Mont Granier via the Porte de l'Alpette and the Pas de la Porte

A very beautiful loop, much less frequented than the classic Mont Granier route, starting from the beautiful church of Bellecombe and particularly pleasant in summer.

After the Porte de l'Alpette, the hike runs along almost the entire cliff face of the mountain, passing through the magnificent "gardens" of the upper Alpette du Granier and returning to the Pas de la Porte pass overlooking the Grésivaudan valley.

Details

1371621
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 14.50 km
  • ◔
    Duration according to the author: 7 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,370 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,370 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,932 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 692 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Notes: The entire route is on good paths and is very well marked, both by signs and by clearly visible yellow markings. From Bellecombe, simply follow the signs: Porte de l'Alpette, Granier via Pas des Barres, Croix du Granier, Pas de la Porte, Bellecombe.

Parking: It is possible to park near the micro-power station (1) (one space only), but it is better to park in the square in front of the pretty little church in Bellecombe.

(S/E) From the car park, take the tarmac Alpette road which climbs westwards to the new micro power station.

(1) At the micro power station, leave the forest path climbing to the right and take the one that continues to the left (south-west), climbing gently. Continue along this path, ignoring the junctions, until you reach the small dam at the Cernon waterfall.

(2) After seeing the waterfall, retrace your steps for a few metres and turn left (old wooden sign) onto the winding path that climbs through the undergrowth (generally west). This path crosses another level path, continues straight ahead with tighter switchbacks, then heads south at the foot of the cliff when the vegetation thins out. It ends at the Porte de l'Alpette.

(3) On the Alpette plateau, follow the signposted direction (south-west) for Le Granier via the Pas des Barres.

(4) At an IGN elevation of 1,580 metres, a sign indicates the Pas des Barres trail. Take this trail, which turns right and heads northeast before coming up against a series of small rocky passages, one of which is equipped with a cable and metal rungs. The path, still marked in yellow, heads west before turning north when the slope becomes less steep. It crosses a path towards "Fontaine Neuve" (stay on the main path, to the left — west — at this point), then loops under small cliffs and turns north, joining the fork in the path coming from La Balme à Colon, at the edge of the western cliff of Le Granier.

(5) Continue north (right) along the cliff leading to the summit of Granier until you reach it.

(6) At Granier, continue north along the cliff (on your left) to descend to the cross that marks the end of the promontory. Please note that due to recent rockfalls, access to the cross is prohibited for the last 4 to 5 metres.

(7) At the cross, take the path that heads right, due east, along the north cliff of Granier (towards Pas de la Porte). Follow this path, which hugs the contour of Granier and returns south to find the Pas de la Porte passage. A few easy rocky passages enliven the route.

(8) At Pas de la Porte, the path branches off to the left (north) and descends in endless switchbacks to a forest road coming from the road leading to Col du Granier. The landslides of 2016 damaged the trail in a few places. You must descend to the left of the first landslide to find the trail again, and to the right of the landslide when it meets a forest road (sign with no indication but marked with two yellow arrows: the trail runs along the slope beside the landslide before becoming clear again). After a few more hairpin bends, the trail arrives at a forest road made of crushed stone.

(9) At the sign on this road, turn right, heading south towards Bellecombe. The forest road climbs back into the forest and arrives at a fork with a small path just as it becomes covered with taller grass.

(10) Take this path, which climbs to the right (south). There is no sign, but there is a faint yellow mark on a tree above. Follow the path, which continues to climb through the forest to the south-east before descending towards a series of hairpin bends that generally head north-east. At the bottom of the switchbacks, the path heads east on a steep slope and arrives at a recent water catchment spanned by a metal footbridge.

(11) Pass the water catchment to reach a good gravel road that heads south-east. It crosses a forest path that descends more steeply on the left. Take this path until you reach the micro power station.

(1) From there, follow the road to the church in Bellecombe (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 695 m - Bellecombe Church car park
  2. 1 : km 0.56 - alt. 784 m - Micro power station
  3. 2 : km 2.23 - alt. 972 m - Cernon waterfall and dam
  4. 3 : km 4.38 - alt. 1,560 m - Porte de l'Alpette
  5. 4 : km 4.71 - alt. 1,582 m - Departure - Pas des Barres
  6. 5 : km 6.32 - alt. 1,841 m - Turn-off towards La Balme à Colon
  7. 6 : km 7.52 - alt. 1,932 m - Summit - Mont Granier
  8. 7 : km 7.83 - alt. 1,897 m - Croix du Mont Granier
  9. 8 : km 9.45 - alt. 1,615 m - Pas de la Porte
  10. 9 : km 11.04 - alt. 1,117 m - Forest path
  11. 10 : km 11.61 - alt. 1,176 m - Trailhead towards Bellecombe
  12. 11 : km 13.14 - alt. 935 m - Footbridge at the Éparres spring
  13. S/E : km 14.5 - alt. 695 m - Bellecombe Church car park

