Lodge de l'Emparis - Refuge des Mouterres

(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 a^second junction to join the shared^GR® 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 the^GR® 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.

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.

(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