Le Pas de l'Aiguille

Pedestrian sports
Hiking itinerary

La Richardière
38930 Chichilianne

Difficulty: Assez difficile
Lenght: 8.3Km
Elevation: 581m
Duration: 3H

Tracé GPX Pas de l'Aiguille

Set off on one of the Trièves' most emblematic hikes. The Pas de l'Aiguille will charm you not only with its splendid view of Mont Aiguille, but also with the history of the place, which was the scene of fighting during the Second World War.

This rather strenuous hike will take you quickly up to the magnificent Vercors High Plateaux nature reserve and its wild atmosphere! The view of Mont Aiguille is splendid. Look out for marmots lurking in the mountain pastures! You may also be lucky enough to come across a few ibexes on the way up, as they weave around the cliffs like balancing acts.
Finally, once at the summit, you can discover the Nécropole Nationale du Pas de l'Aiguille, as well as the cave next to it, where Resistance fighters took refuge when attacked by German soldiers during the Second World War.

Route details

3h0

Aller-Retour

8.3km

581m elevation gain

Difficulty

Walkers/hikers,
Orange level - quite hard

Direction signs

Yellow and green line markings

Ground type

Ground,
Grit,
Not suitable for strollers

Tricky parts

Gravel path, caution on the descent.

Map references

Carte "Promenades et randonnées en Vercors Trièves"

Departure: Park in the Richardière parking lot near the cross-country ski center.
Look for the "La Richardière" sign, then follow the signs for "Les Fourchaux". To do this, take a wide gravel track heading west. This long track, almost 2 kilometers long, will take you to Les Fourchaux.
1) From "Les Fourchaux", take the time to read the information next to the monument retracing the history of the Pas de l'aiguille, then the instructions for the Vercors High Plateaux National Nature Reserve. Behind you, the majestic Mont Aiguille rises to a height of over 2000 metres. Then head for the "Pas de l'Aiguille", deep in the forest. There's a steep climb ahead. Be sure to follow the yellow and green markings as they wind through the forest. You'll get some great views as you turn around, with Mont Aiguille accompanying you as you climb. When you come to the first cross, take time to observe the landscape and check for ibex on the cliff opposite.
2) Continue on the gravel path up to the next cross, where you'll have a splendid view and be able to see the parking lot below. It's just a short climb to the top. You arrive in a mountain pasture, with small hills and a monument. You're entering the Hauts-Plateaux du Vercors nature reserve. See the monument on the hill, then the cave on the north cliff. Then cross the mountain pasture to the Chaumailloux hut, where the view of Mont Aiguille is breathtaking. Take advantage of this view to take a break before heading back down.
3) To come back down, follow your route in the opposite direction. The descent can be slippery due to small stones, so be careful! Descend to "Les Fourchaux" and then to "La Richardière" to return to your car.