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Walker's Haute Route

Walker's Haute Route — the trail guide

The Walker's Haute Route is a 209.3 km trek in France, typically walked in 10+ days, with 14957 m of total ascent. It rates Extreme on our published rubric (71 m of gain per km, topping out at 2980 m). Its operating periods and current access must be checked with the linked route authorities; historical climate averages cannot establish whether the route is open or passable.

A demanding walkers’ route between Chamonix and Zermatt, with long stages, substantial ascent and repeated high Alpine passes.

Quick facts

Distance209.3 km
Total ascent14957 m
Typical duration10+ days
Difficulty (computed)Extreme
Steepness71 m gain per km
High point2980 m
CountryFrance
RegionFrance/Switzerland

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Extreme" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Official planning information

Elevation profile

Low point 724 m · high point 2980 m · 14957 m total ascent over 209.3 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 1038 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan-4°186 mm
Feb-3°130 mm
Mar-1°160 mm
Apr12°129 mm
May15°208 mm
Jun21°11°146 mm
Jul23°13°118 mm
Aug23°13°112 mm
Sep18°113 mm
Oct15°122 mm
Nov157 mm
Dec-3°193 mm

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Walker's Haute Route?

The Walker's Haute Route is 209.3 km, and most hikers complete it in 10+ days. Total elevation gain is 14957 m.

How difficult is the Walker's Haute Route?

It rates Extreme on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 71 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 2980 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

What season and condition information is available for the Walker's Haute Route?

No fixed route-wide opening is published. The official Valais description classifies the route as challenging even for experienced mountain walkers, with long stages and high passes. Availability is checked for chosen dates rather than guaranteed by a published season. This note was reviewed 29 Jul 2026 and is not live status; re-check the linked authorities before booking and departure.

Where is the Walker's Haute Route?

In France/Switzerland, France. The route starts near 45.925, 6.873 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.

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