At the foot of the Roc d'Enfer from Graydon via the Col Ratti and the Plan de Criou

A beautiful hike at the foot of the majestic Roc d'Enfer. You will cross the alpine pasture, among colourful mountain flowers and grazing cows, to reach the Col Ratti, the highest point offering a sublime view of Mont Blanc and the Aravis. Along the way, you can admire traditional alpine chalets. And don't be surprised if you see a herd of chamois: they are abundant in this area, which is classified as a "Natura 2000" reserve.

Technical sheet

72891410
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.92 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 731 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 735 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,939 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,254 m

Description of the walk

Start from the Graydon car park in front of the refreshment bar.

(S/E) Take the path on the left about 20 metres before the refreshment bar. Follow the sign for "Col Ratti" on the right. Then turn left. Climb up the Graydon mountain pasture; the path is quite steep in places. After climbing up the mountain pasture, you will arrive at a valley at the foot of the Roc d'Enfer.

(1) Keep to the right on the path, then take the trail that goes left. Follow the directional markers: yellow arrows on a green background. There are numerous stakes to guide you. Continue climbing until you reach a pass, which will be the highest point of the route. Once you have crossed the valley, the path will begin to descend gently.

(2) Further into the valley, you can choose between the left and right paths. Take the left-hand path. The right-hand path leads to the summit of Roc d'Enfer, which is a very dangerous route and not recommended (there is a warning sign). Once again, follow the directional signs: yellow arrows on a green background. You will arrive at Col Ratti.

(3) Once at the pass, begin your descent towards the Col de la Basse, following the sign. The descent is quite steep.

(4) At the Col de la Basse, take the path on the left towards Les Pâquis. You will begin a descent along the mountain.

(5) At Les Pâquis, turn left towards Les Praz. From there, follow the signs for Graydon via Plan de Criou, going up the road suitable for vehicles, in the shade of the trees. The climb is gentle before levelling out. You will arrive at the sign for "Sur Lachaud".

(6) Take the climb on the left, still towards Graydon via Plan de Criou, before turning right as indicated by the signposts (yellow arrows on a green background). Then descend into the forest before arriving at a clearing: Plan de Criou.

(7) Continue on the left, following the signs for Graydon. Gently descend the road suitable for vehicles. You will arrive at Le Devant.

(8) Continue straight ahead towards Graydon. The descent is still gentle and you will begin to enter a forest path. You will exit the forest at Les Places.

(9) Go up the paved road (on the left) following the signs for Graydon. At the end of the road, you will be back at the Graydon car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,341 m - Graydon car park
  2. 1 : km 2.1 - alt. 1,780 m - Combe, the Convent
  3. 2 : km 2.62 - alt. 1,933 m - Pass, La Chaux de Vie
  4. 3 : km 3.22 - alt. 1,885 m - Col du Rati (1923m)
  5. 4 : km 4.48 - alt. 1,649 m - Col de la Basse (1636m)
  6. 5 : km 5.48 - alt. 1,479 m - Les Pâquis
  7. 6 : km 7.18 - alt. 1,511 m - On Lachaud
  8. 7 : km 8.02 - alt. 1,411 m - Map of Criou
  9. 8 : km 8.74 - alt. 1,384 m - Le Devant
  10. 9 : km 10.44 - alt. 1,254 m - The Places
  11. S/E : km 11.92 - alt. 1,340 m - Graydon car park

Practical information

(S/E) Graydon Alpine pasture exposed to the sun, it can get very hot depending on the amount of sunshine and the outside temperature. There is no shade to protect you from the sun.

This route passes through a sensitive area where specific rules may apply:

In the nearby area

(S/E) Graydon / Graydon Alpine Pasture / Graydon Chapel

(3) Pointe Ratti

(4) Encrenaz Pass

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 1 review

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Clarity of route map
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
User 6739136
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 24, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A very beautiful hike with magnificent views. The last part, once you are on the road leading to the starting point, is not particularly interesting.

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