Col de l'Alpe via Sainte-Marie-du-Mont

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This short hike leads to the Col de l'Alpe via the path used by cows going up and down from the mountain pasture.

Details

n°40668672
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.38 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 416 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 412 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,820 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,414 m
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Description of the walk

Park at the Pré d'Orcel car park, which is clearly signposted from the hamlet of Les Prés in the commune of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont.

(S/E) Follow the track extending from the car park for a more gradual climb. Continue to the Cabane de l'Allier.

(1) Continue straight ahead uphill and reach the Col de l'Alpe.

(2) Turn right to reach the Croix de l'Alpe, located at the summit with the old Isère-Savoie boundary markers.

(3) 360° view, with Mont Blanc to the east towering above everything. Retrace your steps along the uphill route to the Cabane de l'Allier.

(1) Turn right onto the path, which is steeper than the track used on the way up, and which leads back to the Pré d'Orcel car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,414 m - Pré d'Orcel car park
  2. 1 : km 0.52 - alt. 1,530 m - Cabane de l'Allier
  3. 2 : km 2.35 - alt. 1,794 m - Col de l'Alpe
  4. 3 : km 2.46 - alt. 1,820 m - Croix de l'Alpe - Col de l'Alpe
  5. S/E : km 5.38 - alt. 1,414 m - Pré d'Orcel car park

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 9 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.9 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
User 26946797

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 08, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Magnificent view upon arrival!

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User 681206

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 08, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Travelled at the end of August during a heatwave – in this case, set off early (we were on our way at 8.30am) – at the pass, beautiful view sitting in the shade of the cliff, divine – path bordered by barbed wire, safe for small children – however, the forest access road is quite difficult

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Patrick BOIS
Patrick BOIS

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The Col de l'Alpe is a beautiful hike with landscapes similar to those of the Alpe du Seuil, but much easier and shorter. It's a great hike for getting back into it, with beautiful views of Mont Blanc if you're lucky enough to have clear skies. Part of the climb is under a cliff sculpted by water and wind. We did it with an 11-year-old child without any problems. The summit is a beautiful spot for a picnic with shade under the trees if you stay close to the cliff.

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Bisserain73
Bisserain73

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The access trail to Pré Orcel is currently in very poor condition.
We completed the outing by making a circular loop via the Col de Belles Ombres. This part of the route is not marked, but the trail is clearly visible.
Bisserain73.

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Francou38
Francou38

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Please note that following heavy storms, the forest track leading to the Pré d'Orcel car park is rutted with large gullies. Low-clearance cars will scrape their undercarriage in several places, even when trying to avoid these gullies.
This hike can be done from the village of Sainte Marie du Mont. The first part of the forest trails is more physically demanding and longer.
Beautiful scenery even in stormy weather like today. Unfortunately, we didn't see Mont Blanc.
Enjoy your hike, everyone!

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CyrilT
CyrilT

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Great view + lucky to have seen a herd of ibex

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G2CHO7
G2CHO7

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A magnificent hike with fabulous views.

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theo1955ker
theo1955ker
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Superb hike, no particular difficulties but you need to be equipped with crampons.
Splendid view at the top of the plateau and at the Alpe cross 👍😊
The only downside was getting to the starting point, the car park... A long, 3km road that was completely rutted.

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DECOTTIGNIES
DECOTTIGNIES

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 15, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike with stunning views from the summit. Views of the Belledonne mountain range and even Mont Blanc. The only tricky part is getting to the Pré d'Orcel car park by car: the track is rutted and has large ruts for almost 3 km.

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