Dent de Crolles and Pravouta from the Col du Coq road

An iconic hike in the Chartreuse, the Dent de Crolles offers a beautiful view of the Isère valley. The trail around the Dent de Crolles is dotted with numerous caves and cavities, which are fun to explore. The climb to Pravouta takes you through beautiful mountain pastures, which are a change from the rocky atmosphere of its neighbour.

⚠️ 27/11/2025: Hiking prohibited. A rockslide has occurred at Dent de Crolles. Following this incident, the municipality of Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse has issueda municipal decree toclose several hiking trails (for walking, snowshoeing and ski touring). Please let us know if the trails reopen.

Details

45166245
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.82 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 933 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 928 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,057 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,397 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Take the D30 to Crolles, then follow the winding road, D30E, towards the Col du Coq. Park in the first car park.
White and red markings for theGR®®9+ yellow markings and signs.

(S/E) From the car park, head north-east along the road.

(1) Turn left at the sign towards Col des Ayes.

(2) At Col des Ayes, follow the path on the right, which winds steeply upwards.

(3) At the fork, ignore the path on the left, which is the return route, and turn right to pass under the cliffs of Dent de Crolles. The climb to Pas de l'Œille involves a few short sections of easy climbing, aided by handrails.

(4) Once you reach Pas de l'Œille, turn right towards the summit of Dent de Crolles.

(5) At the summit, take the path heading north through rocky terrain until you reach theGR®®9trail, then follow it straight ahead.

(6) Turn left onto theGR®®9and descend to Trou du Glaz. The descent is aided by handrails.

(7) Continue straight ahead towards the south.

(3) Back at the fork below Dent de Crolles, turn right towards Col des Ayes.

(2) Continue straight ahead towards Col de Pravouta, taking the Tour de Pravouta trail.

(8) At the pass, turn left to climb up to Pravouta.

(9) Descend back to the pass.

(8) Turn left to stay on the Tour de Pravouta trail.

(10) At the fork, turn left and stay on the Tour de la Pravouta trail.

(11) Back on the Col du Coq road, turn left and return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,409 m - Car park
  2. 1 : km 0.11 - alt. 1,397 m - Fork
  3. 2 : km 0.97 - alt. 1,542 m - Col des Ayes
  4. 3 : km 1.45 - alt. 1,636 m - Dent de Crolles circular junction
  5. 4 : km 2.74 - alt. 2,025 m - Pas de l'Oeille (2009m)
  6. 5 : km 2.9 - alt. 2,056 m - Dent de Crolles
  7. 6 : km 4.18 - alt. 1,783 m - Fork
  8. 7 : km 4.57 - alt. 1,684 m - Trou du Glaz
  9. 8 : km 6.73 - alt. 1,695 m - Col de Pavouta (1696m)
  10. 9 : km 7.08 - alt. 1,759 m - Croix de Pravouta
  11. 10 : km 8.2 - alt. 1,579 m - Fork
  12. 11 : km 9.44 - alt. 1,429 m - Route du - Col du Coq
  13. S/E : km 9.82 - alt. 1,409 m - Car park

Notes

Take particular care on rocky sections, which can become very slippery due to repeated use by hikers, even in dry weather.
The most difficult sections for ascending and descending Dent de Crolles are equipped with handrails.

This route passes through multiple protected areas, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

Don't hesitate to stray a little from the paths after Dent de Crolles to visit the many caves in the area.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
Jeffrey38
Jeffrey38

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 31, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A fun hike offering beautiful scenery. Please note that the handrails on the descent may pose difficulties for an inexperienced solo hiker.

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User 3357964

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 13, 2025
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, but quite physically demanding on the climb up to the Dent de Crolles, with two or three slightly difficult sections. The descent is well secured. Magnificent views, and the second part of the hike is a bonus, offering a different perspective

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Bibi et Gre
Bibi et Gre

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 07, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful, comprehensive hike. The view is always spectacular. No difficulties.

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oliv76710
oliv76710

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 09, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Superb hike. Magnificent views, especially when you reach the summit of Dent de Crolles (8.5 hours for me).

Be careful, however, as the markings are not always easy to follow on the climb to Dent de Crolles and can be dangerous if you stray from the markings...

There are quite a few sections with cables to help you along, which can be difficult if you're on your own. So bear that in mind!

Very busy after 10 a.m.

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