Le Gros Têt: another viewpoint overlooking La Meije above the Emparis plateau

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A hike offering superb views of the Meije glaciers as well as the Emparis plateau.
Whilst the Emparis plateau is renowned for its views of the Meije, it is naturally very busy. This hike allows you to enjoy the same views whilst walking in a wilder setting.

Message from the moderators: You are in a Sensitive Natural Area (Natura 2000), which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information).

Details

n°13140385
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 10.80 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 7h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 3,205 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 3,209 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 8,570 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 5,686 ft
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Photos

The Aiguilles d’Arve, de la Saussaz and du Goléon, seen from the Gros Têt
The summit of Gros Têt in winter
Sunrise over the Meije massif
Sunrise over the Pic du Mas de la Grave

Description of the walk

For parking, it is best to start from the ski resort car park as there are more spaces there than around the village of Le Chazelet.

(S/E) Head to the far end of the car park: there is a small path that cuts across the field downhill to join a wide track suitable for vehicles.

(1) Head to the right, cross the bridge, then start climbing towards the three mountain hamlets of Les Rivets and pass through them. Follow the Gâ stream and pass the Croix de Tuf (1,901 m).

(2) Continue the climb.

(3) Pass the Pic du Mas de la Grave refuge on your right and continue straight on.

(4) Cross the Torrent de Valfredène at the Baraques de la Buffe (2005 m), then follow the path back up.

(5) Continue climbing to the left, leaving the path on the right that leads to the Pic du Mas de la Grave.

(6) Stay on the ridge: there isn’t really a well-marked path, but simply continue climbing towards the Cime du Rachas or Gros Têt. Wooden posts marking a mountain bike route indicate the direction.

(7) The summit of Gros Têt is a small hill offering unobstructed views.
Head back down, keeping to the left, and head towards the next hillock, then climb up to the Petit Têt.
An ideal spot for a break, offering a beautiful view over the Emparis plateau with La Meije in the background.

(8) From the Petit Têt, head down towards a shepherd’s hut, without trying to go straight there. To avoid several ascents and descents, head left towards the ridge.

(9) Continue straight on.

(10) Continue behind the hut and pass in front of a lake that is probably dry.

(11) Look out for the top of the ski lift and head down towards it.

(12) Join theGR®54and follow it to the left. Let the path leading to the Clot Raffin refuge branch off to the left, then descend the switchbacks from the ski lift and cross the bridge.

(13) Follow the ski run back up to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 5,948 ft - Ski resort car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.16 - alt. 5,823 ft - Crossing of trails
  3. 2 : mi 1.45 - alt. 6,234 ft - Croix de Tuf (1,901 m)
  4. 3 : mi 2.66 - alt. 6,273 ft - Junction at the Pic du Mas de la Grave refuge
  5. 4 : mi 3.8 - alt. 6,581 ft - Valfredène Torrent
  6. 5 : mi 4.34 - alt. 7,110 ft - Climb up to the left
  7. 6 : mi 4.79 - alt. 7,454 ft - Col de la Cabanote
  8. 7 : mi 6.19 - alt. 8,570 ft - Le Gros Têt ou Cime du Rachas (2613m)
  9. 8 : mi 7.22 - alt. 8,284 ft - Le Petit Têt (2535m)
  10. 9 : mi 7.89 - alt. 7,838 ft - Straight ahead
  11. 10 : mi 8.2 - alt. 7,713 ft - Hut
  12. 11 : mi 8.58 - alt. 7,651 ft - Descent towards the ski lift
  13. 12 : mi 9.01 - alt. 7,103 ft - Crossroads with the GR°°®°°, turn left
  14. 13 : mi 10.48 - alt. 5,689 ft - Bottom of the slopes
  15. S/E : mi 10.8 - alt. 5,948 ft - Ski resort car park

Notes

To protect the local flora and fauna, swimming is prohibited, fires are prohibited, all rubbish must be collected (even biodegradable waste) and dogs must be kept on a lead.

At point (12), the descent is quite long and steep: walking poles will come in handy.

Watch out for mountain bikes.

Worth a visit

There is a huge choice around La Grave.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

4 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
Reliability of the description
4 / 5
Ease of following the route
3.5 / 5
Route interest
4.4 / 5
M13I9C3H8
M13I9C3H8

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

A stunning 360-degree view of the mountains. A very long approach with no elevation gain and nothing of interest.

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Wingardium
Wingardium
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 15, 2023
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I’d planned this route, which I completed yesterday, and when I went to describe it here, I realised that most of it already existed! The only major difference is that I did the route in the opposite direction!
I parked in the (almost empty) car park at the northern entrance to the hamlet of Le Chazelet and from there, I followed the same path from (13) to (12), which I continued along to the Col du Souchet.
From the pass, a 90° right turn towards the Petit Têt (8) then towards the Gros Têt (with a fine haul of dandelions!), descent to La Cabanote (6) and return via the Vallon du Gâ.
I can confirm that a map or GPS is unnecessary for navigation on the off-trail section (between (6) and (12) for the route above), as you simply need to head for the two summits of the Gros and Petit Têt and reach them either by climbing the slope or zigzagging. The terrain is completely open (no trees or rocks, just grass) and following the ridge line is straightforward until you come across a path (which you can usually spot from above)!
A magnificent hike to do in clear weather (obviously!), admittedly a bit challenging due to its length and the elevation gain, but well worth the effort for the panoramic views it offers from its summits. And what’s more, absolute solitude off the beaten track!

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claireha
claireha

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 22, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

As mentioned, this route is a good alternative to the classic ascent and descent of the Emparis plateau, especially if you’ve already done it several times. It’s only missing one or two lakes to be perfect, but having the majestic Meije looming opposite you throughout the entire route is well worth that small sacrifice.
Without the GPS, I’m not sure we would have managed to find the route between points 6 and 7. We actually crossed a sort of bog marked as a sensitive area. Oops!
We took an alternative route between points 2 and 3, reaching the Pic du Mas de la Grave refuge via Les Orliers (hiking higher up rather than staying at the bottom of the valley).

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Franck D
Franck D
• Edited:

Hello Phimo

Do you have any information or changes to make to clarify the second part? There isn’t really a path there
From 6 to 7, I don’t think that’s a problem
It’s more from 7 to 10, but you’re at a higher elevation with a view: please do let me know if you have any further information – I’ll update the description

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phimo
phimo

Overall rating : 3 / 5

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

The scenery is lovely and secluded along the walk, but the second section isn’t signposted, so it’s quite tricky to find your way – make sure you download the route map so you don’t get lost – though there are some beautiful views.

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bouvierjr
bouvierjr ★

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 08, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb hike offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains! I’ve done this route many times, including in winter, and have included a few photos taken in January 2021 to give you a taste of what the ski tour is like.

For more photos, see this album. An interactive spherical view also lets you explore the panorama from the Gros Têt.

Thank you for this lovely description!

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