Col de la Mine de Fer (2400m) walks

This wild hike takes place in spectacular, uncrowded locations, with a good third of the route on a faint but obvious trail that presents no technical difficulties. There are many ibex and chamois as soon as you leave the marked trails, and it is easy to observe them if you set off early enough. A recommended alternative is to climb to the Pointe Centrale du Ferrouillet from the Col de la Brêche, which does not increase the difficulty (allow 30 minutes there and back).

A circular tour of 2 days in the Belledonne massif, set against the backdrop of the majestic Lac Blanc and Lac de Crop. Numerous views of the neighbouring massifs: Chartreuse, Bauges and Vercors.

The second stage of this Tour du Grand Replomb takes you through a rocky landscape with a steep descent towards Lac de Crop.

A lovely hike in the Belledonne massif, allowing you to appreciate all the mountain levels, from forest to alpine meadows and up to the mineral levels of high altitude. From Pré Marcel, climb to the Refuge Jean Small Pass, then cross the Col de la Mine de Fer. Descend the opposite slope to Lac de Crop, then after a descent into its glacial cirque, reach the car park via a discreet path.There are several ravines and steep passages, some of which are secured by cables, before reaching the Refuge Jean Small Pass (altitude 1,950 m).

A long circular loop that climbs from Pré Marcel through woodland to the Jean Collet Refuge, before ascending towards the Col de la Mine de Fer amidst a rocky high-mountain landscape. The path switches to the opposite slope, offering magnificent views to the right over the Brèche de Roche Fendue and the Ferrouillet peaks, to the left over the Grand Replomb, and, far below, nestled in the centre of the cirque, the splendid Lac de Crop with its beautiful ultramarine blue waters. After skirting its right bank and passing its narrows, the trail reaches the Pont de la Betta before embarking on a long traverse through the forest, passing in front of the Waterfall des Avoux before returning to the car park. This walk, in the Belledonne massif, is a variation on the circular route ‘Le Col de la Mine de Fer and Lac de Crop’, starting from Pré Marcel.

This hike in the Belledonne massif is a version of route no. 44130540, entitled "Le Col de la Mine de Fer et le Lac de Crop en boucle, à partir de Pré Marcel" (The Iron Mine Pass and Lake Crop loop, starting from Pré Marcel), which avoids the passage through the Bois de la Croix Blanche, where the abandoned trail, resembling an adventure course, may put some people off. This loop, starting from Pré Marcel, although shorter, covers the mountain levels, passing from forest to alpine meadows and high-altitude mineral levels, not to mention the magnificent Lac de Crop. From Pré Marcel, climb to the Refuge Jean small pass, then cross the Col de la Mine de Fer. Descend the opposite slope to Lac de Crop, then, after descending its glacial barrier, go around Montagne de Barlet to find the uphill trail and return to the Pré Marcel car park.