From Crêts en Combes to Lélex

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Accessible from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.

The official route of the hike called "De Crêts en Combes depuis Lélex" (From Crests to Valleys from Lélex).

This route is part of the official GTJ (Grande Traversée du Jura) itineraries.

This large circular route offers an immersion in the iconic landscapes of the Haut-Jura: crossing the Hautes-Combes, the Valserine valley and the Haute Chaîne ridges. The route alternates between views of the Jura mountains, Lake Geneva and the Alps, in the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park.

Protected area: part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Please respect the regulations in force to preserve this exceptional environment.

Details

n°67143653
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 32.18 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3 days 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 6,450 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 6,437 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 5,531 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,792 ft

Photos

La Borne au Lion
Les jonquilles
Coucher de soleil
Col aux Merles

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

  1. S
    Lélex - Mijoux

    Lélex - Mijoux

    ↔10.24 mi ↗3,435 ft ↘3,107 ft
    Open from 1 April to 30 November - subject to snow conditions First stage of the 3-day, 2-night Crêts en Combes hiking tour.Starting from Lélex, this circular route combines the main GTJ route with the suggested alternative via Mijoux and the Col de la Faucille.The crossing of the Hautes-Combes jurassiennes, the Valserine valley and the peaks of the Haute Chaine du Jura promise breathtaking landscapes. On one side, the view overlooks the ridges, on the other, it overlooks Lake Geneva and the Alps. In the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and partly in the Haute-Chaîne Nature Reserve, this hike takes place in a preserved natural area.
    View the route
  2. 2
    Mijoux - Les Moussières

    Mijoux - Les Moussières

    ↔9.61 mi ↗1,549 ft ↘1,027 ft
    Open from 1 April to 30 November - subject to snow conditions The second stage of the 3-day, 2-night Crêts en Combes hiking tour. Starting from Lélex, this circular route combines the main GTJ route with the suggested alternative via Mijoux and the Col de la Faucille. The crossing of the Hautes-Combes jurassiennes, the Valserine valley and the crests of the Haute Chaine du Jura promise breathtaking landscapes. On one side, the view overlooks the ridges, on the other, it overlooks Lake Geneva and the Alps. In the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and partly in the Haute Chaîne Nature Reserve, the hike takes place in a preserved natural area. The trail is marked with red and whiteGR®® signs.
    View the route
  3. E
    Les Moussières - Lélex

    Les Moussières - Lélex

    ↔12.33 mi ↗1,467 ft ↘2,303 ft
    Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions The third and final stage of the 3-day, 2-night Crêts en combes hiking tour. Starting from Lélex, this circular route combines the main GTJ route with the suggested alternative via Mijoux and the Col de la Faucille. The crossing of the Hautes-Combes jurassiennes, the Valserine valley and the ridges of the Haute Chaine du Jura promise breathtaking landscapes. On one side, the view overlooks the ridges, on the other, it overlooks Lake Geneva and the Alps. In the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and partly in the Haute Chaîne Nature Reserve, the hike takes place in a preserved natural area. The trail is marked with GR® (red and white) signs.
    View the route

Notes

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.

This route is part of the official GTJ (Grande Traversée du Jura) itineraries .

It is possible to shorten the circular path to complete it in 2.5 days.

Part of the route is located in a nature reserve, so please respect the specific regulations for this area:
rnn-hautechainedujura.fr/reglementation/interdits-en-rnn

Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash.
Camping in tents is prohibited.

Be well equipped
Good equipment is the key to a successful hiking trip. Bring a suitable rucksack (around 10 kilos) and don't forget the essentials:

  • Technical clothing for cold weather
  • Sleeping bag or groundsheet,
  • Sunglasses,
  • Food and water,
  • Headlamp,
  • Walking poles,
  • Complete first aid kit,
  • Water management

Water is essential. Find out about water sources along your route and bring purification tablets in case you don't have access to drinking water.

You are now ready to embark on your adventure and explore the Jura Mountains. Whether it's for the scenery, the people you meet or the beauty of the surroundings, every moment is an invitation to discovery.

Before you set off:
- Check the general and local weather forecast to make sure there is no precipitation.
- Find out about the approach walk, the height of the route, the walking time and possible escape routes (IGN map, GPS, guidebook, etc.).
- Assess the possible risks by consulting mountain professionals, refuges, and lodges.
- Inform a friend or family member of your plans and contact them again in case of any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with each person's telephone number, vehicle(s), parking.
- Avoid setting off alone. Use equipment that is suitable for the activity, properly adjusted and in good condition, including a head torch, a complete first aid kit, a survival blanket, etc.
- In case of an emergency, call 112 (European emergency number).

Additional advice and recommendations:
To find out more about our destination, visit our website: Pays de Gex Tourisme.

Worth a visit

This route is part of the official GTJ (Grande Traversée du Jura) itineraries. Find all the information you need at this link

Monts Jura is a four-season resort offering a wide range of activities, such as downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, hiking, downhill mountain biking, tobogganing, a giant zip line, a tree-top adventure course, golf, and more.

Part of the route is located in a nature reserve, so please respect the specific regulations for this area.
The course is located in the Haut Jura Natural Park.

