From the parking area in Karlgraben, pass the spring of the Seven Springs and continue uphill along the forest road, passing a small climbing area (Elisabethwandl). Soon, we reach the marked trail, which becomes steeper as we ascend through Karlgraben. We follow this trail, ignoring all unmarked turn-offs, always heading uphill. After passing a spring, we soon find ourselves above the tree line in a basin-like depression.
Before long, we reach the high plateau (with a small alpine hut to the right) and follow the now partially green-marked trail to Knopperwiese. Here, we must decide—if we want to summit Schönhaltereck (longer route), we leave the marked trail at the signpost and head left uphill (unmarked, sometimes marked with cairns) over point 1,864m, following a partially latschen-covered ridge towards Schönhaltereck. Through a small depression, we continue upward to the already visible summit cross. Return to the signpost at Knopperwiese via the same route. Caution: difficult orientation in fog!
The more leisurely option takes us from Knopperwiese, keeping right, following the marked path to Windberg (1,903m, the highest point of Schneealm), and from there, we descend to the already visible Schneealm Huts. Here, we can take a break at the Michlbauer Hut or, a bit further away, at the Lurgbauer Hut or Schneealmhaus.
We return towards Karlgraben, passing the previously mentioned hunting hut, and descend through the Graben back to the parking area.