Best Hikes in Zinal

Location: Valais

Zinal Hiking Trails

Looking toward the Zinal Valley

St. Luc to Zinal

Distance: 9.7 miles (One Way)

Highlights of this scenic walk between St. Luc and Zinal include magnificent views of the high peaks and glaciers gracing the skyline at the head of the Zinal Valley and panoramic views of the rugged summits towering above the Rhone and Anniviers Valleys.

Close-up of the head of the Turtmanntal (Turtmann Valley)

Zinal to Gruben via Forcletta Pass

Distance: 10.9 miles (One Way)

This scenic route between the Val d'Anniviers and Gruben crosses Forcletta Pass and features panoramic views of the high peaks towering above the head of the Zinal and Turtmann Valleys.

Close-up of the Bishorn and Weisshorn from Meidpass

St. Luc / Hotel Weisshorn to Gruben via Meidpass

Distance: 6.8 - 7.8 miles (One Way)

Meidpass features splendid views of the glacier clad peaks of the Turtmann Valley, the summits towering above the Rhone, Anniviers and Moiry Valleys along with distant views of Grand Combin and Mont Blanc, rising to the southwest beyond the Anniviers Valley.

View of the Moiry Glacier

Cabane de Moiry

Distance: 4.0 - 6.7 miles (One Way)

This short hike leads to the Moiry Hut with stunning bird’s-eye-views of the Moiry Glacier. Extend the hike with a scenic walk along the west side of the Lac de Moiry to the Moiry Barrage (dam) at the foot of the lake.

Weisshorn, Schalihorn and Zinalrothorn at the head of the valley

Cabane Arpitetta

Distance: 12.6 miles (Round Trip)

The long and strenuous climb to the Cabane Arpitetta features wonderful views of the glacial cirque at the head of the Arpitetta valley, dominated by the Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, Moming massif and the Moming glacier.

Mount Durand, Pointe de Zinal and Dent Blanche

Cabane du Grand Mountet

Distance: 12.2 - 14.1 miles (Round Trip)

Magnificent views of one of the most stunning glacial cirques in the Pennine Alps is the reward for hikers completing this long and very strenuous hike to the Cabane du Grand Mountet at the head of the Zinal Valley.

The Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn and Besso

Belvedere Zinal

Distance: 9.4 miles (Round Trip)

A stiff climb to a high belvedere features dramatic, nonstop views of the summits rising above the east side and the head of the Zinal Valley. Along the way the path visits the Petit Mountet hut and travels through beautiful meadows with see-forever views.

Close-up of the Zinalrothorn

Cabane de Moiry to Zinal via Col de Sorebois

Distance: 7.5 - 9.9 miles (One Way)

This hike, part of the Haute Route, also makes for a great point to point day hike with lovely views of the Zinal and Moiry Valleys along with dramatic up-close views of the Moiry Glacier. The hike can be walked in either direction.

Besso, Pointe de Zinal, Dent Blanche, Grand Cornier and Pigne de la Le from Roc de la Vache

Roc de la Vache

Distance: 8.2 miles (Loop)

This steep hike leads to Roc de la Vache, a panoramic overlook high above the east side of the Zinal Valley.

View of the peaks to the southeast from the Col de Sorebois

Sorebois to Lac de Moiry via Col de Sorebois

Distance: 5.6 - 8.9 miles (One Way)

Climb to the Col de Sorebois and then travel high above the Lac de Moiry to the Moiry Glacier. The walk is accompanied by fine views of the peaks towering above the Zinal, Moiry and Arolla valleys. Extend the hike by visiting the Moiry Hut or walking back along the lake to the dam.

View along the east side of the river

Zinal Valley Loop

Distance: 3.6 - 3.8 miles (Loop)

The pleasant Valley Loop hike, starting in the center of Zinal, travels on a wide path along the west side of the Navisence River, crosses two bridges and then returns to via the east side of the river. This is a great walk for families with small children and a good option on a rainy day.

Mont Durand, Ppinte de Zinal and the Zinal Glacier

Cabane du Petit Mountet

Distance: 6.6 - 8.0 miles (Round Trip)

This trail offers a good perspective of the Zinal Valley, ascending through forests and meadows before climbing the slopes of an old moraine to the Cabane du Peitit Mountet. The hut features fine views of the Zinal Glacier and the ice-clad peaks rimming the upper Zinal Valley.

View Hikes by Area:
ValaisZermattSaas FeeGrubenZinalLes HauderesArolla

Best Hiking in Switzerland in the Valais, Bernese Alps, the Engadine and Davos

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