Bric de Rubren via the Mongioia Pass and the Salsa Pass

This is a beautiful circular of just under 30 km, crossing the Ubaye several times and taking hikers to one of the highest peaks in the Ubaye at 3,340 m.
The view from the top is magnificent and stretches far into the distance.
At the foot of the Bric is the high-altitude lake of Mongioia at 3,080 m.
Return to the starting point via the Pas de Salsa and Lac du Loup.

Details

41544
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 28.38 km
  • ◔
    Duration according to the author: 10 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,531 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,522 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,317 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,902 m

Photos

Description of the walk

To get to the starting point, drive up the Ubaye Valley towards Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye. Take the D25, a small road that leads to the Maljasset hikers' car park.

(S/E) From the car park, cross Maljasset towards Maurin and its church.

(1) Shortly after the church, take the road on the left towards Combe Brémond.
Cross the Combe and rejoin theGR® towards Plan Parouart.

(2) When you reach the end of the plain, leave the Chabrière ravine on your right and take the Salcette ravine.

(3). There is a small bridge at the entrance to this ravine.
- Cross the ravine to reach the Blave plain, where the Ubaye is wider.
- Follow the path indicated by the sign for "Le Longet-Rubren".

(4) A path runs parallel on the other bank, so you will need to cross the Ubaye on foot (there was no bridge/crossing when we passed through).
- Leave the Blave hut on your right.
- Shortly after the hut, the river narrows and a bridge becomes visible. At the bridge, there is a path on each side of the bank. The one on the right bank (there is a low wall nearby) corresponds tothe GR® de Paystrail leading to Lake Longet; hikers will take this path on the way back. Take the path on the left bank, which climbs up the eastern flank towards the old marble quarries.
- Continue along the path, passing the marble quarries and the Rubren hut.

(5) Once you have passed the hut, you will see two valleys: Cornascle and Rubren. Take the path that branches off to the right towards Bric de Rubren.
- Follow this path to the Mongioia Pass. There is a significant elevation gain to reach the pass (approximately 160 m).

(6) Once at the Mongioia pass, turn left towards Bric de Rubren.

(7) Leave the lake and the refuge on your right.
- Follow the trail for 5-10 minutes.
- On your left, the rock face will rise. Look for a sign saying "Facile" (easy) and a dark red arrow. You will need to climb at this point and then follow the stone markers leading to the summit. It is possible to reach the summit if you cannot find the sign. The path is more difficult (narrower and sloping to the right as you climb). I turned back after a few metres to take the path with the sign.
- Take the same route back down. Pay close attention to the stone markers so you don't miss the junction of the two paths.
A hiker we met at the summit came back down with us and also found the other path less easy.

(6) Once back at the Mongioia Pass, hikers have two options:
-> either take the same route back (the hike will be about 25 km),
-> or head towards the Franco Boerio refuge and Lake Mongioia.
- Cross the plateau, keeping the Bric and the lake on your left, and head towards the Salsa Pass and Mount Salsa.
- The path is not very visible or well marked.
- Take the scree slope (approx. 70 m elevation gain). There are snowfields on the climb.

(8) Once at the pass, take the path that descends slightly to your left. (Chamois encountered at this location)
- Follow the cairns downhill.
- When you reach the first small plateau, leave a small peak and a small lake on your right. At this point, you should have the Bric de Rubren in front of you.
- Descend following the stone markers to the scree slope overlooking Lac du Loup.
In this scree, the path is no longer visible. Head towards the left side of the lake.

(9) At the lake's exit, turn left and follow the cairns that reappear.
- The stone markings disappear again, but the grassy area does not present any particular difficulties. Hikers can follow the tracks left by flocks of sheep. TheGR® de Pays trail from Lac de Longet is visible. Hikers simply need to keep it in sight.
- An aeroplane wreck will be visible from the heights.
- TheGRP® trail rejoins shortly after the aeroplane, crossing the Ubaye.

