The Sugar Loaf

A short, challenging hike to a first-class viewpoint on Mont Viso, which, at an altitude of 3,208 metres, offers a magnificent 360° panorama of Italy and the Queyras.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.73 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,946 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,946 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 10,384 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 8,438 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

From Molines-en-Queyras, take the D205T to the Agnel Refuge (2,580m) on the right-hand side of the road, then park either in the refuge car park or in the one on the left-hand side of the road 250m further on.

(S/E) From the refuge, follow the road up to the first hairpin bend, then turn left onto theGR®®58(red and white markings) to Col Vieux.

(1) Take the path to the south-east to reach and then follow the base of the Pain de Sucre.

(2) Take the path on the right. It is the one furthest to the right that allows you to climb up. Cross the slabs, following the right-hand side of the peak’s western ridge (this is also the easiest route, as a local hiker told me).

As you approach the summit, the path disappears into the scree and you will need to climb the final slabs, using your hands a little.

(3) Return via the same route to reach the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 8,438 ft - Car park - Refuge Agnel
  2. 1 : mi 1.06 - alt. 9,213 ft - Col Vieux
  3. 2 : mi 1.42 - alt. 9,619 ft - Trail junction
  4. 3 : mi 1.88 - alt. 10,384 ft - Le Pain de Sucre (Queyras)
  5. S/E : mi 3.73 - alt. 8,438 ft - Car park

Notes

(S/E) The car park mentioned is the one at the refuge; it is better to park at the second car park.

I have made a video, the link to which is provided here, which gives a good description of this route.

This climb is a bit exposed as you approach the summit. However, we saw a whole group of hikers making their way up there. Those prone to vertigo might want to give it a miss.

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.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 38 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
Britanicus100
Britanicus100

I’m the author of this walk. I’ve been using the Visorando app for walking routes for years. It works really well.

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User 30068801

Hello,

I can confirm: it’s a very accessible and truly beautiful walk. The climb up to 3,208 metres is easy, and the view from the top is well worth the effort.
The only downside for me is the descent. On several occasions I had to help hikers who’d lost the path and were a bit lost.
Tip: make sure you memorise the landmarks on the way up and set off with an app or track, especially if it’s foggy.
I’d love to do it again this summer – anyone interested?

Have a lovely day, everyone, and enjoy your walk!

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TITI 13 OVS
TITI 13 OVS

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 20, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A really lovely walk with beautiful scenery at the top – it was pure bliss

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CécileK
CécileK

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 13, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Far too many people first thing in the morning! The car park’s full by midday!

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pdf06
pdf06

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Not many people at this time of year. A pleasant hike if you like rocky terrain. Beautiful view at the end

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Gilles 14
Gilles 14

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 08, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Quite a demanding hike, but the incredible view from the summit is well worth the effort

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Floren
Floren

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Difficult hike, with sections where you need to use your hands to hold on. There are several trails to ascend and descend. However, it is well worth the effort, as the view from the summit is magnificent.

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FaceSud
FaceSud

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Easy climbing and popular up to the top at 3,200 metres
Little risk of rockfall as the slope is gentle
Not recommended for those prone to vertigo

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Olivier2607
Olivier2607

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

An impressive hike with views of Sugarloaf Mountain, undoubtedly due to its shape, but the climb is easy.
Very good.

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abeauville
abeauville

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

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

A classic route. From the summit, there is a magnificent view of Monte Viso and its neighbours (Granero, Meidassa). At the beginning of July, there were still two snowfields to cross, but they were not difficult.

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stefaix
stefaix

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Beautiful hike and superb views. The last few metres are a little more difficult, with some slab walking

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Greg83
Greg83

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 17, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Thanks for the route suggestion. The view from the summit is just amazing! And the ridge beyond the cross is a bit dizzying
The route is easy to follow with the red markings and the view ahead. There are often several possible routes. The slope is steep on the way up, but the descent is easy: the terrain is less unstable than I imagined.

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jpsa
jpsa

Well signposted. If you take the path on the right when you see a possible route on the right, you will arrive at the bottom. Don't hesitate, otherwise you will hit the rocky outcrop

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jpsa
jpsa

Well indicated, no problems

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LepaysanB
LepaysanB

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 14, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Superb 360° view from the summit with VISO in the foreground. Be careful on the descent, as the route tends to veer to the right towards the rocky outcrop!

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