Ecrins 4-day summer hike

Clot d’Outre parking (1584m) – Lavey refuge (1797 me)– Bèches lake (2417 m)
D +1000/-787m
Walking time: 5 hours

This first day will bring us to a high mountain environment without too much effort. Going towards the Lavey valley will allow us to get to know the Ecrins massif. Almost the whole route is in the National Park. A descent to the torrent, then a short steep climb takes us to the small Raja hamlet. Then we go up along the Lavey torrent, where we reach the moorlands with blueberries near the refuge. Peaks and glittering glaciers surround the refuge. We will see marmots and chamois. It’s a perfect overview of what Oisans is: a country of rock and ice. The climb to the Bèches Lake is a good opportunity to continue in the high mountain and appreciate a beautiful glacial lake. We spend the evening at the Lavey refuge with other hikers.

Option 1: Lavey refuge – Arias lodge, descending directly through the right bank, passing by Gassaudière.
D +494/-711m
Walking time: 5 hours

Option 2: Lavey refuge – Fétoules lake – Arias lodge
D +692/-832m

During this day we go by two hamlets now abandoned: the Soucher and the Gassaudière. It will also be a journey through the mountain to reach the tumultuous Vénéon torrent. The descent on the left bank of the Lavey valley is a jewel of beauty with unique flora. Marmots and chamois are often also present in this area. In the middle of the day we will be in the shade of the spruces to avoid the hot temperatures. We make a nice turn by the Gassaudière hamlet before beginning the descent for the Veneon. There will be a 1-hour climb to reach the Arias lodge at Clot d’Outre.

The option to go to the Fétoules lake will lead us higher (2240 m). The itinerary here is completely different. The small lake lies under the Tête des Fétoules, an emblematic summit of the area (3459 m). We will then go down on a little marked trail in a very wild area. It is an overhanging and open route offering, weather permitting, a unique view of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.

Note: If you have the appropriate level, there are other options available, but we have to be in good shape for the following day:

1. Ascent to the Rouies lake (D+ 925m from the refuge)
2. Going up the Lavey valley to reach a glacial lake formed above a moraine (D+ 700m)

Bourg d’Arud (985 m) – Muzelle refuge (2115 m)
D +1200/-517m
Walking time: 7 hours

Today we go the most beautiful climb of the circuit. It’s demanding but the panorama of the peaks and surrounding massifs (Dôme of the Ecrins, Belledonne, Grandes Rousses) is outstanding. A village with fine examples of local architecture, a forest on steep slopes, steep passages, a beautiful aerial ridge and a view to the front rows on the imposing Muzelle glacier. These are the main elements encountered during this beautiful journey through the mountain floors. We will arrive at the Cime du Pied Barry before descending to the alpine pastures to reach the refuge and lake of Muzelle.

Muzelle refuge (2115m) – Valley pass (2531m) – Le Plan du Lac (1185 m)
D +536/-1486m
Walking time: 5 hours

In the morning we go through a beautiful trail to the valley pass, from where we can see the Lauvitel lake 1000 meters below. We descend by the same route and continue down to the Muzelle refuge.

Note: we have other options for this day:

1. Descending straight to the refuge if we are tired from the day before (3:30hs)
2. Going up to the Muzelle pass (D +/-500 from the refuge)
3. From the valley pass going down to Danchère by Lauvitel (D -1500m) In this case we need a taxi.