Walker's Haute Route
10–14 days · 128.5 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Walker's Haute Route is known for
The Walker's Haute Route is the high-level hiking traverse from Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland, linking the Mont Blanc and Matterhorn massifs across the Pennine Alps. Over roughly eleven passes it crosses the Valais, passing beneath a concentration of 4,000-meter peaks and ending in view of the Matterhorn. Distinct from the mountaineers' glaciated Haute Route, it is a walkers' point-to-point traverse using village inns and mountain huts.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 2,392 ft to 9,432 ft over 128.5 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 64.2 mi · 50%
- Downhill 49.3 mi · 38%
- Flat 15.0 mi · 12%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Walker's Haute Route?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Walker's Haute Route scores 93/100, 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.
Best season & permits
Season: Late June to September is typical, once the high cols are snow-free and the refuges and valley accommodation are open; early season can still hold snow on the passes.
Permits: No permit is needed to walk the route; logistics revolve around booking mountain huts and village lodging along the way rather than any trail permit.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Walker's Haute Route take?
Most backpackers take 10–14 days to hike the Walker's Haute Route's 128.5 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Walker's Haute Route?
The Walker's Haute Route climbs roughly 47,158 ft total — about 367 ft per mile, topping out near 9,788 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Walker's Haute Route?
Late June to September is typical, once the high cols are snow-free and the refuges and valley accommodation are open; early season can still hold snow on the passes.
Do you need a permit for the Walker's Haute Route?
No permit is needed to walk the route; logistics revolve around booking mountain huts and village lodging along the way rather than any trail permit.
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.