurers paradise.
Awesome hike, beautiful location, wonderful refugio, top notch climbing, and great camping! I can't wait to go to the Frey again! The last 30-45 minutes of the hike to Frey are a bit difficult, but totally worth it. It is exciting to see the refugio from the distance and then cross the creek and get to the refugio surrounded by spires and setting right beside a beautiful lake!
Had a great time doing this trek.Can be quite tough if done in the sun. Take plenty of cream. And some water, food is recommended.
A very beautiful hike just 30 min outside of Bariloche with the bus. Took me and my friend a bit under 3 hours to get to the top. Very good for a one day hike. You dont' have to get up early at all. We spent two hours at the top, just walking around, relaxing and enjoying the scenary. Very beautiful!! A very rocky area at the top. Go further east If you want more a kind a "fruity" landscape. But this trek Got everything. Mountains, forrest, small rivers and a Lake at the top. Can recommend for all beginners. Water can u fill up on the top from the Lake.