Lélex - Mijoux

Open from 1 April to 30 November - subject to snow conditions

First stage of the 3-day, 2-night Crêts en Combes hiking tour.
Starting from Lélex, this circular route combines the main GTJ route with the suggested alternative via Mijoux and the Col de la Faucille.
The crossing of the Hautes-Combes jurassiennes, the Valserine valley and the peaks of the Haute Chaine du Jura promise breathtaking landscapes. On one side, the view overlooks the ridges, on the other, it overlooks Lake Geneva and the Alps. In the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and partly in the Haute-Chaîne Nature Reserve, this hike takes place in a preserved natural area.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: From Crêts en Combes to Lélex

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 10.24 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 7h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 3,435 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 3,107 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 5,531 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,927 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

The GR®® red and white markings

(S/E) From the village of Lélex, turn right onto the Voie du Col de Crozet,GR®® 509, then follow the track towards the ridges of the Haute Chaîne du Jura until you reach a path.

(1) Turn right onto it. At the green downhill ski run, turn right then left until you cross it a second time. Continue straight ahead and, at the junction below “Les Gindres”, keep left; the path climbs up a narrow track that winds through the woods and leads to the Refuge du Ratou.

(2) Go round the refuge on the right and climb, still on theGR®, making a hairpin bend and then turning right. The path crosses the white path twice, before continuing its ascent through the woods.

(3) From the Refuge de la Loge, the climb becomes gentler and the view opens up. There is more undergrowth and high mountain pastures. Turn left towards La Catheline and the Col de Crozet on theGR®® 9. Continue straight on until you reach the top of the cable car.

(4) Keep going straight ahead, take a left turn, then a right turn and a final left turn to reach the Col de Crozet.

(5) Continue straight on, still on theGR®®9towards Colomby de Gex. The path is undulating with views of Mont Blanc, the Alpine range and the Lake Geneva basin. There are at least three steep climbs before reaching the highest point of the stage: Colomby de Gex.

(6) Start the descent opposite, still on theGR®®9towards La Faucille and Les Montronds. On this section, the path runs along the ridge and is also undulating. It leaves the nature reserve before reaching Le Grand Montrond.

(7) Enjoy the final panoramic view, then descend to the left, staying on the GR® and continuing along the ridges, to reach the Vie de Chaux junction.

(8) Head down to the left towards the Col de la Faucille. The path crosses the Gélinottes ski lift.

(9) Cross the forest track and head down to the right of the tunnel to enter the forest. Continue the descent to the Route de la Maréchaude, turn right, and return to the start of the Gélinottes ski lift and the giant zip line. The route naturally leads up to the Col de la Faucille.

(10) Pass behind La Petite Chaumière, and continue left down the slope towards Mijoux via the blue run. The path runs alongside cliffs and other chasms before finally reaching a trail.

(11) Head down it to the right, then rejoin the track and follow the Sentier des Arts straight ahead. First turn left then right onto Rue Royale, go straight on at the next junction, and arrive at the village of Mijoux (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S : mi 0 - alt. 2,927 ft - Village of Lélex
  2. 1 : mi 0.17 - alt. 3,054 ft - Trail
  3. 2 : mi 1 - alt. 3,993 ft - Refuge du Ratou
  4. 3 : mi 1.63 - alt. 4,698 ft - Refuge de la Loge
  5. 4 : mi 1.96 - alt. 4,744 ft - Upper station of the - Télécabine de la Catheline
  6. 5 : mi 2.24 - alt. 4,849 ft - Col de Crozet
  7. 6 : mi 4.75 - alt. 5,531 ft - Colomby de Gex
  8. 7 : mi 6.82 - alt. 5,240 ft - Grand Montrond
  9. 8 : mi 7.68 - alt. 4,915 ft - Crossing the Vie de Chaux
  10. 9 : mi 7.99 - alt. 4,777 ft - Les Gélinottes ski lift
  11. 10 : mi 8.94 - alt. 4,331 ft - Col de la Faucille
  12. 11 : mi 9.91 - alt. 3,543 ft - Junction
  13. E : mi 10.24 - alt. 3,232 ft - Village of Mijoux

Notes

Open from 1 April to 30 November - subject to snow conditions

Before setting off.

- Check the general and local weather forecast to ensure there will be no precipitation.
- Find out about the approach walk, the height of the route, the walking time, and possible escape routes (IGN map, GPS, guidebook, etc.).
- Assess the possible risks by consulting mountain professionals, refuges, and lodges.
- Inform a friend or family member of your plans and contact them again if there are any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with each person's phone number, vehicle(s), parking.
- Avoid setting off alone. Use equipment that is suitable for the activity, properly adjusted and in good condition, including a head torch, a complete first aid kit, a survival blanket, etc.
- In case of an emergency, call 112 (European emergency number).

Additional advice and recommendations.
To find out more about our destination, visit our website: Pays de Gex Tourisme.

Part of the route is located in a nature reserve, so please respect the specific regulations for this area.
Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash.

Camping in tents is prohibited.

Find good accommodation.

Stay at La Michaille bed and breakfast.
The Valserine communal lodge.
Les Berlicants residence.

Be well equipped
Good equipment is the key to a successful hiking trip. Bring a suitable rucksack (around 10 kilos) and don't forget the essentials:

  • Technical clothing for cold weather;
  • Sleeping bag or groundsheet;
  • Sunglasses;
  • Food and water;
  • Headlamp;
  • Walking poles;
  • Complete first aid kit.
  • Water management

Water is essential. Find out about water sources along your route and bring purification tablets in case you don't have access to clean water.

This route passes through multiple protected areas, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

Monts Jura is a four-season resort offering a wide range of activities, such as downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, hiking, downhill mountain biking, tobogganing, giant zip-lining, tree-top adventure courses, golf, and more.

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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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.