Cerro Hielo Azul – Guía completa del trekking, refugios y paisajes
Cerro Hielo Azul
Located in the southwest of the Province of Río Negro, Argentina, nestled along the foothills of the Andes, the city of El Bolsón is a key tourist hub that attracts thousands of outdoor enthusiasts and trekking lovers. To the west, the City of El Bolsón borders the Natural Protected Area Río Azul – Lago Escondido. This area is home to dozens of mountain shelters and hundreds of kilometers of well‑marked trails that visitors can explore freely.
The emblematic Cerro Hielo Azul, standing at an altitude of 2450 meters above sea level, is one of the highest peaks in this park. To reach it, you must take Provincial Route No. 89 to Camping “Doña Rosa.” The hike begins there, crossing the iconic suspension bridge over the Río Azul. The trail passes through the majestic Andean Patagonian forest, which harbors a unique and breathtaking natural richness.
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| Co. Hielo Azul 2450 m. |
In the first stage of this trek, we cover a total of 10 km with a positive elevation gain of 1000 meters until reaching the camping area, where the mountain shelter Hielo Azul is located.
This site is situated in the heart of a valley covered with native trees and crossed by the Teno stream, at the foot of Cerro Hielo Azul. The structure of the shelter includes accommodation, bathrooms, a supply store, and a restaurant. Although it's possible to forgo accommodation and camp outdoors, a cash fee is required for the camping permit on-site. It's important to note that the shelter remains closed and does not provide services during the winter.
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| Hielo Azul Mountain Shelter |
From the Shelter, there are two ways to ascend the mountain. The first one is more direct and technical, advancing bordering the glacier located on the south face of the mountain. The second option involves circumventing the mountain, accessing it through the ridge that extends from east to west up to the summit. The latter, despite being a bit longer, is definitely easier and safer for less experienced adventurers.
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| Co. Hielo Azul 2450 m. (east to west ridge) |
Whichever of the two paths we choose will require us to have and know how to use safety equipment for traversing snowy terrain, (ice axe and crampons). Even though we may visit this place in summer, late spring snows often accumulate and harden on steep slopes, creating long and dangerous snow slides.
The summit is easily identifiable, marked by a wooden post inserted among the rocks and an inscription made with red paint. The descent can be done through either of the two routes mentioned earlier. Although it is possible to return directly on the same day to the city of El Bolsón, it is always recommended to spend an additional night at Refugio Hielo Azul to rest properly before returning to the city.
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| Co. Hielo Azul Summit |
Technical Specifications
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Equipment: Technical gear for navigating snowy terrain (crampons and ice axe).
- Camp: Shelter and supplies available in summer / Self-sufficient in winter (tent and food).
- Waste Management: Self-sufficient.
- Water: Accessible sources of potable water.
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