(10) On the left, theGRP® will take hikers back to their starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,903 m - Parking - Refuge de Maljasset
  2. 1 : km 0.73 - alt. 1,920 m - Maurin
  3. 2 : km 4.3 - alt. 2,058 m - Parouart map
  4. 3 : km 5.49 - alt. 2,158 m - Ravin de la Salcette
  5. 4 : km 6.73 - alt. 2,195 m - Plan de Blave
  6. 5 : km 8.64 - alt. 2,433 m - Cabane de Rubren
  7. 6 : km 11.96 - alt. 3,081 m - No Mongioia - Bivouac Franco Boerio
  8. 7 : km 12.65 - alt. 3,301 m - Bric de Rubren
  9. 8 : km 14.5 - alt. 3,185 m - Pas de Salsa - Pas de Salsa
  10. 9 : km 16.07 - alt. 2,778 m - Lac du Loup
  11. 10 : km 18.36 - alt. 2,503 m - GR de Pays
  12. S/E : km 28.38 - alt. 1,904 m - Parking at the start

Notes

Bring the usual items for mountain hiking:
-> food and drink,
-> protection from the weather (sun, rain, wind, cold, etc.),
-> a torch in case the hike ends late.
There are flocks of sheep and sheepdogs roaming freely.
The dogs do their job well and will alert you if you get too close to the flock, so if you are afraid of dogs, take a small detour to avoid any unpleasantness.
During the hike, the shepherd was nearby and called his dogs back.
Hikers will come across occupied shepherd's huts.
As with free-roaming flocks, precautions should be taken with regard to the dogs.
The stones on the paths leading to Le Bric are slippery.
For the refuge at the foot of Bric de Rubren, see the following link
Mobile phone reception is poor. At the summit of Le Bric and Plan de Mongioia.
It is therefore safer to go in a group, as it is impossible to call for help in case of problems. Furthermore, after the Salsa Pass, we did not encounter any other hikers.
The estimated duration of the hike is approximately 12 hours. It is advisable to set off early in the morning to avoid returning at night, especially if the hike takes place in September.
It is likely that, later in the season, there will still be a lot of snowfields, especially if, as this year, the snow melts late.

Worth a visit

Many hikes start from Maljasset, so hikers wishing to spend several days in this area can stay overnight in Maljasset

On the way back, shortly after the Peyron hut, there are the marmites des Géants (giants' pots) created by the Ubaye.
Unfortunately, as night was falling, we didn't have time to make a detour to see them.
I will return at the end of spring 2014 to enjoy the snowmelt.

 Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 15 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
User 3623693

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed on 19 July 2025 over two days with one night at the Franco Boerio refuge. We chose this option because we had four children aged 8, 9, 10 and 13. There was only one other couple at the refuge, so we had plenty of space. The refuge is ideally located. Just before arriving, the climb was quite steep, which discouraged the children a little. But then, what splendour! When we came out onto the plateau where the refuge is located, with its small lake nearby, it was simply superb. We even saw two ibexes nearby.
The refuge is equipped with solar panels, so there is light, which makes the stay even more enjoyable. It was really great!
On the downside, there was a gale-force wind and it was freezing cold. Luckily, we had brought thick winter jackets in our rucksacks.
We were blown away by the views, a superb hike at a leisurely pace, with a small snowfield that we easily bypassed.
The only problem we encountered was just after the Parouart map, where there is no sign indicating Rubren. You have to follow Col du Longé; Rubren is signposted further on... We had a moment of doubt as to whether we were on the right path.

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greggy26
greggy26

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 24, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

I completed the first part of the route following the description, but after Pas de Salsa I went on to Lac de Longet. A very beautiful, fairly wild circular with no one else around on the section up to Bric de Ruben. Stunning views. I recommend it (note that the GRP has been modified after Plan de Parouart).

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jeanbapt04
jeanbapt04

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 05, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Magnificent hike with magnificent views. Please note that the Boerio hut is small and very busy, with only 12 places.
The difficulties are clearly stated in the guidebook. Please note that this is a relatively long hike and not suitable for beginners.

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stefnoumea
stefnoumea

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 25, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

The trail is clearly visible all the way to Bric de Rubren, which is at 3,340 metres (not 3,301).
Cairns mark the route. A very beautiful and wild hike.

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gypaetus
gypaetus

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 14, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A beautiful and challenging hike completed over the weekend of 14 July 2019. We chose to do the hike over two days, camping below Lake Loup; by 2 p.m., the Boerio campsite was already full... luckily, we had brought tents!
The footbridges are in good condition, except for the one crossing the Rubren, which is a little crooked.
The flock of sheep and their friendly Patous were at the bottom of the valley, so we didn't have to go around them
There was plenty of water all the way to the shepherd's hut in the Rubren valley
With our bags loaded, it took us 5½ hours to reach the Mongia Pass. The climb is steep, especially at the end!
At the Pas de la Salsa, there is a small snowfield that is easy to get around; then the descent between the Pas de la Salsa and Lac du Loup is very well marked. The cairns end at the eastern end of Lac du Loup. Then there are a few more cairns, which quickly disappear, but this part is not difficult.
Thanks again to Cyril for encouraging us to take this beautiful walk.
Pascal