Notes

Difficulty:
This hike does not present any major difficulties. There are a few cables and ladder rungs on the climb up to Pas des Barres, but it is easy to do without them. However, it is still rated Very Difficult because it is more physically demanding and just as "challenging" as the classic route up Mont Granier via Pas des Barres and La Balme à Colon.

The estimated time is a little overestimated; you should allow around 7 hours of walking, not including breaks. The elevation gain is closer to 1,450m than 1,600m.

The route is always clear and very well marked (yellow markings).

Equipment:
Standard hiking equipment is sufficient.

Water:
As is often the case in Chartreuse, you will need to bring your own water, as there are no usable springs in summer on the Granier summit plateau.

Dogs:
Dogs are not allowed in this part of the massif.

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

Worth a visit

Variants:
It seems possible to descend via a pass located below the 1578m mark on the upper Alpette du Granier. I will confirm this after trying it out.

2021: I confirm the alternative route, but the passage is particularly treacherous in wet weather.
At Pas de la Porte (8), instead of diving down the northern slope, continue off-trail due east, following the edge of the cliff on your left. Follow this cliff edge to a large plateau and then turn south-west to continue along the cliff edge on your left. There is a path through a weak spot in the cliff. Take this path on the left to descend eastwards and then follow the rock formations north-eastwards. The path passes two rock formations before joining the return route between (10) and (11).

This alternative avoids a somewhat tedious forest road.

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 15 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.9 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
Mbar2
Mbar2

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

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

Hello,
It appears that, although very popular, the descent trail via Pas de la Porte is prohibited by the Chapareillan municipal decree of 17/08/2027
...
The prohibited area is marked in red on the IGN map extract attached to this decree.
This area includes, in particular, the spur supporting the Granier cross and the Pas de la Porte trail...
...

Regarding the alternative descent route indicated by bouvierjr in 2021, it is easier to take it at an altitude of 1630m (note that the trail actually starts 30m before what is indicated on the 1:15 IGN map). It is well marked and signposted in yellow, making it easy to follow.
At the altitude of 1639, you will join the trail that descends from Fontaine Neuve. Turn left (downhill). The trail is still easy to follow (well marked with yellow and blue markings).
This will take you to the edge of the first rocky ridge.
From here, the descent is suitable for people who are comfortable with challenging hikes (T4/T5), especially if done downhill, and is not without risk (falling is prohibited in 2 or 3 places).
Painted markings are everywhere.

This is a beautiful descent route but should only be attempted in dry weather, without snow, and by people who are used to a certain level of difficulty and are willing to accept the risks.

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M13I9C3H8
M13I9C3H8

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 30, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

30/11/2024
A very pleasant hike starting from Bellecombe church. The difficulty lies in its length and the significant elevation gain with a fairly steady climb. But the reward is at the summit when the day is sunny, the sky is clear and there is a majestic 360° view of the snow-capped peaks (from the Mont Blanc massif to the Vercors peaks).
Thank you again for the description and information provided throughout the route. I highly recommend it
Michel

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tbathiard
tbathiard

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 17, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful route. I started in the late afternoon (sheltered from the sun because the cliff faces west), camped on the alpette and set off again at dawn for the final stretch to the summit before descending through the woods at the end of the morning. So I didn't suffer from the heat, but be careful during heatwaves, as the climb to the summit is in full sun with no shelter and your body is already worn out by the tough climb... I think it's a good idea to split this hike into two stages if possible. Be careful, as the altitude can be dangerous. Good physical condition is highly recommended. Magnificent landscapes and chamois.

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Lalie
Lalie

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 14, 2022
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello,
i highly recommend this route, which offers a 360° view and is incredible when the sky is clear!
You can see Mont Blanc, the Belledonne mountain range and southern Chartreuse.
Truly breathtaking!
I set off early to avoid the heat and went during the week. I hardly saw anyone else.
As a bonus, I saw some chamois!

Enjoy your walk and thank you for making this route available!

