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From Valloire, take the road to the Col du Galibier and head towards the hamlet of Bonnenuit. The car park runs alongside the road.
Yellow markings and signposts.
(S/E) From the car park, continue straight on to the Valloirette stream and cross the first stream. If the current is too strong, head back up the Route du Galibier, cross the bridge and turn right to reach the first footbridge.
(1) Cross the footbridge and turn right until you reach a second footbridge over the Torrent des Aiguilles.
(2) Turn left towards the hamlet of Les Aiguilles.
(3) At the hamlet, carry on straight ahead through the mountain pastures and past herds of cows until you reach the refuge. Continue on to the ruins of the Commandraut.
(4) Leave the path on your right and carry on straight ahead to the refuge.
(5) Turn right to begin the long ascent (960 m elevation gain over 3 km) to the Aiguille de l’Épaisseur. Continue to a junction.
(6) Ignore the small path on the right leading to the Col de l’Épaisseur and turn left towards the summit. A signpost indicates the way. From here on, it’s just a long climb that seems never-ending, and the summit seems to never get any closer. As you go, the vegetation disappears.
(7) It gives way to scree and boulders. The path becomes a bit overgrown at times. Keep a close eye out for the yellow markings, often visible from a distance, which give you an idea of the route to follow. Small cairns also help you find your way. If in doubt, just keep climbing. Reach the secondary summit.
(8) The actual summit is about ten minutes further on. Make your way through the boulders on the eastern side of the ridge path, as the western side is very vertiginous and steep! The yellow markings are very useful here. Use your hands for support if necessary. Reach the summit.
(9) Enjoy the view of the Aiguilles d’Arves. Return to the car park (S/E) via the same route.
Visorando Member
Moderate 
Difficult 
