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→Season 2024/25
=Season 2024/25=
*''' 2025-03-09 to 2025-02-11 / 3 days / Hiking / NOBO / RR, OH01 / Peggy
Due to recent rains and the melting snow from the past few days, the Río Gaviotas was not easy. I am 1.60m tall, and at first, the water was up to my knees, then quickly up to my thighs, my waist, and for about 2 meters, it was above my chest. With the current, there was a difficult section until I managed to grab a large rock and pull myself up.
From the reports I had read, this river, though wide, is usually easy to cross. However, this time, the rain from the past few days and the melting snow from Volcán Casablanca and the surrounding areas quickly increased the water flow and strengthened the current in the Río Gaviotas. I still managed to cross, but it required a lot of strength. It was a challenging yet enriching experience that demanded a great deal of energy.
I spent the night at the nearby campsite (12,500 CLP per night). The day before, I checked the water level and the current. The next morning, I waited until 9 AM to start because the water was very cold. The water level and current remained about the same, with slightly less depth.
From the river at km 7.5 to the sign reading "NOBO: overgrown trail," the path is visible and relatively easy to follow. At the beginning, there are sometimes other trails branching off in different directions, so checking the GPS is necessary. In the dense forest section, a phone GPS is often insufficient, as it usually doesn’t get a signal, unlike a Garmin GPS.
Then comes the BBmmm section. The trail is still there, but it often disappears (frequently) under the vegetation. I got lost three times in the first part (before the water source at km 33.2) but quickly found my way back using the GPS. After the water source, the trail was even more overgrown. At times, I was practically swimming through the vegetation, which sometimes reached my waist, chest, or even above my head for short stretches. However, by observing the trail and the surroundings and moving carefully (my pack was heavy, loaded with food to continue onto Section 19, plus extra water for the middle of the section, so I could only go slowly! 😁 Especially since in NOBO, it's an uphill climb!), I managed to find my way. There are also occasional blue markers (small pieces of blue plastic tied to branches or often on the ground) and machete marks (thanks to those who passed before me—I hope to do the same next time) that help confirm you're on the right track.
Honestly, and this is worth emphasizing: this section is manageable if you take your time and carefully observe your surroundings. It’s a great exercise in environmental awareness and appreciating the nature around you.
I loved this section! It’s a beautiful route for forest lovers and adventurers (even beginner adventurers like me).
On this first part, the river is easily accessible 500m before the water source at km 33.2 (I forgot to mark a GPS point but checked the distance to the next water source). Then, I didn’t go down to the river at km 33.2 but farther along (40.490244S, 72.104659W).
Upon reaching the plateau, I quickly set up camp for the night (40.477551S, 72.109980W). The view is stunning upon arrival, with Volcán Casablanca having lost all its recent snow. I took the opportunity to climb a bit higher via OH03A to admire the view of the volcano and my small camp below. In the distance, Volcán Tronador was partially hidden by clouds, while Volcán Puntiagudo stood behind it with its sharp, elegant shape. The entire mountain range and the dense forest below, which I had just climbed through, were magnificent. It was incredible to experience the different landscapes, from dense forest to volcanic plateau.
I was able to make a fire and enjoy the light at the end of the day.
During the night, the wind picked up, so I decided to move my tent to a more sheltered spot for safety. I checked the weather on my Garmin and saw that the wind would strengthen, and rain would continue until late morning. I stayed in my tent until the rain stopped before heading toward Pampa Frutillar. I had no desire to hike in the rain, wind, and fog—sometimes, following nature’s rhythm is the best choice.
I found a small water source here (40.474901S, 72.094731W), though it was likely temporary due to recent snowmelt. The CC trail was fine until the junction between RR and Variant D, which ascends Volcán Antillanca. Due to fog and wind, I chose the RR route. There was also water at this junction in the form of two small lakes, probably remnants of recent snowfall.
The descent started easily, but I struggled on the 4km traverse along the slope until I rejoined the junction with Variant D. It was quite steep and slippery. Gradually, I veered off the GPS track until I started slipping and falling repeatedly. Eventually, I noticed a faint trail just a few meters below (on the GPS track), which was much easier to follow!
I continued to Pampa Frutillar, where I spent a very cold night—frozen! It was a beautiful spot.
Before the Pampa Frutillar junction, there were several good camping spots here (40.455471S, 72.049117W), but without water. Another spot was farther down on the RR, also without water (40.453367S, 72.047447W).
The last section was a bit chaotic at first, requiring some navigation through dense shrubs. There were also some downed trees to cross, but after that, the trail widened and became well-defined.
At Camp km8, there was a small river. The bridge at km3.9 is no longer passable, so the only option is to take the road—probably the worst section of GPT20.
*'''2025-JAN-16 to 2025-JAN-17 / 2 days / Hiking / SOBO / RR / Ivan, Jakub, Daniel'''