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satou
satou

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 02, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

What a pleasure to take this route, which is much wilder than the usual access (La Plagne/Grotte des Ours).
The Cernon waterfall is beautiful, and don't forget to check out the spring a little further up, it's superb!
Then it's business as usual once you reach the Pas des Barres, where you'll find yourself back on the familiar path.
The descent is easy, even if the terrain is sometimes broken up by recent rockfalls.
A beautiful loop with a good elevation gain, I highly recommend it!

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Nicolas_73
Nicolas_73

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 05, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

What a pleasure it was to go on this hike! Thank you for the route
But it was quite physically demanding.

The start is fairly gentle until you reach the reservoir, which is superb, by the way. Thank you for the tip!

Then the climb up to the Porte de l'Alpette is steep, but there's a superb view when you come out of the forest
The aerial section/ladder is very pleasant, as is the arrival at Mont Granier.
The descent passes through a very pretty plateau with views of the faults and valleys.
The descent is quite long but in the forest, which is pleasant in hot weather.

And indeed, the elevation gain is close to 1,450 metres

make the most of the water points!

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stef37236
stef37236

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 06, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hello,

The hike is as described. Point 4 is indeed tricky, just at the ladder crossing. For someone who is afraid of heights or not used to it, it can be tricky.
Please note that the Granier landslide (2016) has created a safety zone that no longer allows descent to point 9. We turned right on the descent at an altitude of 1650 metres. Pass through a raspberry field as a landmark, following the path marked in yellow or yellow and blue. Please note that the descent is tricky and long to catch up with the GPX track.
You can take the initial route, but at your own risk.

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Mbar2
Mbar2

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 02, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Completed on 02/07/2021
A very varied and interesting hike, including the descent to the plateau (a must-do).

The ascent takes place in a shaded forest up to the Porte de l'Alpette. Note the very pretty waterfall at Cernon halfway up.
The climb then follows the same route as the trail from the Col de l'Alpette (equipped but not particularly difficult, but not suitable for people who suffer from vertigo or young children).

At the summit, there is a 360° view (Chartreuse, Mont Blanc, Beldonne, Bauge, Lac du Bourget, etc.).
The descent follows the same route: sharp limestone pavement at the start, then a beautiful, shady forest after the Pas de la Porte. Note that, contrary to the comments and guidebook, the trail has been rebuilt and there are no longer any problems with the route following landslides.

Total time for the route is 6 hours (excluding breaks) at a steady pace uphill but a leisurely stroll downhill (listening to and observing the many birds (titmice, chiffchaffs, nuthatches, woodpeckers, finches, etc.).

Personally, I prefer this route (even if it is more physically demanding) to the one via the Col de l'Alpette and La Balme à Colon, as it is much more natural and much less frequented!

Many thanks to JR Bouvier for this guide

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christian c
christian c

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 20, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

i forgot to mention that the descent is at the crossroads at point 1639. It's very fast, but be careful as there are lots of leaves that can make your feet slip

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christian c
christian c

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 20, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Yes, at elevation 1578 there is indeed a descent marked by a wooden sign saying "prés ours" (bear meadows)

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Toz
Toz

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 23, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Accurate and precise description, magnificent panorama from Mont Granier and superb landscapes as soon as you arrive at the Porte de l'Alpette.
The trail is well marked and visible, and the path is (almost) always well defined, even in areas with scree. One small detail: one sign (point 8) is on the ground, probably knocked down by a forestry machine.
other than that, a real pleasure!

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toffus
toffus

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 04, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I confirm the 1,430-metre elevation gain.

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TripleJ
TripleJ

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 23, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Beautiful scenery, clear directions, I highly recommend this route.
The ascent took 3 hours and the descent 3 hours at a fast pace, plus a 1-hour break.

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nac66
nac66

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 17, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

It's a beautiful trail with magnificent 360° views. We could see all the way to Mont Aiguille! The trail, which often runs along a balcony-like ledge, is really very pleasant. We particularly appreciated the reliability and detail of the description of the (loooong) descent that follows the Pas de la Porte, especially where the trail had been damaged by a landslide (the yellow arrows...) and at the fork after the water source (which came in handy for refilling our water bottles!).
It was a beautiful, long day of walking.

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Riton_38
Riton_38

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 24, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

We did this route yesterday, 23/09/2018, following the directions exactly with a group of 10 people. It's a very pleasant hike with sections that are all very different from each other. It's best to do it in good weather, though, as some places (Pas de la Barre) can become very difficult when wet.
That said, we had a wonderful day, the map is accurate, as is the description. Thank you...

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