Hiking the Signal Forbes Trail from Gare du Montenvers
Last Updated on January 26, 2026 by Charlotte
The Signal Forbes Trail is an excellent mini hike to add on to your itinerary to pair with a visit to the Mer de Glace and Ice Grotto. Personally, I think that this short but steep 1.9-mile (3 km) out-and-back trail has even better views of the Mer de Glace and the Aiguilles de Chamonix than the viewing decks at Montenvers Station. The trail is well-marked, and in some sections, flagstones turn the mountain path into something that feels like a stone staircase built by giants. In this blog post, we’ll share photos from our time on the Signal Forbes Trail, along with the trail stats, and practical visiting information to plan your own visit.
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Our Afternoon on the Signal Forbes Trail
With plenty of time to burn after our visit to the Ice Grotto and Mer de Glace, we turned our sights on the Signal Forbes Trail. The trail begins near the Glaciorium and follows steep switchbacks up the mountain. But for every step that you climb, the views just get better and better!
I think that the relative “ease” of this hike contributes to its popularity because this trail was packed with families, trail runners, and other happy holiday goers.
We were overtaking most of the groups ahead of us, until some serious athletes steamed their way ahead of us. I swear I have never seen humans ascend a mountain that fast! I was speechless!
One of the best things about this trail is that you technically don’t even have to go all the way to the top to get the amazing views! This shot below was just midway!
I do, however, think that it is worth the elevation climb to make it to the “real” summit of the Signal Forbes Trail.
At the top, there are piles of lichen-covered boulders that make a perfect spot to rest your legs, snack on some chocolates, and enjoy the view.
Originally, we’d planned to hike from Montenvers to Signal Forbes, and then along the Grand Balcon Nord to Plan de l’Aiguille. But unfortunately, the weather had other plans for us. We’d spent so much time enjoying the Mer de Glace and the Glaciorium that late afternoon thunderstorms overtook us. Instead of continuing onto the Grand Balcon Nord, we made the tough call to turn around and high-tail it back to the Montenvers Train Station instead.
How to Hike the Signal Forbes Trail
The Signal Forbes Trail begins and ends at the Montenvers Train Station (Gare du Montenvers – Mer de Glace). However, if you wish to extend your hike, it is possible to connect this trail with the Grand Balcon Nord.
Trail Stats
- Distance: 1.9 miles (3 km)
- Elevation Gain: 1,003 ft (305 m)
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Difficulty: Hard (due to the rapid elevation gain and steepness)
- Best Times: Between late June and mid-September
- Trail Map: AllTrails
How to Get to Montenvers Station and the Trailhead
Take the cogwheel train from Chamonix to Montenvers station. The first train usually departs around 8:30โ9:00 AM, so check the current schedule before planning your departure time. No reservations are typically required for the train, but arriving early ensures you get the timing you want.
The trailhead is easy to find and well-marked from the station. If you need a toilet, water, or a snack before your hike, all of these things can be found inside the Montenvers Station.
Trail Condition and Accessibility
Beyond the general steepness, this trail is mostly dirt and rock, and it is fairly narrow in width, although not exposed. On our visit, we saw many families with toddlers, parents with babies in backpacks, and even elderly retirees in their 60s to 70s. While these folks were able to make it up to the summit, their pace was very very slow, which meant that their time estimates for this hike were probably incorrect.
I do not think that people who are afraid of heights would have a problem with this trail, since there weren’t any sections that I noticed that felt like you could “fall off” the mountain. That said, I think that many people might see the length of this trail, and severely underestimate the challenge for your typical slightly out-of-shape person.
What to Pack for the Signal Forbes Trail
- Hiking shoes or boots with good traction (trail runners work fine for this relatively gentle terrain)
- Layered clothing โ the weather in Chamonix can change quickly, even in summer
- Sun protection โ hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (the alpine sun is stronger than you might expect)
- Water bottle (bring at least 1-2 liters of water per person)
- I recommend using a hydration bladder for hands-free drinking or an insulated water bottle to keep your water cold on warm days. Both options are perfect for long hikes!
- Small backpack or trail running vest to carry snacks, layers, and camera gear
- We have the Osprey Talon / Osprey Tempest day packs, and a Gregory Jade day pack. All of them are super comfy.
- Camera โ you’ll want to capture the spectacular mountain views
- Cash (euros) for rifugios and parking (many don’t accept cards)
- Trail map or AllTrails app (downloaded offline before your hike)
- Light rain jacket or poncho, even on clear days (mountain weather is unpredictable)
- I have a Mammut Rain Jacket that is super lightweight, and packs down to about the size of a large potato.
- Trekking poles (optional, but helpful for the downhill sections)
- While trekking poles are super popular with hikers from Germany and Austria, I donโt tend to use them often, as theyโre not really needed for hiking at home in Hawaii. However, they can be helpful on steeper or downhill sections if you prefer extra stability. My personal set came from Costco, and I got them for just $20 USD, which works just fine for most hikes.
Ready To Plan Your Trip To Chamonix?
If itโs your first time in Chamonix, be sure to check out our full Chamonix Travel Guide. If youโre curious about the character of the little villages in the valley, we also have a full guide on Where to Stay in Chamonix. And if youโre here for the hiking, be sure to check out our blog post on our favorite hikes in Chamonix.
