Key facts

Distance: 16.2 km
Ascent: +1,178 m
Descent: −1,148 m
Estimated time: 6 hr 45; hiking
Difficulty: Difficult; official rating
Route: Out and back; same way back

Profile and gradient

under 10%
10 to 20%
over 20%

Description

An energetic hike on the sunny slopes of Le Piolit. In late spring, the steep slopes are covered in flowers, as well as butterflies and foraging insects of all kinds. The finale takes place on a crest and is quite steep, but the reward is a magnificent view from the Gapençais to the Serre-Ponçon lake! Leaving from the Col de Moissière car park, take the road towards Le Sapet. At Arto, continue along the road towards Baillenq. Take the forest path towards “Torrent du Sapet“ (GR 50). The path winds its way up to Le Piolit. The last section runs along a crest, providing a superb panorama over the Serre Ponçon lake. Go back the same way.

Difficulty

Official rating: difficult, by Parc national des Écrins.

Getting there

Start: Col de Moissière, Ancelle, Ancelle (05).

Sources

Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/950305-Le-Piolit). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
Official elevation gain: 1,178 m, Parc national des Écrins

Le Piolit