The Laurichard Pass

Hike to discover the Combe and the Col de Laurichard, west of the Combeynot Massif.

Technical sheet

137318
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.12 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 638 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 636 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,658 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,035 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the Sentier des Crevasses car park on the left after the pass when coming from Briançon.
(S/E) Take the Sentier des Crevasses trail to the south-west. Before the footbridge over the Torrent du Lautaret, leave the trail at the crossroads and take the one on the left (signposted Col de Laurichard).

(1) Take the path heading due south on the right bank of the stream descending from the combe, following the faint but visible red diamond markings. You will reach a bend in this path shortly before the water source.

(2) Continue south-west, following the valley almost all the way to easily reach the last, steeper hairpin bends before the Col de Laurichard.

(3) Continue along the path on the left until you reach the last cairn on the ridge to reach a small platform and enjoy a remarkable view of the Barre des Écrins and the Romanche Valley.

(4) Take the same route back to return leisurely to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 2,048 m - Col du Lautaret
  2. 1 : km 0.29 - alt. 2,035 m - Crossroads after the footbridge
  3. 2 : km 1.05 - alt. 2,208 m - Source captured
  4. 3 : km 2.94 - alt. 2,658 m - Col de Laurichard
  5. 4 : km 3.05 - alt. 2,657 m - Cairn
  6. S/E : km 6.12 - alt. 2,048 m

Practical information

Below the water intake, a pipe discharges the overflow from the catchment. The water is drinkable, but be careful, as the descent to reach it is difficult.
There is no shelter, but there is a picnic area on the edge of the dry lake at altitude 2402.

For the curious (or geocaching enthusiasts), when you arrive at the pass and if you have a compass, look at azimuth 268 (almost due west) and you will discover an important point. A pair of binoculars will also be very useful. Another clue to help you locate this point: UTM X = 0289 175, Y = 4987 675.

In the nearby area

La Grave and its glacier cable car will take you to an altitude of around 3,200 metres.
The nearby Col du Galibier, a mecca for French cycling. At the tunnel under the pass is an imposing memorial dedicated to Henri Desgrange, the founding father of the Tour de France, the world's premier cycling event.
Briançon in the Durance Valley with its forts, which are unfortunately in poor condition.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 16 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.9 / 5
Route interest
4.3 / 5
Lionel Cornaz
Lionel Cornaz

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 26, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

The arrival at the pass is not ideal (access and width of the platform), but the view is worth it.

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cchambault
cchambault

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Hike done with a large group, in cold and windy weather. Just the right length for getting some fresh air!

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vely
vely

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Hike done quite early in the morning, starting at 8am. Advantage: shaded until the pass, a little cold wind at the pass, almost continuous climb, only one other person at the pass besides me, about ten people on the descent and on the climb; perfectly clear, superb....

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Florian 91250
Florian 91250

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 11, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Hike completed in August 2024, covering three-quarters of the route.
Overall difficulty level is moderate, but with a few fairly steep sections.
The descent is dusty and slippery in places, so take care.
View of La Meije at the start, always pleasant.
Frequent wind from the Col du Lautaret, which makes the temperature quite cool when exposed.
Possibility of seeing (far, very far) a few chamois. Didn't see any marmots, though.
The estimated time (2 hours from the car park to the pass) seems reasonable if you walk at a leisurely pace.

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ATPN
ATPN

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : May 06, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

I really appreciate Visiorando and refer to it in particular for ideas and suggestions. The information about the routes is often insightful

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mijalou
mijalou

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 03, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

I confirm that the interest lies in the final viewpoint at the pass
The last part of the route is very rocky, so take care when descending
We had a snack by a lake halfway along the route

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Randophil57
Randophil57

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 18, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

The hike takes place in a very rocky environment. The elevation gain is not very significant, but it is covered in a short distance.
The view from the pass rewards your efforts.
Good walking shoes and walking sticks are recommended.

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Ewighol
Ewighol

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 08, 2021
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Quite a challenging route as it climbs steadily. Can be completed in 2 hours by an adult who is used to walking.
The path itself is not particularly interesting, but the view from the top is superb. There are certainly more enjoyable circular walks in the area

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beaber
beaber

Overall rating : 3 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 08, 2020
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Clarity of route map : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Busy trail : Yes

The view of La Meije is superb, but the path isn't very entertaining. Several hikers on the trail. And ultimately steep, as the distance is short.

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etoiledesneiges
etoiledesneiges

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 05, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Spectacular view from the pass over La Meije, the Dôme des Écrins and the Galibier. Walking sticks are recommended for the descent.

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bernardino
bernardino ★

And yes, these rolling stones cause hikers a lot of trouble.
You also mention that there is little shade to protect children
It's true, there is no shade, and yet it would be welcome here because you are hiking on a real glacier. You may not see the ice, but it is definitely there under the stones. This is an interesting place because the permafrost is still intact.
It's quite educational to talk to children about this.
Happy hiking!

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marmottes-538
marmottes-538

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 03, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

Great hike, descent a bit difficult because of rolling stones. Not much shade, so avoid with children.

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JP3000
JP3000

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 27, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

superb hike with magnificent scenery at the pass. Best done on a clear day

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cray38
cray38

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 13, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

Quite a nice hike, despite a somewhat difficult descent due to loose stones. Be careful in hot weather, as there is no shade whatsoever.

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chrisber01
chrisber01

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 25, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

The path is a bit steep at the start. The elevation gain is not very significant, but the route is short. I would not recommend this hike with young children.

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