2. From Les Clots refuge to the Pic du Mas de la Grave refuge

Lake and glacier

Panorama

Pastoralism

Embed this item to access it offline

The perfect stage for enjoying fine panoramic views over the peaks and glaciers of Les Écrins and getting up close to the majestic Pic du Mas de la Grave.

The gentle climb leads precipitously above the Romanche valley to the Plateau d'Emparis. Its panorama and lakes are a wonder to behold. You have the opportunity to stroll around this unique belvedere overlooking Les Écrins, surrounded by sheep and legendary mountains.

Description

From Les Clots, head northwards uphill to follow the waterfall of La Pisse (be sure to follow the waymarks). Pass above the resurgence of the stream and carry on by climbing uphill towards the east. After reaching the chalets of Le Fay, continue uphill until you come to the confluence of the mountain streams.

Take the footpath on the right (GR54). Follow the first footpath on the right (off the GR) which leads to Lac Noir and Lac Lerié. Poorly marked initially, the path first takes you to the small crystalline lake across bouldery terrain. Continue uphill until you reach a flat area, ignoring the path leading off to the left, and you come to the shores of Lac Noir. Carry straight on due east until you come to Lac Lerié.
At the next intersection, ignore the right-hand path to rejoin the GR54 downhill from the Col du Souchet. You reach it by climbing up to your left.
Leave the GR54, heading right into the alpine pasture to join a well-worn footpath and a first marker bearing a red waymark. The narrow footpath runs along the mountainside and is marked out by posts bearing the red waymark. The footpath drops down gently and crosses two small streams. At the next marker, take careful note of the waymarks, take a right-angle turn to the left towards the "Col de la Berche", following the metal poles. From the Col de la Berche, go down the zig-zagging footpath which leads to the Buffe valley.
You come to a split in the path at a cairn. Ignore the path running downhill to the right and carry straight on. Running between small hillocks, the stony footpath is faint. Use the occasional cairns to find your way.
Further on, fork right. The route winds down through the alpine pasture, passing close to some ruins and running through a few small streams. The path widens and takes the form of a track. When you reach a marker, follow the "Refuge" sign.
When you come to an intersection with a very clear earth track, follow it to the left heading towards the valley bottom (Les Combettes).
Turn right before the mountain stream and follow the steeply sloping track and cross the footbridge.
Turn immediately left, heading back up towards the valley bottom, and then immediately right after the next mountain stream towards the Pic du Mas refuge.

Towns crossed : Mizoën and La Grave

Altimetric profile

Sensitive areas

Along your trek, you will go through sensitive areas related to the presence of a specific species or environment. In these areas, an appropriate behaviour allows to contribute to their preservation. For detailed information, specific forms are accessible for each area.

Golden eagle

Impacted practices:: Aerial, , Vertical

Sensitivity periods:: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAug

Contact:: Parc National des Écrins
Julien Charron
julien.charron@ecrins-parcnational.fr

Find out more

Information desks

Oisans Park house

Rue Gambetta, 38520 Le Bourg d'Oisans

http://www.ecrins-parcnational.fr/oisans@ecrins-parcnational.fr 04 76 80 00 51

Video presentation of the natural resources of the Oisans mountain and its crafts. Information, documentation about the Park, projections, reading space for children. Accessible to people with reduced mobility. Free admission. All animations of the Park are free unless otherwise stated.

Find out more

Tourist information office of La Grave

RD1091, 05320 La Grave

http://www.lagrave-lameije.com lagrave@hautesvallees.com (+33) 04 76 79 90 05

At the Tourist Office you will find information about hikes, accomodation, activities, events, shops and amenities.
Opening hours:
- May to mid-June: from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to noon and from 2 pm to 5 pm.
- Mid-June to mid-July and mid-August to mid-September: Monday to Saturday from 9 am to noon and from 2 pm to 5.30 pm.
- Mid-July to mid-August: every day from 9 am to noon and from 2 pm to 5.30 pm.

Find out more