14.2 miles ascent 2800′ descent 4912′
We began our hike at 7:15am to get a head-start on the challenges of this particular day. We headed off on the trail which was directly behind the hut and were ready for the adventures ahead.
The path led us through scrubby conifers and then into rocky terrain. Some portions of the trail required the use of cables – a harbinger of things to come.
A clear view of Hollkar Cirque appeared and we could see the trail above us: a zigzag up toward Eppzirlerscharte Notch.
We had been cautioned about the scree fields to cross this day and the heat generated there by the mid-day sun. That warning definitely helped as leaving the hut early brought us to this section of the trail with an early morning sun and a perfect temperature.
Reaching the notch, we were able to peer into the next valley of Giessenbachtal.
As we descended the other side of the notch, we had to take care as the footing was rocky and steep.
Now that we were back at higher elevation, we once again were in chamois territory.
Looking back to the Eppzirlerscharte, its spires were clearly visible.
As we dropped down the mountain, we watched the morning sun overtake Eppzirler Alm where we were planning to have a snack.
Once at the valley floor, the trail took us through a conifer forest.
Eppzirler Alm was a welcome sight. Approaching, we smelled the lovely aroma of freshly baked treats.
Knowing there was still quite a distance to hike this day, we didn’t linger over our lunch snacks. Back on the trail, we found the path was now a gravel road travelling down the Giessenbachtal Valley.
By this time our feet were ready for a little refreshment which the river offered. We took the opportunity to rest while cooling them off in the water.
The gravel road ran to a main road which we crossed and began another long ascent up Sattelklamm Gorge. Impressive limestone ridges surrounded us as we clambered steeply up a narrow, unusually unmaintained path with roots and tattered steps. Once reaching the summit at Hoher Sattel we descended a gravel road to the delightful mountain municipality of Leutasch, for this evening’s hut at Hotel O’Sterne. We were ready to give our knees a break and this very comfortable, “serve yourself” hotel had an excellent Italian restaurant on the ground floor, where we settled and rested. Roberto, the personable host, was very helpful.
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