Le Grand Capelet

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Le Grand Capelet enjoys a privileged position, offering panoramic views over the Roya and Vésubie valleys.
The hike is quite challenging, but once you reach your destination, you will be rewarded with a superb panorama.

Details

n°1410053
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 14.01 mi
  • ◔
    Duration according to the author: 8 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 4,370 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 4,390 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 9,570 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 5,600 ft
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Photos

Le Grand Capelet
Le Grand Capelet
Le Grand Capelet
Le Grand Capelet

Description of the walk

From Saint-Dalmas de Tende (06), take the D91 road towards Castérino. In the village, continue to the upper car park.

(S/E) Go through the "Entrée Parc du Mercantour" gate near marker 394, follow the track on the left along the Valmasque stream, pass marker 393 and reach marker 374.

(1) Leave the track at marker 374 and take the path on the left. Follow the stream, passing close to the two waterfalls. Continue along the path which winds upwards to reach a flat area. Continue to marker 98.

(2) At marker 98, turn left towards the Vallée des Merveilles, leaving the Refuge de Valmasque trail on your right. After a few bends, you will reach marker 97 overlooking Lac Vert.

(3) At marker 97, turn left. The path is clear until you reach Baisse de Valmasque. Walk along the end of Lac Vert and then Lac Noir.

(4) Finally, walk along the entire length of Lac du Basto.

(5) Leave marker 96 (Baisse de Fontanalbe) on your left. Leave marker 95 (Baisse du Basto) on your right. Climb up the few switchbacks opposite that lead to Baisse de Valmasque.

(6) At Baisse de Valmasque, head west along a cairned path. Stay on the Basto side. The path is well marked and crosses a few small scree slopes before tackling a slightly steeper grassy slope. Continue again on a well-marked path (numerous cairns). Join the fork in the path coming from Baisse du Lac Autier.

(7) Continue along the path that descends towards the scree (about 15 m of elevation loss). Continue through large scree (still marked by cairns). Reach the rock face that marks the start of the ascent to the summit.

(8) Climb the first boulders for a few metres, using your hands. Continue along short sections of path and rocks to reach the summit fairly quickly.

(9) A large cairn marks the summit of Grand Capelet (2935m). Superb 360° panorama. The Gordolasque Valley and in particular the Pont du Countet seem very close.

Return via the same route to the Upper Castérino car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 5,623 ft - Upper Castérino car park, marker 394
  2. 1 : mi 2.14 - alt. 6,427 ft - Marker 374
  3. 2 : mi 3.29 - alt. 7,228 ft - Marker 98: Valmasque Refuge/Baisse de Valmasque
  4. 3 : mi 3.51 - alt. 7,474 ft - Marker 97 - Lac+Vert (Mercantour)
  5. 4 : mi 3.77 - alt. 7,480 ft - Lac Noir (Mercantour)
  6. 5 : mi 4.46 - alt. 7,694 ft - Marker 96
  7. 6 : mi 5.85 - alt. 8,363 ft - Marker 94 - Baisse de Valmasque
  8. 7 : mi 6.58 - alt. 8,947 ft - Path coming from Baisse du Lac Autier
  9. 8 : mi 6.74 - alt. 9,154 ft - Climb up the rocks towards the summit
  10. 9 : mi 7.02 - alt. 9,554 ft - Summit - Mont du Grand Capelet
  11. S/E : mi 14.01 - alt. 5,617 ft - Upper Castérino car park

Notes

There are no water sources along the entire route.

Although the route does not present any major difficulties, this hike is classified as "Very difficult" due to the distance covered and the elevation changes. It is suitable for experienced hikers with good stamina.

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 1 review
Reliability of the description
4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
Jeannot30
Jeannot30

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The descent to Pas des Conques is not easy to find

Machine-translated

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