The Col de Rousset - Les Gauras

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This hike takes you across the Gauras meadows to admire the entire range of the Vercors high plateaus and its highest peak, the Grand-Veymont. To enjoy these panoramic views, you’ll need to climb the beautiful Gauras track and cross a magnificent beech forest dotted with silver firs. The descent is equally magical. Starting in the forest, the landscape then becomes spectacular as you approach the Col Naturel.

Details

n°1214111
Creation:
Last update:
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  • Snowshoeing
    Activity: Snowshoeing
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.28 km
  • ◔
    Duration according to the author: 2 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 217 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 221 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,451 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,231 m
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Description of the walk

Snowshoe trail no. 2

(S/E) Head along the D518 towards La Chapelle-en-Vercors. After the tunnel, just behind the last building on the mountain side, take the track that climbs gently to the left of the road.

(1) A little further on, pass the start of the path you will take on your return on your left. Continue straight on until you reach a small clearing.

(2) Turn left to climb through the forest until you reach the successive Gauras meadows, interspersed with small copses. Enjoy the view. Keep heading south.

(3) Make sure you spot the descent at the end of the highest and final meadow. Begin the descent towards the Col Naturel.

(4) From the pass, veer left towards the forest to find a path that takes you back down to the lower track near the resort. Please note: from the pass, do not descend directly to the resort.

(1) Turn right to return to the start (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,237 m - Poteau (alt. 1,254m) - Col de Rousset
  2. 1 : km 0.21 - alt. 1,238 m - Crossroads of the circular loop
  3. 2 : km 1.4 - alt. 1,319 m - Turn left at the flat section
  4. 3 : km 2.91 - alt. 1,451 m - Descent after the last grassy slope
  5. 4 : km 3.31 - alt. 1,369 m - Natural Pass
  6. S/E : km 4.28 - alt. 1,237 m - Col de Rousset signpost (alt. 1254m)

Notes

In the event of an accident, call the resort on 04 75 48 24 64 and the emergency services on 112.
Hikers must be self-sufficient and responsible for themselves and any animals they bring with them. Respect for the natural environment and other users of the ski area is also part of responsible behaviour for hikers.
Snowshoes are not permitted on the ski slopes.
Winter weather conditions can be changeable and difficult: check the forecast before setting off, adapt your equipment accordingly, take some provisions (water and sugary foods), take your mobile phone, inform someone of your route before setting off, and avoid ridgelines.

- Col de Rousset Ski Resort
04.75.48.24.64 / www.le-grand-echaillon.com

- Vercors Drôme Tourist Office
04.75.48.22.54 / www.vercors.com
- Diois Tourist Office
04 75 22 03 03 / www.diois-tourisme.com

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.3 / 5
cak2511
cak2511

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 04, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Short and easy hike, done with four young children aged 9 to 14, no problems in two hours with a picnic break.
Lots of wooded areas in the forest, pleasant in hot weather.
Between points 3 and 4 (off the trail), make the effort to climb up to the ridge: the view of the Vercors and the 3 peaks is magnificent.
Great for families.

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danileo04
danileo04

Couldn't do it: gusts of wind reaching 70 km/h!

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Département de la Drôme
Département de la Drôme

Hello,

thank you for your comment. The descent is indeed not signposted, as it is not an official hiking route... but a circular snowshoe route! It is therefore clearly signposted in winter, with specific snowshoe markings.

Wishing you some great hikes in the Drôme,

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Gérard manvussa
Gérard manvussa

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 28, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk.
No major difficulties.
A stunning view at the top to reward you for the climb.
The start of the descent isn’t signposted, so you’ll need to find your way using a map or a GPS.

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Christian Piaget
Christian Piaget

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 24, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A short, easy walk, ideal for a group of around fifteen people. Watch out for a slippery section in the undergrowth, in wet weather, just before the Col Naturel.

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glaciers
glaciers

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 31, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A short, pleasant walk to warm up.
Beautiful forests to walk through.
Spotted a deer on the "lawn"...
Thanks to the author for sharing.

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