Key facts

Distance: 10.0 km
Ascent: +1,063 m
Descent: −1,049 m
Estimated time: 5 hr 35; hiking
Difficulty: Difficult; official rating
Route: Out and back; same way back

Profile and gradient

under 10%
10 to 20%
over 20%

Surface and path types

Surface: Paved 3%
Dirt & gravel 86%
Unknown 11%
Path types: Trail 86%
Road 3%
Off-network 11%

Description

This ascent in a forest setting enables you to benefit from the grandiose panorama of the Mount Olan massif. The silent forest cover of Silver Firs, populated by enormous ants, gives a mysterious character to this ascent. Then, the landscape of the lake offers hikers wonder and serenity. From Andrieux car park at the level of the fountain place cross the main road in front of the small chapel and go towards the end of the village in the direction of the pine forest.. At the level of the entrance to the National Park indicated by signposts, climb the track going up to the left. At an altitude of 1 400 m, leave the track going towards la Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar and des Portes hamlet (a bit higher up) on the left, staying on the same path. The ascent continues for some time in the forest which brightens up progressively.. Walk carefully through the last rocky passages. A large cairn signals your arrival at the lakes. Return using the same itinerary.

Difficulty

Official rating: difficult, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

Under the glacial cross cliff, certain crossings can be slippery especially in wet weather. NB : the bivouac is only allowed (from 19h à 9h) and rubbish must be taken away in order to preserve the site.

Getting there

Start: Hameau Les Andrieux, la Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar, La Chapelle-en-Valgaudémar (05).

Sources

Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/903509-Les-lacs-de-Petarel-par-les-Andrieux). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
Surface and path types: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL, extract of 28 October 2026, matched to the track every 10 m (openstreetmap.org/copyright)
Official elevation gain: 1,063 m, Parc national des Écrins

Pétarel Lakes by the Andrieux