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(S/E) Leave the refuge via the path behind it and climb up towards the Col de La Pra
(1) Enjoy the view of Lac du Crozet (emptied in summer 2018 for work on the dam). Start the climb northwards, following the well-marked path.
300 m further on, after crossing the stream, note the Pra water distribution block on the right.
Continue on the left flank, a steep climb over boulders. Well marked with cairns and some old red and whiteGR® markings, this section requires a little caution.
(2) When you reach Lac du Petit Doménon, continue along the shore to quickly reach Lac du Grand Doménon.
Then continue along the well-marked trail towards the rock that towers over the valley floor.
(3) Just under 10 metres high and topped with a pole, it is marked on the map at elevation 2474. It is often used as a landmark by a herd of ibex.
Turn right, heading south-east, onto the path that winds through the scree below the Grande Pente snowfield.
When you reach an altitude of 2,580 metres, where the slope becomes gentler, head east-northeast to pass at the foot of the red rocks. In high season, the path is clearly visible.
(4) Pass between the two lakes; the one on your left may still be half frozen at the end of August.
(5) Continue towards the Col de Belledonne, then the cross that you can see in the distance.
(6) At the Croix de Belledonne, with its beautiful 360° view, you may see climbers arriving from below or rope teams on the Pic Central.
For the return trip, descend in the opposite direction. You can wander a little towards point 4, and there are possible variations to reach point 3. Then head to the Refuge de La Pra (S/E).
Do it on a weekday and outside of school holidays to avoid the crowds (if you like peace and quiet)
Visorando member
Moderate 
