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It is best to park at the Vallon de l'Autel car park.
(S/E) To start this hike, take the forest road towards Vallon de l'Autel.
(1) After a few hundred metres, you have two options:
- take theGR®51on your right, which will take you to the Col de Théoule and then the Col du Trayas. Follow the trail and the attached description.
- Continue along the forest road to Col de Théoule.
(2) From Col de Théoule, follow theGR®51to Col du Trayas. Cut across the track, follow it a little further and follow the red and white signs and markings on the ground to reach Col du Trayas, at the foot of Sommet des Grosses Grues.
(3) Follow the forest road heading south to skirt the Sommets des Grosses Grues and Petites Grues on the east side.
(4) Once you have passed the second summit, do not continue straight on towards Trayas Supérieur, but turn right towards Col Notre-Dame.
(5) At the pass, you should have a beautiful view of the Pic de l'Ours and the Dent de l'Ours.
From here, do not take the forest road but head opposite onto a path and, at the fork, turn right onto the path towards Dent de l'Ours (elevation 417).
(6) Enjoy the view. Continue south-west on almost level ground.
(7) Take the path opposite towards a viewpoint.
If you do not wish to go to the viewpoint, turn completely right.
(8) After enjoying the view, turn back.
(7) Take the path that branches off to the left and descends into the Ravin de l'Écureuil.
(9) Utzel Cave. Pay attention as you descend Ravin de l'Écureuil; the cave is on the left. It is not directly visible from the path but is easily accessible via two small trails. Good luck with your search and keep your eyes peeled.
(10) Exit the Ravin de l'Écureuil and when you reach a forest road, turn right (west) until you come to a hairpin bend on the right.
(11) Then turn right towards Lac de l'Écureuil and quickly cross Ravin du Mal Infernet via a concrete bridge/slab. Walk along the left side of the lake.
(12) Caution: there is some damage to the trails, so take your time to avoid getting lost. Cross Lac de l'Écureuil at its end and turn left towards Ravin de la Couche de l'Âne.
(13) Take the leftmost path that follows Ravin de la Couche de l'Âne.
(14) Stay on the path along the ravine and do not turn left at the fork.
(15) Stay on the Ravin de la Cadière trail and do not turn left at the fork.
(16) Reach the Col de la Cadière and rejoin theGR®51towards the Col du Trayas.
(3) At the Col du Trayas, head towards the Col de Théoule, continuing on theGR®51.
(2) At Col de Théoule, there are two options:
- either theGR®51to the Vallon de l'Autel car park (S/E),
- or take the forest road to the Vallon de l'Autel car park (S/E).
Visorando Member
Easy 