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Olivier Heimana
Olivier Heimana
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 05, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

I left Maljasset quite late (4:15 p.m.) and pushed hard to reach the Boerio bivouac before nightfall. I had a quick chat with the shepherd at the Rubren hut, then climbed up to the bivouac, where I arrived just before nightfall (well, I took a few minutes to take some photos of the magnificent sunset).
It snowed a little during the night and the morning was very foggy. I had a leisurely breakfast with a couple of hikers and a Mercantour park ranger (it was National Bearded Vulture Count Day).
I climbed up through the fog to the summit, took a few photos of the cross in the mist, and then went back down to retrieve my bag from the bivouac. As it was very overcast and visibility was poor, I decided to descend by the same route, i.e. without going via the Pas de la Salsa as I had originally planned...
It will be an opportunity to return in better conditions!
A beautiful walk, the Longet Valley is, as its name suggests, quite long, but with autumn here, it makes for some beautiful scenery!

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claudR61
claudR61

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 09, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A magnificent but very long hike, with a 2-hour "approach" walk and a 200-metre climb to finally reach the slopes below the shepherd's hut, and the same on the way back. Very friendly sheepdogs.
The trail stays on the left bank of the Ubaye. There is a trail all the way + cairns, even towards the summit, if you follow the yellow "EASY" sign on the rock, about 15 minutes from the pass.

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grandin
grandin ★

Thank you for these clarifications

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Kevincoloc
Kevincoloc

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 23, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

We did this superb hike in two stages, spending one night at the Mongioia refuge. I highly recommend it!

A few additional details to this already very comprehensive description:

- Just after the Rubren hut, you come across the Ubaye river again, and this is where you have to cross it (there is no bridge). Due to the strong current, this was not easy (we had to carry our dog). The best crossing point is marked (keep your eyes peeled) by a pile of large stones placed on a large rock on the other side of the bank.
- There was a lot of snow this year! From the crossing of the Ubaye, we had snow all the way to Lake Loup, so don't hesitate to equip yourself with crampons if the temperatures are low because in the morning it's icy! (We did without, but it took a long time to cut the steps!!!)
- The walk between the Rubren hut and the refuge is quite long (the refuge is 13km on our watch, not 12), and the refuge is at the top of the last ridge, with a steep incline, so don't hesitate to veer slightly to the right to make switchbacks.
- Mont Salsa is much more snow-covered than Bric de Rubren, so bring crampons as it is much steeper.

Thanks to those who wrote the description
Happy hiking, everyone!

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sylvio82
sylvio82

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 29, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A magnificent two-day trip.
We encountered fog upon arrival and were unable to see the lakes that evening.
Despite an impressive storm accompanied by strong winds, we had good weather the next day and were able to enjoy this magnificent place. I recommend crossing the pass and going to see the "blue lake", which is also magnificent.

Enjoy!

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spvva
spvva
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 06, 2015
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

The weather was beautiful and, as always at these altitudes, the Earth is magnificent.
Having left too late, I only made it to the lake and back.

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blondelle
blondelle

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 29, 2015
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Two-day route with bivouac at Lake Mongioia. Sunset at the summit of Rubren and sunrise the next day at the summit of Monte de Salsa. Magical!!! Breathtaking panorama from nearby Viso to Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, etc

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nanarrando13
nanarrando13

the bridge at the exit of the Parouart plan is still there!
i'm talking about the bridge that was located after the altitude 2172, 3 or 400 metres after the altitude 3
(you can no longer cross here without getting your feet wet)
the bridge at point 4 (La Blave) is still there
so we cross here to get to the Longet

Bernard

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cyril h
cyril h

Hello,

A couple of friends and I took this path at the end of June to go camping near Lake Longet, and the bridge was still there.
The trail had a few small holes between points 3 and 4, but nothing serious.

You mean the bridge at the exit of Plan Parlouar is no longer there?
If that's the case, crossing the Salcette ravine must be really difficult now.

Thanks for the info!

cyril

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nanarrando13
nanarrando13

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 05, 2015
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Hello,
i did this hike over two days last week:
day 1: from Maljasset, climbed up to Le Bric and camped near the lake (the refuge was already full at 1 p.m.)
day 2: No Salsa, Lac du Loup, Lac et Col de Longet, and back to Maljasset.
a very beautiful hike with lovely weather despite the fog on the Italian side.
Just to clarify: between points 3 and 4 (on the map), you no longer cross the Ubaye on the right bank, as there is no longer a footbridge
and the path has been washed away in several places, so you have to stay on the very steep left bank.
Bernard

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