Camino del Abismal – Chubut Fossil Valleys
Dinosaur hunting in Patagonian badlands
The Camino del Abismal drops into Chubut’s fossil-rich canyons where paleontologists discovered some of South America’s largest dinosaur specimens. This 85-kilometer track winds through red sandstone formations and petrified araucaria forests dating back 150 million years. The route requires navigating steep canyon descents and loose scree fields, particularly at the notorious Cañadón del Diablo, where the track drops 400 meters over switchbacks carved into crumbling cliff faces.
Expert-level technical skills essential – this isn’t a trail for rookies. Lockers, rock sliders, and 35-inch tires minimum. Many sections demand precise wheel placement on loose rock shelves above serious drops. Best tackled March-November when flash flood risk subsides. Water is scarce; carry 40 liters minimum. The reward: standing among 40-meter titanosaur trackways with zero human development in sight for hundreds of kilometers.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 53 mi / 85 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3400 ft |
| Best season | March-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with lockers |
| Nearest town | Sarmiento, Chubut |
| Land manager | Provincial Government Chubut |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
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