Campamento Paso

Overview

Campamento Paso sits on the remote west side of the O Circuit between John Gardner Pass and Refugio Grey. Hikers come through here for the big Glacier Grey scenery and the famous hanging bridges—not to linger—so treat it as a pass‑through checkpoint rather than a destination.

Current Status & Facilities

This was a very basic, free CONAF campground in the past, but it has remained closed to overnight camping in recent seasons. Today it functions as a ranger post with a pit/long‑drop toilet and a cold water tap; treat or filter water before drinking. There’s a simple, exposed cooking shelter on site, but don’t count on services beyond the basics—no showers, electricity, Wi‑Fi, shop, or meals. Always check official park alerts just before your trek.

Where It Fits on the Route

You’ll hit Paso after the long, steep descent from John Gardner Pass and before the busier Grey/Paine Grande side. Expect narrow bench‑cut trail, rocky stretches, and multiple suspension bridges on this segment. A typical split notes about 6.9 km (~2–2.5 hours) from Paso toward Grey viewpoints, with further time to reach Refugio/Camping Grey.

What to Expect on the Trail

• Terrain: forested singletrack, rough tread in spots, with dizzy‑making long suspension bridges.
• Effort: the pass day is sustained; plan for a long descent and slower pacing over the bridges.
• Crowds: quieter than the W sections until you near Grey, where traffic and services pick up.

Planning Tips

• Do not plan to sleep at Paso; book Refugio/Camping Grey for the night instead.
• Start early from Los Perros on your pass day—the descent to Grey is long and technical in places.
• Carry full food and pack out trash; cook only in designated kitchen areas at established campgrounds (e.g., Grey or Paine Grande).
• Bring robust wind/rain layers—the pass and bridges are exposed.

Best Time to Visit

As a pass‑through stop, mid‑morning works well on your John Gardner Pass day: you’ll be off the windiest heights early and have daylight margin to continue to Grey. Peak season (January–March) brings more hikers once you approach Grey; bookings for popular dates open months ahead and sell out quickly, though last‑minute cancellations do pop up.