Trockener Steg to Schwarzseee

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The only restrooms that are open are at the Trockener Steg and Schwarzseee gondola stations. There are no services along the route. The trail is above the tree line, so there is no shade so make sure to wear appropriate clothes for the weather, wear sunscreen, and bring plenty of food and water for your hike.

The trail is very rocky and after the ski lift station, the trail narrows and is very steep and rocky.

To access this trail, take the gondola from Zermatt up to Trockener Steg. You can either go directly to the Trockener Steg station or go to Glacier Paradise and then stop on your way back down. When you get off the gondola, go out of the back of the gondola station and follow the signs for Zermatt as they lead down to the large lake below the station. The trail is marked by red and white blazes on rocks as the trail winds through the rock fields.

Dropping gently to the first glacier lake, enjoy the opportunity to get up close to a lake formed from the snowmelt from the glaciers above. The Matterhorn is always in front of you, so enjoy the view as you make your way around the lake. Stunning views of the surrounding mountains follow you as you cross a small bridge and and then climb up the hill on the other side of the lake. A stream that feeds the lake flows on the left side of the trail.

From here, the trail crosses rock fields and follows red and white blazes as it drops down below the Matterhorn, which towers above you. You can see the Hornlihutte sitting on the right side of the ridge below the mountain. Numerous lakes along the way offer opportunities for you to enjoy great views. There are signs along the way describing what you are seeing. Around mile 2, the trail drops steeply down to a creek fed by snowmelt that flows down to Zermatt. You may notice what looks like caves, but are actually snow bridges where the snow below has melted. Rocks cover part of the glacier below the Matterhorn.

You may also see people walking along the ridge above as they make their way toward the Hornlihutte. After following the creek for a short distance, a bridge crosses the creek and then the trail climbs steeply up to a ski lift station and the junction with the trail that goes up to the Hornlihutte. This is a good opportunity to take a break in the shade of the station before heading down to the Schwarzee station.

At this point, the trail drops steeply downhill for almost a mile. The trail narrows as it drops down to the station. As you approach the station, there is a small lake on the left offering great views. Once you get to the station, you have a couple of options available to you. If the restaurants are open, you can grab a bite to eat. You can take the gondola down to the Furi station or if you want to do more running, you can head down to Zermatt by following a trail that goes to the left.