23-Alpine Passes Trail
MODERATE (1.6/10)Prarion → Grimentz
3D Trail Preview
23-Alpine Passes Trail is a 11.7 km point-to-point moderate hiking route in Switzerland, running from Prarion to Grimentz. The route covers 435m of ascent and 1,175m of descent, with elevations ranging from 1,398m to 2,422m. Allow approximately 4h 02m for the full route.
The route is divided into 2 segments. The toughest stretch is the 9.9 km from Bec de Nava to Grimentz, climbing 312m (allow 3h 26m for this section). In contrast, the 1.8 km from Prarion to Bec de Nava is much gentler.
About 68% of the trail is runnable, but the remaining steep sections will push most people into power-hiking mode. Some pitches hit 60% gradient, so trekking poles are strongly recommended.
Budget roughly 1,941 kcal of energy expenditure and 2.4 L of water.
Mountain route up to 2422m. Best June–October; snow possible into June.
Elevation Profile
Route Map
Trail Splits
Waypoint-to-waypoint breakdown with estimated hiking times (Naismith's Rule).
| Segment | Dist | ↑ Ascent | ↓ Descent | Time | Cum. km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
📍 Prarion → Bec de Nava | 1.8 km | +122m | -42m | 35 min | 1.8 |
⛰️ Bec de Nava → Grimentz | 9.9 km | +312m | -1133m | 3h 26m | 11.7 |
| Total | 11.7 km | +435m | -1,175m | 4h 02m | 11.7 |
Pace & Fuel Calculator
Adjust your flat 10K pace to see personalized finish time, calorie burn, and hydration needs.
Terrain Analysis
Surface & Technicality
🥾 Mixed terrain: expect sustained climbs between runnable sections.
Sun Exposure
☀️ High sun exposure. 47% of the route is above the treeline (2000m) with minimal shade. In summer, start before 7am to avoid peak UV. Carry sunscreen, a hat, and extra water.
Current Conditions
Conditions for June
✅ Snow unlikely at this elevation in June. Trail conditions expected to be clear.
🥾 Muddy sections likely. Waterproof boots recommended.
Snow Conditions
Suggested Gear List
Auto-generated based on 11.7 km, 435m ascent, max altitude 2422.5m, ~4h duration.
- 👟 Trail running shoes / hiking bootsRequired for any trail
- 📱 Phone (charged) + offline mapNavigation & emergency contact
- 💧 2L hydration packNo water sources on route
- 🍫 Trail mix, bars & sandwichEst. 1941 kcal burn
- 🧴 Sunscreen SPF 50+UV intensifies above 2000m
- 🧢 Sun hat / capExposed alpine terrain
- 🧥 Windbreaker / shell jacketSummit at 2422.5m — wind chill
- 🕶️ Sunglasses (cat 3+)Snow & rock glare at altitude
- 🧤 Warm mid-layer (fleece)Temps drop ~6°C per 1000m
- 🩹 Mini first aid kitBlister plasters, tape, antiseptic
- 🥢 Trekking poles34% steep terrain, 435m+ ascent
- 🧊 Microspikes / light cramponsSnow risk in November, December, January
- 🦵 GaitersKeep snow out of boots
Logistics
This route runs from Prarion to Grimentz (11.7 km by trail). You'll need to arrange transport back to your starting point.
Nearby Points of Interest
⛰️ Peaks
- Bec de Nava km 1.8 · 1.4 km off trail
- Hirsihorn km 3.2 · 2.9 km off trail
📍 Nearby Places
- Les Girettes 1.3 km off trail
- Margueroula 1.3 km off trail
- Les Pralics km 0.9 · 1.6 km off trail
- L'Arella km 4.4 · 2.4 km off trail
- Les Morasses km 8.8 · 2.5 km off trail
Route Details
- Network
- National Trail Network
- Sport
- hiking
- Start
- Prarion
- End
- Grimentz
- Start Coordinates
- 46.20822, 7.61789
- OpenStreetMap
- View on OSM →
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