Ofen (2873m)

Route: Nieder Alp, Grischsattel (and Ofen), Alp Nagens

Difficulty: T3

Climb: 1400m

Time: 6 hours (breaks included)

Photo Album

This was a vaguely planned walk towards Grischsattel. Possible options included Mittaghorn (aka Mittetaghorn), Piz Grisch (aka Laaxer Stockli) and Ofen, with two possible routes to Piz Grisch, either from the west or via Grischsattel. We were also unsure of whether to cross to Grisons or go back to Elm.

The Martinsmad-hole

The difficulty of the routes was unclear, as my 2004 guidebook said that MIttaghorn was a T5, and not to be attempted when wet. However, hikr reports said that it was a T4. We then discovered that in 2007, the route was fitted with cables, substantially lowering the difficulty.

View from the hut

We took the convenient lift from Elm to Nideren. This is quite spectacular, as it flies over deep gorges. We then walked for about an hour to the very impressive and well-maintained Martinsmad hut. The way there presents no difficulties, apart from the sheep.

The steepest section of the path to the saddle

Final path to the saddle

The way south-east to Grischsattel is first through a grassy field. This is followed by a long slog through shale, which was quite muddy, as it had rained a lot overnight. The steepest parts of the route are well secured via a cable, and so the hike qualifies as at most a T3; especially in dry conditions. One hour later, the path flattens out and one can follow the wide ridge to Grischsattel and then Ofen.

Ofen

The views from Ofen are spectacular, especially of the imposing Tschienglihornen.

It is also possible to attempt a direct ascent of Piz Grisch from Grischsattel (T4). We debated the correct route for quite some time before realising that we should rush to get the bus from Nagens.

The way to Nagens was straightforward, with a mild decline that made fast movement effortless.  When we got there, we had a nasty surprise: (1) there were too many people waiting to fit in the bus and (2) the bus down the valley cost 15 CHF (!). Still, it's worthwhile to visit the Grisons side, if only to enjoy the spectacular views of the mountain range. I think it would also make for an excellent easy ski tour.

Chli Chärpf (almost)

A resonably paced run to Chli Chärpf. I started from the reservoir:

Most of the way is pretty easy, through cow fields.

The way becomes slightly steeper near the hut. I took the left road to Chli, not going through the pass. This is more interesting in some ways.

I stopped just under the peak, where there is a short climbing session with a doubtful rope. 

The route from the east also has a climbing section, but I think that one is less exposed. The views were pretty good, even though it was a bit cloudy.

More photos here

Vorder Glarnisch

GPS map
Photo album

This is one of the classic T4 hikes, good for an introduction to alpinism.
In some ways, it's preferrable from a grassy T4 (like Wiggis) or a lengthy one (like Haute Cime).

The access point is through Glarus. Then one can:

(1) Walk up from 500m.
(2) Take the bus to Klontal (851m)
(3) Drive to a small farm at 1051m.

Since we only reached Glarus at 8:45, we took option (3).

This gave us a full 7 hours for the round-trip. The projected time to Vorder Glarnsih from the farm is 4 hours, but we did it in a bit more than 3, going quite slowly in the more delicate bits.

The beginning of the trail is an ascent of 200-300m through a
forest. We then hit a wide, flat rock trail, secured with a chain
(which is helpful more psychologically than anything else, as the path
is trivial). Later on, one reaches a small cave. A slightly narrower
and steeper path, with a pank-covered gap over a sheer drop, also
secured with a chain, follows.

Most of the other delicate parts are easy scrambling or walking
sections, almost always secured with chains. Those that are not
secured are manageable with some care.

The last climb is on a modest scree slope (much easier than Haute
Cime, by comparison) before reaching the top. The last 20m of climb
are not on a completely obvious path, but it is definitely possible to
find an easily walkable route to the top.

The peak itself is quite wide, with plenty of room to sit for a
snack. We were luck with the weather, with mixed sun and clouds, and
little wind.

Finally, the views are great.

Wiggis (2281m) and Rautispitz (2283m)

Start: Rhodannenberg (Klöntal) 848m - bus from Glarus.
End: Obsersee 992m - no bus. Hitchike or walk.
Climb: 1622m/1486m
Distance: 12km
Time: 7:13.
GPS Map
Photographic Album

The Wiggis is a prominent grassy peak in the Glarus alps. There are many ways to reach it, but I took the path starting here:

There are two ways to climb Wiggis. The long way goes through Dejenstock and is clearly signed at the bus stop. The short way requires descending slightly and then going directly up the grassy slope.

Most of the way here is easy going, but later the grass becomes steeper and a bit more slippery. Poles or an axe are recommended to make progress at a reasonable pace. Then the path goes through a forest, but it remains quite easy.

There is also an interesting hut under a rock

There are virtually no problems until ones approaches Oberes Butzi. Close to the crest the path becomes significantly steeper, and some care must be taken, especially when descending. At the point marked Tor, there is a pair of cave holes which are interesting. The peak itself is pretty cool, with views to two nearby peaks. The first, lower peak, can be reached via a moderate steepness path. 

Turning left takes us to the next peak, Rautispitz.

Part of the path between the two peaks is a bit narrow and steep, but secured with cables. Afterwards, the path becomes a standard T3. However, there are still some steeper sections, secured with cables.

Eventually one reaches Obersee, which is a smaller lake, but quite popular with hikers.

Parpaner Rothorn (2899m)

Start: Parpan Obertor (1515m)
Peak: Parpaner Rothorn East Peak (2899m)
End: Lai (1473m)
GPS Route on map
Complete photo album

I've been looking for a higher altitude hike around Zurich for a while, and one that seemed relatively convenient was Parpaner Rothorn. Parpan Obertor is around two hours through Chur, so a start about 7am means you are at the trailhead by 9:30.

The winter lifts are not working, so I took the steepsest route to the ridge (2693m). However there is a lift further south taking one directly from Lai to either the midpoint or Parpaner Rothorn proper. The route on the west flank is ideal for a summmer morning as there's quite a bit of shade. Most of the way is quite easy, if steep.

It only becomes slightly more delicate around 100m before the ridge. There the way is a bit more slippery and the ground looser, and snow starts appearing on the ground. In fact, once I went over the ridge I realised there was some recent snowfall.

The restaurant was only another 30 minutes away. I thought I was doing good time, reaching it in 2:20 instead of the projected 4:30, but I was passed by a breezily moving older man and his dog.

To be sure, dogs and kids were aplenty on this day. The restaurant also included a rooftop with sunbeds, which I used to have lunch. Then I took a 10 minute walk to the top of the east peak. I was originally planning to go a bit further to Aroser Rothorn, and then climb down to Arosa over the ridge, but there was a bit too much snow.

So, I decided to go back down to Lai via the 'Panoramic' route, instead of going down the valley to Arosa (which would be longer, but would have less of a descent). That was a good choice, as Lai is a beautiful little village, and the route has many varied sights. 

But I guess, at the end of the day, what really makes a good hike is a great Zuricher Rosti.