Appenzell - Schafler ridge back down to Seealpsee question

All Trails lists this as a ‘Hard’ trail with almost 4,000 feet elevation gain in 5.3 miles.

“Parts of this route comprise highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.”

The Schafler ridge is the high point of the mountain. From there, whether it's via Mesmer or Alpenalp is mostly downhill.

I'm not worried about the uphill. That's doable.

I'm wondering what the differences are between the downhill portion for Schafler to Mesmer to the lake, vs Schafler to Alpenalp to the lake, besides Mesmer adding about a mile to the route.

I'm ok with slightly steep inclines downhill

I’m sure you are also taking a look at a topographical map and can see the difficulty in what you are proposing. The section Schafler - Altenalp is very steep as you’re losing about 1,000 ft over just over half a mile. Not sure what slightly steep means to you, but for me this would not qualify.

I do have a mild fear of heights but am willing to "get over it" for a
bit.

Have you done any ridge hikes before? This is not exactly the scenario in which you can "get over" your fear of heights.

Are you staying in Appenzell before your hike? I would take a visit to the tourist info there and ask them your questions, there is sure to be someone there who has personal experience and great knowledge of the area and the various routes. There are often news stories of tourists who get into great trouble on these hikes thinking that they are going to be much easier than they actually are. Best to be as prepared as possible.

I’m sure you are also taking a look at a topographical map and can see the difficulty in what you are proposing. The section Schafler - Altenalp is very steep as you’re losing about 1,000 ft over just over half a mile. Not sure what slightly steep means to you, but for me this would not qualify.

Have you done any ridge hikes before? This is not exactly the scenario in which you can "get over" your fear of heights.

Thanks for the concern and warning. I think I did a bad job of describing everything accurately.
Yes, I've done ridge hikes and I'm ok with the steepness.

Maybe a better way to ask my question is, this is roughly the path I'm planning to take up...
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/switzerland/outer-rhodes/wasserauen-seealpsee-ebenalp-schafler

...from there, I'm trying to choose the "easier"/"less steep" back down, either via Mesmer back down to Seealpsee, or via Altenalp Turn/Altenalp back down.

I know they're both pretty steep, and I do feel comfortable with either route, but I'd prefer the less steep one as long as I'm not giving up too much in terms of scenery. And I don't mind the extra mile or so that Mesmer would add if it means less steepness overall, so my knees don't suffer too much.

Hi Ed. I am not sure you are going to find someone on this forum who has done these hikes. I suggest you have a look on all trails or komoot. If the hikes are on there, you will find good information to answer your questions. All trials also provides comments and reviews from people who have hiked, which can also help.

Thanks Wanderlust!

Edjusted-
I have hiked down from Aescher/Ebenalp to Seealpsee to Wasserauen. It is doable, there is a sharp dropoff on one side of the trail. It is mostly in the trees. The best views are at Aescher and then again by Seealpsee. It is quite steep in spots, even down from the cable car to Aescher, though I do remember a few stairs. The access road between Seealpsee and Wasserauen is very steep, though it sounds like you will be going up.

Thank you, Katherine!