Hiking – Col du Vallon du lac de la Muzelle to lac Lauvitel

Please note: this site is located in the heart of a French National Park and is subject to specific regulations. This is an exceptional area, and as such is subject to specific regulations. We invite you to adopt the right reflexes when you come to protect these treasures.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION :
Start: Alleau
Difference in altitude: 1597 m
Round trip duration: 9h
Distance: 16 km
Level : Difficult

TOPO AND MAP :
OBP map n°5 (Oisans au Bout des Pieds)
IGN TOP 25 map n°3336 ET

ROUTE :
From l'Alleau, cross the hamlet towards "Lac de la Muzelle". [Allow 4 hours to reach the refuge at 2130m]. To reach the fork leading to the pass, go around the lake to the right, cross the lawn and reach the start of the path in the scree (signposted Col du Vallon). The ascent path is nearby. [Allow 1h30 from the refuge de la Muzelle]. From the col, you'll have a magnificent view of the surrounding area. Start the descent towards Lac du Lauvitel, keeping to the left. After a long series of switchbacks, you'll reach a characteristic rocky crest, with a fine view over the lake. From here, you have to cross a large ravine on the right (in wet weather, crossing a slab can be dangerous, and crossing the béquet can be impressive). The path climbs up a little (10 mins) before leading to the mountain pastures above the lake (not recommended in wet weather) [allow around 2 hrs for the descent to the lake]. Then descend to La Danchère [1h30 from the lake] and take the GR on the left bank of the Vénéon to reach the starting point of the hike.

IMPORTANT:
The GR 54 traverse between the Col du Vallon (2531 m) and Lac Lauvitel (1500 m) has been reopened since June 15, 2015.