Mijoux - Refuge de la Loge

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.

From Mijoux to the Refuge de la Loge via the Haute Chaîne: second stage of the two-day "Le balcon du Léman"hiking tour.

An exceptional route through the highest peaks of the Jura mountains and the wild landscapes of the Haut-Jura plateau, with spectacular panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps from the highest peaks of the Jura mountain range. These wild spaces full of surprises and wonders will make this multi-day hike unforgettable.

Part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations:
Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash, and camping in tents is also prohibited.
Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: The Balcon du Léman from Lélex

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.82 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 940 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 503 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,687 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 990 m

Description of the walk

(S) Start from the charming little village of Mijoux and head up the Route Royale. Then take the winding path on the right. Cross the road and continue for 200 metres.

(1) Turn left and follow the Route Royale for 600 metres.

(2) Take a shortcut by leaving the road and taking the path to cut across the bend.

(3) Turn left and continue along the Route Royale for another 700 metres until you reach La Faucille.

(4) At the first intersection, turn right to access La Faucille station. Then continue straight ahead for 1 km.

(5) Turn left to cut across the bend.

(6) Cross the road to reach the GR®.

(7) Turn left and follow the GR® until you are under the Gélinottes ski lift.

(8) Under the ski lift, turn right and continue for 50 metres, then turn left to gain a little height.

(9) On the GR® marked in red and white, turn right to reach the ridges.

(10) At this junction, turn left towards Montrond. Stay on the right-hand side of the path to leave the GR® and take a small path for 300 metres.

(11) Turn left to go to Montrond, which offers breathtaking views.

(12) Montrond is a wild, natural and magical place. After marvelling at the view, turn right to follow the ridges on the GR® Balcon du Léman trail.

(13) Continue straight ahead.

(14) Leave the GR® trail to cut across for 200 metres, then rejoin it.

(15) At Pas de l'Echine, continue straight ahead on the GR® du Balcon du Léman to Colomby de Gex.

(16) Once you reach Colomby de Gex, enjoy the view of this place steeped in history before continuing on the GR® Balcon du Léman trail.

(17) At this intersection, keep left to stay on the red and white marked GR® for 700 metres.

(18) Continue straight ahead on the GR®.

(19) Continue straight ahead towards the Refuge de la Loge.

(20) Stay on the right-hand side of the path to reach the Refuge de la Loge. Then turn right to descend to the refuge.

(21) At the Montoisey ski lift, continue straight ahead to the lodges. Then turn right to the Refuge de la Loge. Once you arrive at the Refuge de la Loge, you will have earned a well-deserved rest before continuing this hiking tour (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 990 m - Mijoux
  2. 1 : km 0.49 - alt. 1,081 m - Royal route
  3. 2 : km 1.25 - alt. 1,181 m - Royal Road Shortcut
  4. 3 : km 1.5 - alt. 1,250 m - Royal Route
  5. 4 : km 2.01 - alt. 1,309 m - La Faucille intersection
  6. 5 : km 2.97 - alt. 1,388 m - Petit Montrond Route
  7. 6 : km 3.22 - alt. 1,423 m - Petit Mont-Rond road junction
  8. 7 : km 3.3 - alt. 1,429 m - GR Balcony of Lake Geneva
  9. 8 : km 3.53 - alt. 1,456 m - Téléski des Gélinottes
  10. 9 : km 4.03 - alt. 1,499 m - Crozat junction
  11. 10 : km 4.73 - alt. 1,485 m - Direction of MontRond
  12. 11 : km 5.18 - alt. 1,543 m - Montrond intersection
  13. 12 : km 5.41 - alt. 1,596 m - Le Montrond - Montrond (Mijoux)
  14. 13 : km 5.88 - alt. 1,609 m - Le Grand Montrond - Grand Montrond
  15. 14 : km 7.37 - alt. 1,562 m - Chalet de la Chenaillette junction
  16. 15 : km 7.99 - alt. 1,591 m - Pas de l'Echine - Pas de l'Échine (1589m)
  17. 16 : km 8.73 - alt. 1,682 m - Colomby de Gex - Colomby de Gex
  18. 17 : km 11.68 - alt. 1,529 m - GR9 junction
  19. 18 : km 12.51 - alt. 1,507 m - Bottom of the Crozet Pass - Col de Crozet
  20. 19 : km 12.69 - alt. 1,479 m - Crossroads to Catheline
  21. 20 : km 12.82 - alt. 1,478 m - Crozet Pass - Col de Crozet
  22. 21 : km 13.26 - alt. 1,445 m - Catheline cable car - Télécabine de la Catheline
  23. E : km 13.82 - alt. 1,433 m - Refuge de la Loge - Refuge de la Loge

Notes

Before you leave:
- Check the 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 telephone 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.

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 and rainy weather
- Sleeping bag or groundsheet
- Sunglasses
- Food and water
- Head torch
- Walking sticks
- Complete first aid kit

Water is essential. Find out where you can get water 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, including downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, hiking, downhill mountain biking, tobogganing, giant zip-lining, tree climbing, golf, and more.

Always be careful and plan ahead when hiking. Visorando and the author of this guide cannot be held responsible for any accidents or inconveniences that may occur on this route.

The GR® and PR® trail markings are the intellectual property of the French Hiking Federation.

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.