Loop to the Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges and Lac Bleu
Arolla
-1/3°
Panoramic loop from Arolla up to a high mountain refuge, down to the piercing blue waters of the idyllic Lac Bleu and back via a geological trail.
Difficulty
DifficultLength
14.01 kmDuration
5:30 h
Description
This hike up to the high slopes overlooking Arolla promises a thrilling experience of mountain terrain, spectacular views, fascinating geology and a wealth of alpine flora.
The trail starts at Arolla, which takes its name from the tree that shapes the local forests: the Arolla pine, also known as the Swiss stone pine (pinus cembra). The aromatic wood from the tree is said to help sleep: beds are made from the timber, and pillows stuffed with its shavings. The tree propagates with the help of a distinctive alpine bird, the spotted nutcracker, which splits open the cones with its powerful bill to reach the seeds, some of which it buries in the ground as a food store for winter. The bird invariably forgets a proportion of the seeds – some of which may grow into trees.
Our trail climbs out of the village and above the tree line, steadily scaling the slopes to a welcoming mountain cabin. The Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges stands at the foot of a dramatic chain of peaks, draped with glaciers, known as the Aiguilles Rouges d’Arolla – the “Red pinnacles of Arolla”. The views across the valley are bewitching.
The trail then leads down to a lake, the Lac Bleu, framed by Arolla pines. A spring just above the lake, fed by glacial water, feeds a cascade that tumbles straight down to the piercing blue waters.
The path from the Lac Bleu back to Arolla leads along a geological trail – one of several in the valley, known for its variety of rocks and minerals. Visitors can explore with the help of a free app, “GéoGuide Val d’Hérens” (details and online version at www.evolene-geologie.ch). The tourist office at Arolla can provide further printed information.
Highlights:
- Fragrant forests of Arolla pine and larch
- Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges – friendly high-altitude refuge, spectacular views
- Lac Bleu – idyllic forest lake, piercing blue water, with spring and cascade
Turn-by-turn directions
The trail begins by zig-zagging up through the village of Arolla and continues scaling the slopes above to the Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges (2,821 m), a climb of about 800 vertical metres: a pause for refreshments is well deserved. After just a few more vertical metres of ascent, the path then drops steeply all the way to the Lac Bleu. The trail then turns southwards, following a fairly level route on the western slopes overlooking the Val d’Arolla back to Arolla.
The final stretch of trail, from the Lac Bleu to Arolla, is covered under Excursion B in the “Géoguide Val d’Hérens” app and guide.
Start
Arolla, village (1989m)
Destination
Arolla, village (1989m)
Author's recommendation
At Arolla, the Sentier des Arolles (about 300 metres) is a charming nature trail through an ancient forest of Arolla pines.
Technical information
Altitude
2835m
1989m
Ascent
+928m
Descent
-929m
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Best time of the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tags
Public transport
Approach
Parking
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion
