Pointe de Chalune and Roc d'Enfer loop

Update by the author on 12/08/2025:

• renaming of the waypoint (18) (corresponds exactly to the new signpost)
• Adjustment to the comment at the waypoint (9)
• Small adjustment to the route between points (3) and (5) to match the signposting
• Adjustment to waypoints (3) and (4) which were not listed in the correct order
• made minor adjustments to the practical information section

Park at the Pierre Rouge car park (road D308) located at the start of the chairlift of the same name.

(S/E) Follow a track heading north-east (towards Pointe de Chalune). At an intersection (Chalet Blanc Sud), continue straight ahead and you will soon reach a second intersection (Chalet Blanc).

(1) Continue straight ahead towards Col de Vésinaz and Pointe de Chalune, heading north-west. The slope then becomes steeper. You will reach an intersection just before Col de Vésinaz.

(2) Turn right (avoid the pass) and continue along a path. Climb steeply and keep heading northeast until you reach a ridge. The route is fairly easy until you come to a small rock that you need to climb in two steps. Just after this, continue straight ahead at the first fork. At the second fork, continue straight ahead again. The slope is a little steep in places (be careful of falling rocks). After a while, you will join another path.

(3) Keep left and you will soon reach the summit of Pointe de Chalune (beautiful views, including towards Roc d'Enfer). Retrace your steps.

(4) Continue east on the trail you encountered just before. Descend to the Col de Chalune.

(5) Turn left and reach the Col de Foron.

(6) Continue east-northeast on the path on the right (there is no signpost in this direction) and follow the ridge. The ridge is fairly wide, but caution is advised at times. After the Tête des Charseurvre, the ridge widens and is initially easy to follow, but then gradually becomes quite steep. At times, you need to be observant to follow the route while aiming for the small pass.

(7) Head right uphill, taking a few small steps until you reach the rock. This can be climbed with the help of a chain in good condition, but great caution is required in this rather exposed spot where a misstep could be fatal. Reach the Pointe de Haute Bene.

(8) Continue down the path. A little further down, you will encounter a difficult section. There are two options:
- Go straight ahead.
- Take a small ledge on the right and then a few more steps with a climb to the left.
The second option is recommended as the route is easier and less exposed. Another difficult section requires a significant climb: a chain provides support but you should still take great care in this rather exposed spot.
After passing a nameless peak marked with a cross, you will reach another tricky section: it is tricky mainly because you are walking along the side of a steep slope with some narrow passages (be careful).

(9) After an exposed section (caution), join the summit of Roc d'Enfer on the right

(10) Retrace your steps.

(9) Continue north-east along the ridge. Reach the next summit marked with a cross.

(11) Begin a descent that is a little rough in places, following the ridge line or close to it. Pay close attention to the route, especially on the few sections where you may need to use your hands (caution). After a while, you will reach a pass (Brèche de la Golette).

(12) Keep right on the trail, walking along the mountainside. In the Chaux de Vie area, you may encounter marmots and ibex. After a pleasant and easy walk, you will reach the Col de Ratti.

(13) Continue straight ahead towards the Col de l'Encrenaz. First, reach the Col de la Basse.

(14) Continue straight ahead on the track towards the Col de l'Encrenaz via L'Aup and reach this hamlet.

(15) Continue on the carriage road and, a little further on, take a path on the right to reach the Col de l'Encrenaz.

(16) Continue right onto the D328 for about 2.5 km (traffic is light, but remain cautious).

(17) At a sharp bend in the road, head straight towards a few buildings: after passing the Foron and crossing a small footbridge, continue along the road.

(18) A little further up, turn left towards a building (Foron du Milieu) and continue straight ahead on a path that is not very visible, especially at the beginning. After an uphill section, you will reach the Col de la Bolire.

(19) Walk along the mountainside without any significant elevation changes in an alpine environment (there are a few possible alternative routes). After a while, bear right and climb slightly, following a yellow arrow (do not continue straight ahead, as access is prohibited a little further on): the path is moderately visible, but other visible markings further on confirm that you are on the right track. Join the route from the outward journey above the Chalet Blanc.

(1) Continue to the left and, following the same route as on the way there, return to the starting point (S/E).

The starting point can be viewed on Google Maps: click here

Good hiking boots are essential and walking sticks or an ice axe are recommended. A piece of rope is a plus for safety.

