Lodge de l'Emparis - Refuge des Mouterres

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Another magical stage, thanks to the breathtaking scenery all along the balcony trail above Lac du Chambon, including a stop at the ‘petrifying’ spring. Opposite lies a long mountain range and majestic glaciers, with famous names: the Girose Glacier, Pic de la Grave, Le Râteau and the majestic Meije. You will finish this stage at the start of the Emparis plateau at the Refuge des Mouterres, one of the most beautiful camping spots with an exceptional view of the Meije.
Message from the moderators: You are in a sensitive natural area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information).

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: A 13-day grand tour of the Parc des Ecrins via the GR® 54

Details

n°12969106
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.55 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 3,717 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 259 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 7,379 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,881 ft
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Photos

Sunset over La Meije
La Meije behind geraniums
Lake des Moutéres
A dream campsite

Description of the walk

(S) Start from the Emparis Lodge. Head back down to the village to the junction you passed the previous day.
Head straight ahead, following the signs on the hiking route markers indicating the direction of the Refuge des Clots. Pass asecond junction to join the sharedGR® 50 and 54 routes on leaving the village.
After an initial climb, you’ll reach a tarmac road with a viewpoint and a view of the dam.

(1) Take the path branching off to the right towards the hamlet of Les Aymes, then rejoin the road. Walk through this hamlet, typical of the region, and continue straight on along theGR® via a wide track. Pass the car park and start the balcony path. This section is very rocky, covered in slate and can be slippery in wet weather. You’ll reach a path junction at Chalet Joubert.

(2) Continue left through a slate quarry area, passing the Ruisseau de l'Alpe. Shortly afterwards, join the path ascending from Parizet to reach the junction of the Sentier Découverte

(3) Ignore the path on the right leading to Lac Lovitel and continue straight on to the Refuge les Clots.

(4) Turn left and begin the steep ascent. This section is very technical and requires the utmost care. The path is narrow with a steep gradient and can be slippery in places.
Pass the beautiful Pisse waterfall and the Fontaine Pétrifiante. Continue the climb to reach the Clot du Pertuis.

(5) Carry on until you reach a wide path. Follow this path and stay on it to reach the Refuge de Mouterres (E), today’s destination, via an almost flat route.

Waypoints

  1. S : mi 0 - alt. 3,907 ft - Gite de l'Emparis
  2. 1 : mi 0.46 - alt. 4,196 ft - Oratory
  3. 2 : mi 1.34 - alt. 4,278 ft - Crossroads near Chalet Joubert
  4. 3 : mi 2.56 - alt. 4,682 ft - Discovery Trail - Lac Lovitel
  5. 4 : mi 2.92 - alt. 4,974 ft - Chalet des Clots - Fontaine pétrifiante
  6. 5 : mi 4.35 - alt. 7,021 ft - Clot du Pertuis
  7. E : mi 5.55 - alt. 7,372 ft - Refuge des Mouterres

Notes

To protect the local flora and fauna, swimming is prohibited, fires are prohibited, all rubbish must be collected (even biodegradable items) and dogs must be kept on a lead.

A stage with nearly 1,200 m of elevation gain and very little descent.
(S) Departure from the Emparis Lodge in the village of Mizoën.
(E) Arrival at the Refuge des Mouterres where we camped; an exceptional welcome, a most delicious dinner featuring Farcis de l'Oisans prepared by the warden – absolutely delicious – and to finish, a glass of génépi offered by the warden. Wardens of a rare and much-appreciated kindness.

Useful addresses and links:
Refuge des Mouterres
Email: refugelesmouterres@orange.fr
Telephone: 06 67 39 48 07 or 06 87 15 70 79

(E) A beautiful camping spot right next to the refuge amidst the pastures, one of the finest on the route with an exceptional view of La Meije, Le Râteau, the Pic de la Grave, the Girose glaciers and the Mont-de-Lans glacier,
As with all mountain hikes, bring binoculars, a camera, an IGN map and/or a guidebook.
There are plenty of streams, so you’ll have no trouble finding water.
Note: many herds are guarded by sheepdogs, known as ‘patous’. Hikers are therefore strongly advised not to stray from the path. If you encounter a guard dog, remain calm and passive to reassure it.

Worth a visit

(4) Refuge des Clots: view of the Cascade de la Pisse and the Fontaine Pétrifiante.
Between (5) and (E) on this path, you have a magnificent view of La Meije, Le Râteau, Pic de la Grave, the Girose Glacier and the Mont de Lans Glacier. The pastures are of rare beauty. Many herds are on summer pasture. Watch out for patous. Before the refuge, on the right, the Plan de la Cavale and Lac des Mouterres.
Nearby:
- The Chambon Dam
- Lac du Chambon
- La Pisse Waterfall
- The Petrifying Spring
The village of Mizoën

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.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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