Refugio Frey — Picada Eslovena
An alternative approach to Refugio Frey from the Lago Gutiérrez ranger station, near Villa Los Coihues — quieter and less crowded than the classic climb from Cerro Catedral. Can be combined into a loop, going up one way and down the other.
Picada Eslovena is the least-traveled approach to Refugio Frey, which makes it the preferred option for those looking for some quiet at a destination that can get crowded via the classic Cerro Catedral route in high season. The trail starts at the Lago Gutiérrez ranger station, near Villa Los Coihues, reached by the number 50 bus from downtown Bariloche.
From the ranger station, a gravel road skirts the lake for a stretch before the trail heads into the forest and starts climbing steadily. The elevation gain is similar to the classic route, but distributed differently and with far fewer people on the trail — a more solitary walk through forest and mountain until it converges with the Frey cirque.
Many hikers use it as part of a loop: up via Cerro Catedral (through the Cancha de Fútbol) and down via Picada Eslovena toward Villa Los Coihues, or the reverse — the descent this way is usually noticeably faster than the classic route. Coordinating a return from a different point than the start is needed if done as a one-way traverse.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 20.4 km
- Duration: 6–8 hours
- Elevation gain: 939 m
- Max altitude: 1765 m
- Best season: Nov – Apr
- Trailhead: Seccional Lago Gutiérrez, cerca de Villa Los Coihues (Bariloche)
- Park / area: Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, Río Negro
Nearby trails
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Refugio Frey — Picada Eslovena trek take?
Refugio Frey — Picada Eslovena takes 6–8 hours to complete, covering 20.4 km with 939 m of elevation gain, rated moderate.
Is Refugio Frey — Picada Eslovena suitable for beginners?
Refugio Frey — Picada Eslovena is rated moderate: it needs basic fitness and some prior mountain experience, but it isn’t technical.
Do I need a permit to hike Refugio Frey — Picada Eslovena?
No, Refugio Frey — Picada Eslovena doesn’t require an advance permit.
When is the best time to hike Refugio Frey — Picada Eslovena?
The recommended season is Nov – Apr. Sliabh’s map shows current daylight hours and a live weather/solar panel for the exact trailhead.
Can I camp along Refugio Frey — Picada Eslovena?
Yes, camping is allowed along this route (check current park regulations before you go).
Where does the Refugio Frey — Picada Eslovena trailhead start?
The trailhead is at Seccional Lago Gutiérrez, cerca de Villa Los Coihues (Bariloche), in Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, Río Negro province. Sliabh’s 3D map and downloadable GPX track show the exact starting point.
Can I download an offline map or GPX track for Refugio Frey — Picada Eslovena?
Yes — Sliabh provides a downloadable GPX track and an offline 3D map for Refugio Frey — Picada Eslovena, so it works with no signal on the trail.
Nahuel Huapi National Park · Hiking in Northern Patagonia