Enchantments Traverse
~3 days · 18 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Enchantments Traverse is known for
The classic one-way traverse of the Enchantments in Washington's Alpine Lakes Wilderness, climbing from the Stuart Lake trailhead over steep Aasgard Pass into the granite-and-larch Core zone, then descending past Snow and Nada Lakes to the Snow Lakes trailhead. About 18 miles point-to-point; camping in the Core is controlled by a highly competitive permit lottery, so many hikers do it as a very long day.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 4,370 ft to 25,682 ft over 18 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 5.3 mi · 30%
- Downhill 12.1 mi · 68%
- Flat 0.4 mi · 2%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Enchantments Traverse?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Enchantments Traverse scores 30/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Enchantments Traverse take?
Most backpackers hike the Enchantments Traverse in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 18 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Enchantments Traverse?
The Enchantments Traverse climbs roughly 5,223 ft total — about 290 ft per mile, topping out near 7,841 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.