Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)

Following the historic path used by the Army of the Andes in 1817, this 6-day trans-Andean expedition traverses the central cordillera from Mendoza, Argentina, to the Cajón del Maipo in Chile. The route crosses two significant high-altitude barriers—Portillo Argentino (4,330m) and Paso Piuquenes (4,030m). Hikers move through a high desert landscape of volcanic rock, vast glacial valleys, and the powerful Tunuyán River. The terrain consists primarily of rocky mountain paths, loose scree on the steeper pass approaches, and high-altitude plateaus where exposure to wind and sun is constant.

The Sky Rim Trail is Yellowstone National Park's premier alpine ridge traverse, providing an experience completely unlike the park's famous geyser basins or crowded roadside viewing areas. Located on the remote northwestern boundary defining the border between Yellowstone (Wyoming) and the Gallatin National Forest (Montana), this grueling 21-mile loop acts as a 'roof' over the park. Hikers ascend steeply from the valley floor to a continuous, undulating ridgeline that remains above 9,000 feet for over 7 miles. The trail precariously hugs drop-offs, crosses massive grassy saddles, and summits several distinct peaks (including Big Horn Peak), offering unparalleled 360-degree, 100-mile views of the Absarokas, the Tetons to the south, and the Madison and Gallatin ranges in Montana.