Stage 19

Rüsselsheimer Hütte (2328 m) – Kapuzinerjöchl (2710 m) – Breitlehnjöchl (2637 m) – Sandjöchl (2826 m) - Luibisscharte (2914 m) – Hauerseehütte (2383 m)

Information:
Route:	steep path, footpath
Requirements:	surefootedness, good head for heights, good physical condition; black mountain trail
Difficulties:	strenuous ascent to Luibisscharte, glacier section (no crevasses); stable weather conditions essential
Equipment:	standard hiking equipment, icepick and crampons depending on snow conditions
Walking time:	approx. 7 hrs.
Changes in elevation:	approx. 1200 meters climbing, 1200 meters descending
Highest point:	2914 m
Distance:	approx. 10.5 km
Lodging, refreshment stops:	Rüsselsheimer Hütte, Hauerseehütte
Access/Exit points:	from Plangeross (St. Leonhard im Pitztal) to Rüsselsheimer Hütte (approx. 2 hrs. up and 1 ½ hrs. down); from Unterried or Oberried (Längenfeld) to Hauerseehütte (approx. 3 ½ hrs. up and 2 ½ hrs. down either way)

Saddle and a Small Glacier

This hike along Geigenkamm takes you across several saddles.
From the refuge walk down in an eastern direction, make a left towards Gahwinden vista point (parts of the trail are equipped with fixed cables). From Gahwinden the trail descends through scree to Rötkarle and then ascends moderately, later steeply, to Kapuzinerjöchl (also known as Rötkarljoch). Beyond Kapuzinerjöchl the trail drops down through steep and rocky terrain (there are fixed cables to hold on to for safety) before leveling out and climbing leisurely towards Breitlehnjöchl.
From Breitlehnjöchl the trail first climbs, then descends, then climbs again towards Sandjöchl – the last part is very steep!
From Sandjöchl the trail falls steeply and flattens out a bit before climbing through a very steep scree and boulder field to Luibisscharte. Past Lubisscharte the trail descends to crevasse-free Hauerferner and crosses it in an eastern direction. The trail between the glacier and Hauerseehütte has been closed off due to a rockslide – a by-pass trail follows the glacier in a north-eastern direction and then descends to the right of a rocky knoll to Hauerseehütte. The old route (use at own risk) descends steeply and straight down the glacier before making a left and zigzagging down to Hauerseehütte.
Alternatively you can avoid the glacier section by following the rock ribbon below Luibiskogels.

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