Pic d’Escreins from the Val d’Escreins

Head to the Val d'Escreins Reserve car park, which provides access to a wide range of marked trails, including this one.

Please note that the reserve is not accessible in winter and for much of the spring.
You can check whether the access road is closed by taking a road on the right at a bend a few kilometres from Vars as you head down towards Guillestre.
A sign points to Val d'Escreins and you will quickly see whether the access is open or blocked.

Please note: Please take full note of the comments in the introduction before setting out on this hike.

(S/E) From the car park, head towards the start of the trails where you will find signs indicating various routes.
Cross the wooden bridge and you’ll come to a fork in the path a little further on.

(1) Signposts. Follow the Ceillac via Pic d'Escreins route, which indicates a 17 km walk to Ceillac via the Pic d'Escreins.
From this point, we are 6 km from the Pic.
After a few stretches across the plain, enter the forest where the shade is very welcome in summer. You’ll come to a fork in the road.

(2) Continue to follow the usual route indicated by the signs, turning right and continuing uphill.

(3) Leave the forest briefly and look out for a few fixed aids; the first is a set of metal steps with a cable to assist the climb. The rest consist of a few cables (handrails).

(4) Enter the forest again, continuing to follow the path until you reach another fork at elevation 2294.

(5) Signposts. Turn right, still following the route to Ceillac via the Pic d'Escreins.
You are approaching your destination whilst enjoying magnificent views across several slopes.
Further up, you’ll come to another fork at elevation 2660.

(6) Signpost below the Pic d'Escreins.
Caution: Turn right and continue along the route for a few metres, crossing a slightly slippery section (I did this in August) with a ravine on your left.
Then, follow a path on the right (not signposted) which will take you up to the peak.

(7) Magnificent 360° view with plenty of space to move around safely.
For the return journey, there are two options:
- retrace your steps,
- follow the path and the marked trail to rejoin the return track and descend to the car park (S/E).

Please note: before returning to the car park, well before the (1), on the right, you will have the option of continuing to the Basse Rua Refuge. You will pass the old abandoned village of Val d'Escreins (which is not part of this hike’s route).
It is possible to reach the Pic d'Escreins from the Queyras, setting off from Ceillac, but you will need to walk 10 km to reach the peak if you decide to start from there.