On our second big hike day in a row, we take the 13 mile trek out to Laguna Torre at the base of the famous Cerro Torre peak. The trail and views are just as good as the day before.
1 Los Glaciares National Park has some great trailhead signs.
2 The trail quickly climbs out of El Chaltén on another beautiful morning. I really could handle living here.
3 We quickly get our first views of the jagged Cerro Torre peak on the left, with the Fitz Roy massif closer on the right.
4 Walking up the meadow with a great view of Glacier Grande and Cerro Torre.
5 The trail then winds through a gorgeous Lenga forest.
6 Dad taking in the view from one of the many creek crossings.
7 The trail then follows Rio Fitz Roy for a ways. The water is completely milky white from all the glacial runoff.
8 A nice path, followed by a steep climb up the moraine, almost to the lake.
9 Boom! We made it. Just like yesterday, the trail crests over a ridge, and then you walk straight into this epic view. The person in the lower-left gives you a sense of scale.
10 Walking down to lake level. Unlike Laguna de los Tres yesterday, Laguna Torre has small icebergs floating in it. Though it is a glacial lake, it's still a little surprising to see icebergs in the middle of summer.
11 The view from lake level. I'd be hard pressed to decide which was the better payoff view between yesterday and today.
12 Dad and I at Laguna Torre. Two days in a row of absolutely world class photo spots. We need to celebrate birthdays like this more often!
13 Dad taking in the view.
14 Heading down now with Cerro Torre at our backs. This area had a bad fire about 6 years ago and is still recovering.
15 Walking back through the meadows. We have to remember to turn around every so often to take in the amazing view at our back.
16 Looking down the canyon cut by Rio Fitz Roy.
17 Made it back to the mirador (lookout) about 3 miles in from the trailhead.
18 The trail gets a little technical in places.
19 Almost down now. We've been blessed with yet another day of perfect weather.
20 Made it! Another unforgettable Patagonia trek in the books.
21 Back to El Chaltén just in time to meet our driver for the ride South to El Calafate, where we'll spend the night.