Ascent to the Refuge du Rulhe from the Cascade des Escaliers (Mérens)

From Ax-les-Termes, head up towards Mérens-les-Vals.
For those arriving by RER or bus => leave the village via the^GR®®10.
For those arriving by car => on leaving the village, quickly leave the N20 and follow it parallel to the right. After 600 m, turn right onto the Piste Forestière de l’Ubac. Park at the end of the track.

- Remember to bring enough water. *
- Remember to download the route stages. No mobile phone signal.

No signposting Directional and information signs.

(S/E) Head up towards the barrier blocking access to the rest of the track. Follow this track, which is in poor condition, for about a hundred metres until you reach the signpost.
Turn right onto a stony path that climbs steeply through the forest. You will then reach a flatter, open area, before entering the forest again for about 50 metres.
Take care, as the direction of the^GR®®10is not signposted.
But don’t worry; if you carry on straight ahead, you’ll reach the junction with the^GR®®10at L’Estagnol.

(1) Head down to the right and cross the Ruisseau du Mourguillou via a bridge made of large stone slabs. You’ll reach a fork in the path. Directional signpost.

Red and white markings for^{the GR®®10}, which replaces the^GRP®® Tour des Montagnes d'Ax.

(2) Turn left onto the^GR®®10, climbing steadily to reach a body of water at Estagnol.

(3) Continue straight on to reach another fork. Signpost.

(4) Turn right and climb via the^GR®®10. The climb is steep and long. Take your time, stop for breaks and enjoy the scenery. After the grazing areas, cross a scree slope, rocks and boulders, then, via a final hairpin bend, reach the Crête de la Lhasse.

(5) Follow it to the left. Reach the highest point at the Pyramide de Lherbés (2,439m).
Large cairn and signpost.
Vast 360° panorama. A beautiful spot for a well-deserved break.

(6) Switch to the northern slope. Descend along the grassy ridge on a good, steep and steeply sloping path. Then, at a leisurely pace, skirt around this magnificent cirque along a path, crossing countless rocks, scree slopes and boulder fields, heading towards the beautiful Étang Bleu.

(7) Descend steeply to the right, due south, following the red and white markings, then continue due west along a level but steep and arduous path. You will then reach the small lake (alt. 2,220 m).

(8) Go round it to the right. Then climb back up the same steep and arduous path until you reach the Col des Calmettes (2,318 m). The Refuge du Rulhe is in sight...
A vast 360° panorama. A beautiful spot for a well-deserved final rest.

(9) Continue along an easy path to the Refuge du Rulhe (Ruhle on IGN) for the night (E).

There are no springs or water sources along the route.
Water can be collected after (4), towards (8), using a filter or disinfectant tablets.
Drinking water source, facing south, below the Refuge du Rulhe.

• Spring supplying the Refuge du Rulhe. The ram pump (autonomous mechanical system) supplying the refuge is out of order (as of summer 2023); there is no drinking water at the refuge.

This is a mountainous area. You will therefore need: rain gear, water, a packed lunch, GPX track, route description, map, GPS or Visorando app, camera, good walking boots, a walking stick.

This is an exposed hike; you’ll need to set off early in warm weather, and conditions can change very quickly.

Rulhe Refuge
Mérens-les-Vals