Col des Annes - Gouille des Fours via the Col des Verts

Park in the Coldes Annes car park (altitude 1723 metres).

(S) Start on the south-east facing path leading to the Tête des Annes (altitude 1869).

(1) Head straight ahead and join the ridge to reach the Pointe des Delevrets.

(2) Continue along the trail, pass the Col de l'Oulettaz, and then begin a slight climb to reach a trail intersection at an elevation of 2017 metres.

(3) Take the path on the left, which follows a series of tight hairpin bends and leads to the Refuge Gramusset de la Pointe Percée (altitude 2,124 metres).

(4) From the refuge, turn right, south-east, towards Pointe Percée, in the maze of sharp limestone pavements and scree slopes of the Combe des Verts. The path is difficult to follow, with occasional cairns and pseudo markings. If you lose the trail, it is best to continue in the direction of the Col des Verts. In the final scree, the trail is clearly visible. To finish the climb, look for the brown rocks on the right and take this easier couloir.

(5) From the pass, continue to the left. The high path, where you will occasionally need to use your hands to progress, starts in a mess of scree. It is difficult to find in places. At the stele, turn right onto the path heading northeast. Reach the Col des Arêtes Noires, easily recognisable by the colour of the rock, which you must cross via the ridges (gas is guaranteed on the descent).
If you have trouble crossing the ridges, you can turn back 200 m and descend straight down the scree to reach a small stream at the bottom.

(6) Then follow the clearly visible path on the right in the valley to reach a group of ruined sheepfolds and continue to the left.

(7) Leave the path on the left, turn right, then cross the Torrent des Fours. Follow the torrent at a distance, pass another group of old sheepfolds on your right (Cabane Maury), then turn left onto the path to reach the Gouille des Fours.

(8) This is an ideal place to camp, climbing up to higher ground with the torrent nearby and a breathtaking view of the Mont Blanc range (E).

Non-drinkable water is available at Torrent des Fours.

You can bivouac at Gouille des Fours. Climb a little to enjoy a beautiful view of the Mont Blanc range. The torrent remains nearby.

The Col des Verts and Crêtes Noirespasses are exposed and require commitment from hikers.

Numerous sheep pens require you to leave the trail to get around them.