About This Route
The W Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, stands as one of Patagonia's premier trail running challenges, spanning about 71 kilometers over 3 to 5 days for hikers but compressible into ultra efforts for experienced runners. Start at Laguna Amarga entrance, traverse Valle del Frances (French Valley), climb to Glacier Grey viewpoint, and loop back via the base of the iconic granite towers. Runners like Jason Schlarb have pushed Fastest Known Times (FKTs) here, but park officials emphasize caution; running is discouraged on busy sections due to rescue risks. Expect technical singletrack, boulder fields, and exposure with 4,000 meters of elevation gain. Follow Leave No Trace principles: camp only in designated areas, pack out waste, and yield to hikers.
Safety Considerations
Patagonia's microclimates deliver sudden katabatic winds up to 100 km/h, hypothermia risks even in summer, and afternoon storms. Stick to daylight hours (sunrise ~5am, sunset ~10pm in December-February); night running amplifies navigation errors on off-camber scree. Hydrate aggressively; carry 2-3 liters plus a Sawyer Squeeze filter for glacial streams, safe if clear but test for giardia. Wildlife includes guanacos (avoid close approaches) and rare puma sightings. Technical sections like the switchbacks to Lago Torres demand trekking poles for stability. Check CONAF forecasts daily at Puerto Natales ranger stations. Train for multi-hour efforts; fatigue leads to slips on wet granite. Group running preferred; solo FKT attempts require satellite messengers like Garmin inReach.
Essential Gear
Pack REI Co-op windproof shells (e.g., Gore-Tex Paclite), merino base layers, Buff for face protection, Black Diamond Z-Poles, Salomon Sense Ride shoes with Gaiters, headlamp with 300+ lumens, SPOT or inReach for SOS, comprehensive first aid (blister kits, compression bandages), 100g emergency bivy, and high-calorie gels (e.g., Maurten).
Emergency Tips
Injury: Stabilize, signal with whistle/mirror, activate PLB. Hypothermia: Insulate, hydrate warm fluids, shelter behind boulders. Lost: Climb high for visibility, follow water downhill to refugios. Evac from Grey or Paine Grande; rangers coordinate via radio.