El Bolsón sits between two mountain ranges, which means good hiking is never far from town. The trails range from short walks reachable without a car to full-day treks that require proper gear and an early start. In this guide you will found the most popular options sorted by difficulty so you can pick something that matches your fitness level and how much time you have in town.
Easy Hikes (Easy, Beginner-Friendly)
Camino de los Nogales
The Camino de los Nogales takes you through a beautiful, peaceful area of farmlands in El Bolsón, away from its bustling tourist centre. It’s a 10 km gravel track that you can explore on foot, by car or by bike. The trail starts in the town centre and takes you to the Nahuelpan Waterfall, a small, beautiful waterfall just a few steps off the trail on the slopes of Cerro Piltriquitrón.
Distance: 10 km round trip from town to Nahuelpan Waterfall.
Difficulty: Easy, flat terrain
Bosque Tallado
Just 13 km from the centre of El Bolsón lies the Bosque Tallado. The footpath starts at the car park at the foot of Cerro Piltriquitrón. From there, it’s about an hour’s walk to the Bosque Tallado, an open-air museum featuring 60 sculptures carved from the remains of trees destroyed by fire.
Distance: Short, under 2 hours round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate — mostly uphill, no technical terrain.
Cerro Amigo
The Cerro Amigo trail starts just 2 km from the centre of El Bolsón, about a 30-minute walk through the town. The trail is easy, making it ideal for a relaxed walk. The reward is reaching the hillside’s three viewpoints, from which you’ll have a stunning view of the village, the surrounding mountains and the rest of the valley.
Distance: Short walk from town, well under half a day to complete.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate — slightly hilly but not steep, and the trail is short.
Moderate Hikes (Moderate, Not Technical)
Cerro Piltriquitrón (The Refuge + Viewpoint)
If you’d like to explore Cerro Piltriquitrón a little further, continue along the trail after passing through the Bosque Tallado. The steadily ascending trail will take you to The Refuge, where you can rest and recharge your batteries in its cosy restaurant. Before heading back down, you can take another short walk that leads to it’s stunning Viewpoint, from where you can see the whole valley, Lago Puelo, El Hoyo and Epuyén.
Distance: 1 or 2 hours from the trailhead to the The Refuge + 45 minutes to the Viewpoint.
Difficulty: Moderate.
El Cajón del Azul
The trail to Cajón del Azul begins at the Wharton trailhead, about 17 km north of El Bolsón. The well-marked path follows the Río Azul upstream, passing the La Playita refuge roughly halfway along, where the terrain flattens out for a while. Shortly before reaching Refugio Cajón del Azul, just off the main trail you’ll find the famous piletones — turquoise natural pools perfect for a swim before continuing on. Not much further on, you’ll come to the Cajón del Azul shelter, where you can rest before heading back or spending the night. Beyond the shelter, there are more trails to explore, such as the one that takes you to Cajón del Azul itself and all the way to its source.
Distance: 8–10 km one way from the Wharton trailhead. Between 4 to 6 hours, based on your pace.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Hard Hikes (Hard, Experienced Hikers)
Cerro Hielo Azul
A full-day trek (or overnight, with a refugio — mountain hut — near the top) leading toward a glacier and high-altitude views. This is a serious hike requiring good fitness, proper footwear, and an early start if attempting it as a day trip.
Distance: Full day round trip, or overnight with a stay at the refugio
Difficulty: Hard — significant elevation gain, several hours of sustained climbing
Cerro Piltriquitrón
Another full-day option (also with a refugio for those wanting to split it into two days), through forest and up toward more exposed, rocky terrain near the summit.
Distance: Full day round trip, or overnight
Difficulty: Hard — long trail, notable elevation gain, changeable weather near the top
Cerro Perito Moreno
Another option for experienced hikers is to summit Cerro Perito Moreno (2,206 meters above sea level). The trail begins at the Plateau, which you can reach by chairlift from the base of the mountain. From there, the ascent is steady and includes technical sections where you may encounter loose rock. On the way to the summit, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the valley, Cerro Piltriquitron, glaciers, and lakes, among other sights.
Distance: Full day round trip.
Difficulty: Hard — long trail usually with snow at its highest point, notable elevation gain.
Choosing the Right Hike for Your Trip
- One afternoon free, no car needed: Cerro Amigo
- Half a day, want a proper hike with a payoff view: El Cajón del Azul
- Want a mix of views and something unusual: Piltriquitrón: Bosque Tallado + The Refuge + Viewpoint
- Experienced hiker, full day available, good weather forecast: Hielo Azul or Perito Moreno
Practical Tips for Hiking Near El Bolsón
- Refugios: The harder hikes (Hielo Azul, Perito Moreno) have refugios that offer basic meals and a place to sleep, letting you split a long hike into two easier days. Book or confirm availability ahead of time in high season.
- Follow the instructions: To hike some of the trails, you’ll need to register with the park rangers at the trailhead; they’ll give you all the necessary instructions based on trail and weather conditions.
- Weather: Mountain weather changes quickly. Even an easy hike can turn unpleasant if wind or rain moves in — check the forecast and bring a layer regardless of the hike you choose.
- Water and food: Carry your own; none of these trails have services along the way, aside from the refugios on the longer routes.
- Trailhead access: Most trailheads require a short drive from town. A car makes it easier to start early, which matters most for the full-day hikes. During the summer season, local buses will drop you off near most of the trailheads.
- Cell signal: Unreliable to nonexistent on most trails once you’re away from town — let someone know your plan if attempting the longer hikes.
Where to Go From Here
If you’re looking for a full itinerary around El Bolsón, see our guide to the Best Things to Do in El Bolsón for more activities beyond hiking, or our El Bolsón: The Complete Travel Guide for accommodation and transport details.
