THEMED PATH: The Mountain Hut path

Key facts

Distance: 3.4 km
Ascent: +87 m
Descent: −68 m
Estimated time: 55 min; hiking
Difficulty: Easy; official rating
Route: Loop; back to the start

Profile and gradient

under 10%
10 to 20%
over 20%

Surface and path types

Surface: Paved 27%
Dirt & gravel 46%
Unknown 27%
Path types: Trail 2%
Track 35%
Road 37%
Off-network 26%

Description

A fun, eco-aware and educational excursion in the heart of unspoilt nature! Building, living and developing in harmony with nature! This trail highlights the possibilities for sustainable development and introduces you to a series of exemplary initiatives. An ecological trail showing that development is possible wihtout spoiling the remarkable natural heritage of the Pays des Écrins! From the car park, head towards the farm, taking the second right after the bridge. Go past the railway line and go along the edge of the farm and then follow the Durance. - Continue uphill until you come to the railway line and follow it. At the panel at the Pont de Chirouze, continue by taking the uphill path on the right. - When you come to the D4, turn right and follow it for a few metres. - Keep an eye out for the path on the left; head towards Prelles. - Take the D4 for a short distance; fork onto the path on the left to reach Prelles. In Prelles, turn left opposite the church to return to your starting point.

Difficulty

Official rating: easy, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

Note, be alert: in places, the trail runs along the banks of the Durance and alongside the railway line.
Information panels are installed around the circuit.
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

Getting there

Start: Route D4, Prelles, Saint-Martin-de-Queyrières (05).

Sources

Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/960384-SENTIER-THEMATIQUE-%3A-Le-Sentier-des-Cabanes). 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: 87 m, Parc national des Écrins