Mountain pass by Côte Belle by the Desert
Crossing the flowery pasture of Côte-Belle results in a view across the western buttresses of Ecrins massif.
«For decades we have taken up the challenge of consolidating the last stretch under the Côte Belle mountain pass on an unstable terrain. Very onerous for the park, we have undertaken the responsibility of recreating it. From 2013, the path heads in the direction of the Marmes mountain pass, it seems more agreeable with more stability and safety of the walkers».
Bernard Nicollet, Park ranger in Valbonnais
Route details
Park your car at the entrance to the Desert. Cross the village up until the torrent de la Laisse without passing it and continue North in the direction of the Côte Belle mountain pass. The path follows the carved out channel of the torrent and passes close to the paravalanche. . The itinerary runs through the heart of the Ecrins National Park. It goes down next into à quite narrow gorge. The track continues its accent with large bends through ancient hay fields and comes out in the Côte Belle mountain pass. The view is of the Arcanier massif, the pic du Clapier du Peyron, la Roche de la Muzelle and the other summits and glaciers of the cirque de Valsenestre. The descente follows the same path.
More details
Informations to download
Tips
Is in the midst of the park : The national park is an unrestricted natural area but subjected to regulations which must be known by all visitors.
Go there
Latitude : 44.868921409861
Longitude : 6.0871832931773
38740 Valjouffrey
Go there
Departure : Le-Désert-en-Valjouffrey.
Road access : From Entraigues take the direction to Valjouffrey (D117). Continue along the valley to the hamlet of Désert en Valjouffrey. .
Information updated on 03/09/2026
by Parc national des Écrins