The hike is not recommended for people who are prone to vertigo.

Please take your rubbish with you, as nature has a hard time digesting it.

Below is a difficulty rating for each section (the route is not uniform):
- green: fairly easy with no significant elevation changes or difficulties.
- blue: steeper slopes and/or elevation changes on a well-marked trail.
- orange: route with some technical difficulties and/or poor route conditions (signposting or visibility of the path).
- red: difficult route due to significant elevation changes that may require some climbing, in an environment with some hazards.
- black: fairly difficult route with adjacent hazards.
- white: route in very difficult technical environments requiring certain equipment.

Roc d'Enfer
The Roc d'Enfer crossing is similar to mountaineering and requires great caution with some very exposed passages where a misstep could be fatal (hiking rating T4- according to the reference). Every year, a number of accidents are reported (some fatal). Take your time, especially as the scenery is magnificent.
Avoid attempting this route in strong winds, when there is snow on the ground or after a period of rain.
two passages are secured:
- the^first with chains in good condition.
- the second is secured^by a rope in fair condition.
In both cases, caution is advised.
Some sections on the mountainside on steep slopes require particular attention (this is especially the case before reaching the summit of Roc d'Enfer) and it is particularly important that there is no snow in these areas.
In stormy weather, there are not many places to take shelter: it is recommended that you check the latest weather reports and even the latest weather activity via smartphone apps before setting out.
Summary of ratings: there are a few dangerous sections, so be careful and know when to turn back if necessary
From (S/E) to: Green difficulty
Fairly easy section.
No markings. There are two signposts (at the start and end of the section) but no problems with orientation.

From (2): Blue difficulty
A slightly more challenging route but no major difficulties.
No signposts. There are two signposts (at the start and end of the section)

From (2) to (4): Orange difficulty.
Some continuous steep slopes in a few places potentially exposed to rock falls, requiring the use of hands at times.
Unmarked area

From (4) to (5): Blue difficulty.
Care is required on some sections.
Marked with yellow arrows + signposts.

From (5) to (6): Blue difficulty.
It still requires a little attention
No markings, but signposts are present (at the two passes)

From (6) to (7): Orange difficulty.
The start of the section is relatively easy, but after passing the Tête de Charseuvre, the slope gradually becomes quite steep. Shortly before reaching the small pass, the slopes are quite steep on a moderately visible path, and you will need to be observant in order to find the right route and avoid a complicated climb.
There are no markings or signposts.

From (7) to (12): Black difficulty.
The crossing of the Rocs d'Enfer is dangerous. See above.
There are no markings or signposts (except for a warning sign at the Brèche de la Golette).

From (12) to (13): Blue difficulty.
This section is much less complicated than the previous one. However, be careful, especially at the beginning. Beware of the potential risk of falling rocks.
There are a few yellow arrows and signposts at the Ratti pass.

From (13) to (15): Green difficulty.
The route is not difficult.
No markings or signposts.

From (15) to (16): Green difficulty.
Easy route on a path and then a trail.
Area not marked.

From (16) to (17): Green difficulty.
This route follows a road. Traffic is expected to be moderate, but caution is advised.
Area not marked

From (17) to (18): Green difficulty.
A passable road with no difficulties is followed.
Signpost

From (18) to (19): Blue difficulty.
A trail is followed. It is moderately visible at the beginning of the section. There are a few steep slopes.
Yellow arrow markings + signposts.

From (19) to (1): Blue difficulty.
Follow a trail through alpine pastures. There are parallel paths, so stay on the most visible trail. Caution: the area near Chalet Blanc is closed to the public.
Yellow arrow signs + signposts.

From (1) to (S/E): Green difficulty.
Same simple route as on the outward journey.
Signposts.

It is possible to shorten the route by starting from Foron or Col de l'Encrenaz (and even more if you avoid climbing Pointe de Chalune).
Some guidebooks suggest cutting across directly to the Col de la Basse (14) in Foron (17). I don't think this is a good idea (note that an old IGN map shows a trail starting from the pass).

Other options are also possible from La Chèvrerie: if you choose this route, take extra care on the section between the Brèche de la Golette (point (12)) and the Col de Graydon, which is quite steep and exposed to rock falls (personal experience during another hike when a large rock fell just after I passed through the lower part of the section).

Pointe de Chalune.

Roc d'Enfer.