Country:
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Start from Col du Festre (car park) on the D937c road between Agnières-en-Dévoluy and La Cluse.
(S/E) Take the alpine track that heads west and climbs towards the Col des Aiguilles. Follow theGR®94(red and white markings) and theGRP® Tour du Dévoluy (red and yellow markings). Further on, the track gives way to a path.
(1) At a fork, continue straight ahead (ignore the path on the right towards Cabane de la Rama). The path soon turns left and then heads south-west, still climbing. Join another mountain pasture track.
(2) Leave the track on your left and continue climbing westwards. Go around the Tête du Jas des Arres on the right and cross an old glacial lock (a short tricky passage). You will reach the Saute Aure waterfall, located some distance to the right.
(3) Continue west and gently climb up the Vallon des Aiguilles.
(4) Continue west with theGR® andGRP® towards the Col des Aiguilles, which is clearly visible. The slope gradually steepens and a few final switchbacks lead to the pass.
(5) From the pass, there are two options:
- Descend to the starting point via the same route. Allow for a total elevation gain of around 560 m, classified as Moderate.
- Complete the circular loop via Serre Long, as marked on the map and described below. This loop is challenging, which justifies its classification as Very Difficult. N.B. This loop is off-trail and the route is provided for information purposes only (I did not have the Visorando app at the time). The reality of the terrain must take precedence.
Climb the ridge to the north (on the right when you reach the pass). The slope quickly becomes very steep. At the top, head to the right. Crossing the rocky and grassy steps requires a few easy climbing steps. You will reach a grassy summit dominated to the north by the imposing Tête de Vachères.
(6) Descend away from the ridge, heading east-northeast. You will come out in the hollow of a small valley littered with large boulders. Descend the valley (east-northeast), navigating between boulders of various sizes (the passage is not always comfortable but is not difficult). At the end of the scree, turn right (southeast) to reach the Vallon des Aiguilles, which you passed on the way up.
(4) Join theGR®94andGRP® trails and follow them to the left (east). Take the same route as on the way up to the Col du Festre (S/E).
Visorando member
Difficult 
Easy 
Moderate 
Extremely difficult 
