Key facts

Distance: 13.7 km
Ascent: +1,000 m
Descent: −977 m
Estimated time: 5 hr 45; hiking
Difficulty: Moderate; official rating
Route: Out and back; same way back

Profile and gradient

under 10%
10 to 20%
over 20%

Description

Shaped by pastoral activity, the Pisses valley has for generations been the summer residence of ewes and their shepherds. This winding trail overlooks the Prapic valley and runs as far as Lac des Pisses, in a rocky high-altitude atmosphere. It crosses several torrents and is a chance to enjoy the refreshing waterfalls. From Place de Prapic, head up towards the stopover gîte, then turn left. A wide path crosses the fileds, then goes up the Blaisil valley. You pass by the Tombeau du Poète path. At the second crossroads, continue along the route to the right as far as Lac des Pisses. You follow the same route on the way back.

Difficulty

Official rating: moderate, by Parc national des Écrins.

Getting there

Start: Prapic, Orcières, Orcières (05).

Sources

Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/904201-Le-lac-des-Pisses). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
Official elevation gain: 1,000 m, Parc national des Écrins

Lac des Pisses