La Petite Moucherolle from Clos de la Balme

Date of your route : Jul 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed with my 8-year-old daughter.
The route is reliable.
However, it is a physically demanding hike with a fairly steep 3 km climb right from the start.
We encountered a herd of ibex at the top of the chairlift (between points 3 and 4).

Alternative route for the descent: we took the ski slopes back to the finish (making the descent easier): from point 4, take the Peatland slope, then the Snowdrop slope, then the Edelweiss slope, and return to the finish via Violette.

A lovely loop to discover with a superb view from the top of the Moucherolle (if there's no fog!!)

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Date of your route : Jul 09, 2024
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hike partly on tracks and stony paths there and back (watch your knees...). No difficulties. This little-used hike from point 3 (antenna) is mainly worth it for its view of the Vercors and Belledonne mountains.

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Date of your route : Nov 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike done in beautiful weather but with snow becoming very heavy from the switch to the slopes (drifted snow).
The shelter at the top of the chairlift was open and very welcome!

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Date of your route : Sep 11, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A great classic.
To avoid a "dry" return trip, I explored a route that starts from Clot de la Balme heading due west towards the climbing site, passing by the reservoirs marked on the IGN map. It's a bit steep but well marked. You arrive at the foot of the climbing cliffs, walk along the foot of these cliffs on the right (very steep climb), before reaching a section where you have to use your hands, but it's nothing technical or even impressive.
Once you reach the top of the cliff, the path is well marked and joins one of the tracks used for the maintenance and operation of the ski area.
There are several options in this area for reaching the point's antenna (3). This adds between 100 and 200 metres of elevation gain and a little distance.

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Date of your route : Aug 23, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful walk, a bit physically demanding, with a superb view of all the peaks around us.

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Date of your route : Aug 29, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

At the start, it would be useful to put up several signs because the car park is very large and it can take a while to find the trail. It's a shame there isn't a marked trail between Pas de Balme and La Petite Moucherolle via the ridge (follow the cairns) because it's really worth the detour!
Finally, it should be clearly explained that between La Petite Moucherolle and La Grande Moucherolle, the path is steep with a risk of rockfalls. Otherwise, it was a beautiful hike with a chance to chat with a shepherd and see five chamois and their babies! :

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Date of your route : Jul 18, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A somewhat rocky path, frequently used by the resort's 4x4s (4 crossings), leading to the junction where the trail markers indicate a hiking path just over a kilometre long, but relatively easy, even with a 4-year-old who climbed almost the entire way.
There is a pleasant, shaded picnic area at the viewpoint before La Petite Moucherolle.
Very beautiful scenery on the heights.

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Date of your route : Jun 26, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

First part of the hike: there are many paths leading into the forest, and you really have to climb a bit before you see the one described in the itinerary. For the return trip, it's a shame that you have to take the same path as on the way there, but all things considered, after trying another one (after the summit, descend via the scree slope and then the tracks), it's actually better to turn back!
Very pretty in June, full of mountain flowers and butterflies. Bring your binoculars!

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Date of your route : Jun 10, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

For experienced hikers.
Beware of fog, which often obscures the summit.

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Date of your route : Sep 14, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb walk with a nice elevation gain
Magnificent scenery at the finish
A shame about the last 500 metres: the green and yellow markings need to be redone...

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Date of your route : Aug 24, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Good elevation gain, the most beautiful arrival at the lake

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