Key facts

Distance: 31.6 km
Ascent: +1,920 m
Descent: −1,782 m
Estimated time: 4 hr 55; trail running
Difficulty: Difficult; official rating
Route: Loop; back to the start

Profile and gradient

under 10%
10 to 20%
over 20%

Surface and path types

Surface: Paved 5%
Dirt & gravel 95%
Path types: Trail 52%
Track 45%
Road 3%

Description

A splendid circuit around the Montbrison massif against a backdrop of pine forests, alpine pastures and cliffs, its high point being a stunning crossing over the Col de Vallouise. “This is a mega-itinerary. Of course, the highlight is the crossing over the Col de Vallouise, at the end of a long climb. A splendid descent through alpine pastures awaits us, before entering the forest again.” Marie-Geneviève Nicolas, park ranger at the Parc National des Écrins. From the Le Courounba campsite, head to the bridge spanning the Gyronde. Turn right as you exit the bridge. - Turn left after the restaurants and carry on along the Rif Cros mountain stream. - Fork left and cross the mountain stream. Follow the hairpin track and balcony traverse until you come to the hamlet of Le Bouchier. Carry on uphill. - Continue on the left-hand track to reach the Col de la Trancoulette. - At the Col de la Trancoulette start the descent to the left, taking the marked route on the south-facing side of the valley to return to Les Vigneaux and your starting point.

Difficulty

Official rating: difficult, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

Before setting off, it is very important to check the opening periods for this route on the website: https://stationdetrail.com/fr/stations/le-pays-des-ecrins/parcours
Share your photographs on social networks with #stationdetrailecrins
Check weather conditions before setting off.
Rescue services contact details: Secours Montagne (Mountain Rescue): +33 (0)4 92 22 22 22 or 112
Show consideration for the work of farmers, livestock keepers and owners
Close all gates behind you
Take your litter home
Do not take shortcuts across pastureland
The trail routes are also suitable for walking

Getting there

Start: Parking pont du Rif, Les Vigneaux, Les Vigneaux (05).

Sources

Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/958306-Trail-N13---Le-tour-du-Montbrison). 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: 1,920 m, Parc national des Écrins

The Montbrison tour (trail route no. 13)