If you are looking for vert in Bariloche, Cerro Lopez is the peak for you. There are multiple ways up, as it is close to the popular 4 Refugios Trek. An alternative route variation could be the north ridge, which is a scramble with a brief via ferrata section. There is a segment for this ridge on Strava (subida Palotinos).
This route, however, is for the more common ascent and descent, which begins at the Arroyo Lopez cafe next to the road. From the trailhead, it is an immediate 2k foot steep climb to the Jeep road. You will have to cross it a couple times to stay on trail. At a certain point, the trail ends and you have to run on the road up towards Refugio Lopez. It is a brief reprieve from all the climbing, but it requires different muscles in your legs to run fast. Once you reach the refugio, the fun begins. It is a class 2+/3 scramble up the ridgeline to the summit. There are markers spray-painted on the rocks so you know which way to go. You will know when you have reached the true summit when you see a bench and a metal pole. Feel free to sit on the bench for a momentary break (or not), and then turn around and do it all over again. Obviously be careful on the technical section and watch for people below you climbing up. Then open up the legs and rip it back to the trailhead!
