Pas de Chevres

Distance: 7.2 miles (round trip)

View of the peaks along the east side of the Arolla Valley

This scenic trail up the beautiful Montagne d’Arolla valley heads to the Pas de Chevres on a rugged ridge with views of the Glacier de Cheilon, Mont Blanc de Cheilon, Le Pleureur and the peaks rising along the east side of the Arolla Valley.
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Distance: 7.2 miles (round trip)
Elevation: 6,602-ft. at Trailhead
Maximum elevation: 9,387-ft.
Elevation Gain: 2,785-ft.
Difficulty: moderate-strenuous
More Hikes in:
Les Hauderes / Arolla / The Valais

Why Hike Pas de Chevres

The hike to the Pas de Chevres travels through lovely meadows with great views of the glaciers spilling down the slopes of the Pigne d'Arolla. To the east/southeast (behind you), the jagged peaks towering above the east side of the Arolla Valley, including Dent de Perroc, Pointe des Genevois and Aiguille de la Tsa, fill the skyline

The pass, located on the rugged ridge separating the Val d' Arolla and Val des Dix, enjoys fine views of Mont Blanc de Cheilon rising above the Glacier de Cheilon, a river of ice flowing down the flanks of the peak. To the west, La Luette, Le Pleureur and Le Sale grace the skyline. Look carefully across the Cheilon Glacier to see the Cabane des Dix (Dix Hut) sitting atop a rocky knob. To the southeast, Mont Collon and the Bouquetins massif dominate the view. On a clear day the top of the Matterhorn joins the scene.

The Pas de Chevres is within 800-ft. of a second pass on the ridge, the Col de Riedmatten, which is 250-ft. higher than Chevres. In my opinion the views of Mont Blanc de Cheilon are better from the viewpoint above the Col de Riedmatten while the views to the east of Mont Collon and the Bouquetins massif to the east are slightly better from the Pas de Chevres.

If you are simply doing an out-and-back hike from Arolla I would choose the Col de Reidmatten because of the views of the Val des Dix from the overlook above the pass. The pass also tends to be less crowded. For more information see the Col de Riedmatten hike. If you have already been to the Col de Riedmatten then check out the Pas de Chevres. It is interesting to see the ladders descending the west side of the pass.

Pas de Chevres is the best choice for hikers heading to Cabane des Dix (Dix Hut) on the west side of the Cheilon Glacier. From the pass ladders drop to the talus slopes above the lateral moraine along the east side of the Cheilon Glacier. From there a rocky trail descends the lateral moraine along the east side of the valley and then crosses the bed of the retreating glacier to the west side of the valley. New ladders and catwalks installed in 2014 now make the descent/climb to the pass easier and safer. Please note the ladders are dangerous when the rungs are wet or icy. Before setting out, check current condition in Arolla.

Some people are very uncomfortable climbing up and down ladders. If this is the case, consider using the Col de Riedmatten trail. Check in Arolla for the current condition. The path down the west side of the path is very steep on loose, unstable rock.

See Trail Detail/Full Description