Cirque de Morgon via L’Echelle

There are several routes leading to the Cirque de Morgon. The ones I’ve taken so far are the paths starting from the Fontaine de l’Ours and the Grand Clos. This one is the steepest and most challenging. However, it offers a huge advantage when it’s hot: it’s completely shaded by the trees. On the other hand, the ground is uneven and slippery, and there’s a ladder which might put off those who are afraid of heights.

Details

40080
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.33 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,965 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,965 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 6,240 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 4,314 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

As for the starting point, we cheated a bit and chose to set off from the path leading to the Fontaine des Miracles from Savines-Le-Lac (we’ve already done the downstream trail several times). So we parked the car 400m past the Fontaine d’Aubers picnic area, right by the sign on the left indicating ‘difficult access to Le Morgon’.

(S/E) We’re at an altitude of 1,336 metres. The path climbs gently for 2 km, after which the real work begins. The trail, which is slippery in places, takes us to the foot of the rocks and a metal ladder.

(1) Climb up it. But it’s not over yet; we’re at an altitude of around 1,600 metres. We still have more than 300 metres of elevation gain to cover. The path continues to climb (and descend). In some places, trees have fallen across the path and it is difficult to follow. You’ll need to look carefully for the faint traces of a path. After winding your way up for about 3 km, you’ll reach a meadow where you’ll cross a charming little stream.

(2) Continue to the path coming from the Grand Clos car park. Turn right, passing the cross known as ‘des Portes’ (the pilgrims’ final stop before the lake and the Saint-Pierre chapel). We’ll soon arrive at the Portes de Morgon, which mark the entrance to the magnificent Morgon cirque.

(3) We have reached our destination. In summer, take a good look around as the marmots are keeping an eye on you. Those who wish to can climb to the summit of Morgon via the sheepfold opposite or via Lake Saint-Pierre and its chapel on the left at the far end of the cirque (be warned, there is still a 400m climb ahead).
We’ll head back down the same way, taking great care, as if it’s slippery on the way up, it’s even worse on the way down. Be careful not to take the path on the right 700m before the finish. Keep well to the left.
Enjoy the walk, everyone (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 4,314 ft - Car park
  2. 1 : mi 1.37 - alt. 5,318 ft - Ladder.
  3. 2 : mi 1.82 - alt. 6,066 ft - Crossing the stream
  4. 3 : mi 2.05 - alt. 6,237 ft - Porte de Morgon - Cirque de Morgon
  5. S/E : mi 4.33 - alt. 4,314 ft - Car park

Notes

There is no drinking water along the route. The only place to get a drink is the small stream just before the finish, but I cannot vouch for the quality of the water.

It’s best to have good kit for this walk.

You absolutely must do this hike in dry weather. The ground takes a long time to dry out in the woodland.

It took us 5 hours 30 minutes, including stops, to complete this hike (3 hours 30 minutes’ walk).

Worth a visit

The peaks of Morgon, Charance and Martin Jean
Pierre Arnoux below
Lake Saint-Pierre and its chapel (at the back of the cirque)
Serre-Ponçon Lake and its history at the Savines-le-Lac Tourist Office.
Boscodon Abbey
The Ecrins massif
The Queyras massif
And much more besides...

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 3 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
HW
HW

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 20, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant walk through the forest, leading out into the magnificent Cirque de Morgon. We then carried on to the Col de la Baisse, which offers a lovely view of the lake.
As the path is more challenging and longer than the others, it’s very quiet, even in August. We only came across three people.
The path is very well marked and there are no obstacles. However, before and after the ladder, it’s very steep and uneven (rocks, roots, etc.). That’s the only difficult bit; the ladder itself isn’t difficult and is very short (five or six fairly wide metal rungs, with a handrail and a safety rope).
It was very hot in the valley (36°) but as we set off at 8 am, the temperature was pleasant, except towards the end of the return journey.
For those who wish to continue on to the Pic de Morgon, the new, shaded path – which runs well away from the sheepfold – is very well signposted.

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remy8
remy8

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 15, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A magnificent path through the forest, at least as far as the exit onto the cirque. The ladder does not present any technical difficulties. However, it should be avoided in slippery conditions; the sections before and after the ladder can then be very dangerous.

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gazok54
gazok54 ★

Thank you, patembrun, for this information about the new path. I didn’t realise it was already open. I’ll have to go and have a look in the spring, as the mountains are covered in snow at the moment .

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patembrun
patembrun
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 17, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Thank you for the directions pinpointing the start point. I’ll add a bit more detail: from Savines (right at the start of the RD468T), follow the road and then the La Fontaine des Miracles forest track for 5.5 km, and you’ll come to the start of the walk.
As for me, I set off at around 2 pm, reached the Pic du Morgon at around 4 pm and was back at the car by 5.30 pm.
As for the path: it’s been maintained recently, so it’s now in good condition. However, if you want to continue on to the Morgon, there’s no need to climb up to the Portes du Morgon; a lovely new path branches off to the right when you reach the clearing (where there’s a drinking fountain).It’s well marked and takes you to the summit whilst staying in the shade, with a lovely view of the lake. This way, you avoid the long flat stretch and a steep section of the path, and you also respect the shepherd’s peace and quiet!
Thank you and enjoy your walk

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