A regional nature park is, above all, a remarkable natural and scenic area of national interest with a strong cultural identity. This is certainly true of the Jura mountains. The Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park brings together 109 municipalities and 10 communities of municipalities. It stretches across the Doubs, Jura and Ain departments, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté regions.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

Other walks in the area

Walking Lélex - Mijoux

Tourist office
Lélex - Mijoux
↔10.24 mi ↗+3,435 ft ↘-3,107 ft ◔7h 40 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Lélex (Ain)
Open from 1 April to 30 November - subject to snow conditions First stage of the 3-day, 2-night Crêts en Combes hiking tour.Starting from Lélex, this circular route combines the main GTJ route with the suggested alternative via Mijoux and the Col de la Faucille.The crossing of the Hautes-Combes jurassiennes, the Valserine valley and the peaks of the Haute Chaine du Jura promise breathtaking landscapes. On one side, the view overlooks the ridges, on the other, it overlooks Lake Geneva and the Alps. In the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and partly in the Haute-Chaîne Nature Reserve, this hike takes place in a preserved natural area.

Walking Lélex - Mijoux

Tourist office
Lélex - Mijoux
↔10.11 mi ↗+3,478 ft ↘-3,127 ft ◔7h 40 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Lélex (Ain)
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. From Lélex to Mijoux via the Haute Chaîne: first stage of the two-day hiking tour "On the roof of the Jura mountains". From the wild Valserine valley to the balcony of Lake Geneva, this route immerses you in the authenticity of the Haut-Jura. As you cross the Hautes Combes, you will be struck by the raw beauty of the wide open spaces, the silence of the deep forests and the open horizon of the plateaus. The trail climbs gradually, revealing exceptional panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the entire Alpine range. A life-size immersion in a land of traditions and high-altitude landscapes.Please note – Protected areaPart of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations:Dogs are not permitted, even on a lead.Camping in tents is prohibited.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Walking On the roof of the Jura Mountains from Lélex

Tourist office
Sur le Toit des Montagnes du Jura depuis Lélex
↔19.10 mi ↗+4,793 ft ↘-4,764 ft ◔2 days ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Lélex (Ain)
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. From the wild Valserine valley to the balcony of Lake Geneva, this route immerses you in the authenticity of the Haut-Jura. As you cross the Hautes Combes, you will be struck by the raw beauty of the wide open spaces, the silence of the deep forests and the open horizon of the plateaus. The trail climbs gradually, revealing exceptional panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the entire Alpine range. A life-size immersion in a land of traditions and high-altitude landscapes.Please note – Protected areaPart of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations:Dogs are not permitted, even on a lead.Camping in tents is prohibited.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Walking Le Crêt de la Neige via Les Brulat

Visorando Member
↔8.29 mi ↗+2,792 ft ↘-2,792 ft ◔6h 15 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Lélex (Ain)
A less frequented and less direct approach to the highest point in the Jura than the traditional routes. Once you reach the ridge, you'll find yourself back among people, and the descent offers several options depending on the ski slopes.

Walking From Lélex to La Borne au Lion circular loop

Visorando Member
De Lélex à la Borne au Lion en boucle
↔14.00 mi ↗+2,795 ft ↘-2,802 ft ◔8h 50 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Lélex (Ain)
I suggest a long hike from Lélex to Borne au Lion to discover the beautiful landscapes of the Haut Jura.

Walking Lélex - Menthières

Tourist office
Lélex - Menthières
↔13.56 mi ↗+3,904 ft ↘-3,317 ft ◔9h 40 ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Lélex (Ain)
Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow. Fourth stage of the GRP® de la Valserine. From Lélex, the trail climbs through the forest to the Chalet de la Loge, the gateway to the nature reserve. The ascent then eases off through clearings and woodland to the ridges, where an exceptional panorama opens up over Lake Geneva, the Alps and Mont Blanc. The route crosses the massif’s two highest points: the Crêt de la Neige (1,720 m) and the Reculet (1,718 m), before skirting the Roche Franche cirque. After the Chalet du Gralet, the forest accompanies you for the final few kilometres to Menthières. Protected area: dogs and tent camping are prohibited in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve.

Walking Les hauts sommets du massif du Jura depuis Lélex

Tourist office
Les hauts sommets du massif du Jura depuis Lélex
↔9.96 mi ↗+3,081 ft ↘-3,100 ft ◔7h 15 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Lélex (Ain)
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions This tour offers a varied and challenging route, from the banks of the Valserine to the highest peaks of the Jura, with sublime views of the Alps, Lake Geneva and the Jura mountains. Starting from Lélex, the path runs alongside the Valserine and its peat bog before beginning the ascent of the Reculet (1,719 m) and the Crêt de la Neige, the highest point of the massif at 1,720 m. On the way back down to Lélex, note the remains of old buildings, evidence of the alpine farming tradition of the Jura Mountains.

Walking The Truchet viewpoint from Lélex

Tourist office
Le belvédère du Truchet depuis Lélex
↔4.94 mi ↗+1,181 ft ↘-1,207 ft ◔3h 20 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Lélex (Ain)
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. This route, overlooking the upper Jura mountain range, is accessible to all hikers and offers panoramic views of the Valserine valley, including Lélex, and the upper Jura mountain range.

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.