Valais: A 2-day hike to Monte Leone Hut from Simplon Pass
Article updated on 21.07.26
If you’re looking for a two-day hike with an overnight stay in a mountain hut, Monte Leone Hut is definitely worth adding to your list.
This 13.7 km loop, starting from Simplon Pass, takes you through landscapes that constantly change. You’ll walk from larch forests to vast mineral terrain, passing glaciers, alpine lakes and panoramic views that sometimes make you feel as if you’ve landed on another planet.
At 2,848 metres above sea level, the hut sits just a few steps from the Italian border and offers spectacular views of the surrounding Alps.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan this hike.
How to get there
The hike starts at Simplon Pass, which is easily accessible by car from Brig.
You can park for free in the various parking areas around the Simplon Hospice. We recommend parking slightly before the hospice at this location:
By completing the loop the following day, you’ll finish much closer to your car.
Public toilets are available at the Simplon Hospice.
If you’re travelling by van, you can also spend the night there by paying the tourist tax, which is currently CHF 2 per person.
The hike to Monte Leone Hut
🥾 13.7 km (loop) | ⛰️ +1020 m | ⛰️ -1020 m
⏱️ Around 6 to 7 hours of hiking in total
🏔️ Difficulty: T3
🚩 Start: Simplon Pass
📅 Best season: Late June to September
From the parking area (see Google Maps), the trail starts gently towards the Simplon Hospice.
If you have a little extra time, it’s worth making a short detour to Rotelsee, a beautiful alpine lake located close to the trailhead.
The path then follows a mountain stream and crosses several small wooden bridges. This first section is particularly enjoyable and allows you to gain elevation quickly without any technical difficulty.
As you continue climbing, the scenery changes dramatically. The larch trees gradually disappear, giving way to a vast rocky landscape. The grey and ochre rocks sometimes resemble volcanic terrain, making you feel as though you’re walking on another planet.
Looking back, the views gradually open up towards the Bietschhorn and part of the Aletsch Massif.
A few kilometres later, the trail reaches Kaltwasser Pass, where you’ll discover Chaltwassersee, a small alpine lake that often still has floating ice at the beginning of summer.
Just behind the lake lies the Chaltwasser Glacier, whose retreat becomes more visible every year.
A little further on, you’ll finally catch sight of Monte Leone Hut, perched on its rocky outcrop.
Staying at Monte Leone Hut
Monte Leone Hut belongs to the Sommartel Section of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC).
What many hikers don’t know is that the building wasn’t originally a mountain hut. It was built by the Swiss Army in 1917 as a military outpost to monitor the Italian border.
During the Second World War, Kaltwasser Pass was one of the few crossings between Switzerland and Italy.
In 1986, the Sommartel SAC section purchased the building and completely rebuilt it. To preserve its integration into the landscape, the hut was reconstructed using the granite stones found on site. Even today, it blends perfectly into its surroundings.
Another unique feature is that Monte Leone Hut is one of the few SAC huts still entirely managed by volunteers, creating a particularly warm and friendly atmosphere.
From the terrace, you’ll enjoy outstanding views of the Chaltwasser Glacier, several 4,000-metre peaks, and the Italian Alps.
Good to know: Wind is very common in this part of the Simplon region. Even in summer, warm clothing is essential.
There is also no mobile phone reception at the hut.
Practical information
- Opening season 2026: 28 June to 26 September
- CHF 76 with half-board
- CHF 64 for SAC members
- Credit cards accepted
- 20-bed dormitory with duvets
- Sleeping bag liner required
- Crocs available at the hut
- Dry toilets
- No showers
- Limited water and electricity (solar-powered)
- Dogs are unfortunately not allowed
Sunrise from the hut
If there’s one thing we highly recommend during your stay, it’s getting up before sunrise.
From the hut, it’s only about a 10-minute walk to a small viewpoint above the refuge.
A small stone shelter provides protection from the wind while the sky slowly begins to light up.
The views over the Italian Alps are absolutely stunning.
To enjoy the best colours, plan to leave the hut about 45 minutes before the official sunrise time.
The return via Schallbett
For the return hike, we strongly recommend completing the loop rather than retracing your steps.
At the signpost at Mäderlicke, don’t descend immediately into the large scree slope. Instead, continue a few hundred metres to the left and follow the ridge.
This variation is much more enjoyable, less steep and offers beautiful panoramic views before gradually descending towards the alpine pastures.
Little by little, the landscape becomes greener and the wind noticeably weaker.
Once you reach Schallbett, the trail follows the Simplon road while remaining on a pleasant footpath above the tunnels.
The loop finally ends back at Simplon Pass.
When is the best time to go?
The hike is generally accessible from late June until the end of September, when the hut is staffed.
Late June :
You’ll often encounter a few remaining snowfields, floating ice on Chaltwassersee, and particularly spectacular scenery.
July and August :
These are generally the most stable months, offering the best conditions to enjoy both the hut and the sunrise.
September :
Temperatures become cooler, the crowds disappear and the first autumn colours begin to appear.
Military training exercises
The Simplon area is also used by the Swiss Army for military training.
Before your trip, make sure to check the official firing notices, as certain areas may be temporarily closed during military exercises.
What should you bring?
To make the most of this hike, we recommend packing:
- Sleeping bag liner (required at the hut)
- Hiking boots
- Hiking poles
- Windproof jacket (essential)
- Lightweight down jacket
- Beanie, even in summer
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Around 2–3 litres of water per person
- Snacks for the hike
- Power bank
- Headlamp if you plan to watch the sunrise
Although the hut provides water and electricity, both are limited.
The facilities rely on solar panels and water reserves are precious, so please try to keep your consumption to a minimum whenever possible.
The hike on Swisstopo
You can find the route on Swisstopo below.
If you’re reading this on a mobile device, you can open it directly in the Swisstopo app by clicking here.
A memorable night in the heart of the Alps
Between the ever-changing landscapes, the Chaltwasser Glacier, the sunrise over the Italian Alps and the authentic atmosphere of Monte Leone Hut, this hike offers a wonderful way to discover another side of the Simplon region.
Accessible to anyone with a good level of fitness, this loop is an excellent first overnight hut experience, without any significant technical difficulties.
Just two days are enough to enjoy a true high-mountain adventure in an area that remains relatively untouched by mass tourism.
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