Punta della Croce and Lago d'Arpy

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The Pointe de la Croix is clearly visible to the east of La Thuile. This circular hike offers sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif and the 4,000-metre peaks on the Italian-Swiss border, in particular the easily recognisable Cervino. The return route takes you via the popular Lac d'Arpy.

Technical sheet

n°3971314
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.44 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 532 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 535 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,461 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,954 m
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Photos

La Thuile, Petit Saint Bernard Pass in the background
Courmayeur and Mont Blanc
Fortifications
Lake Arpy

Description of the walk

From La Thuile, take the SR39 to Colle San Carlo. Park in the car park at the pass (very busy).

(S/E) From the car park, go to the start of the trail: signposts "Lago d'Arpy, Colle della Croce". Follow this wide trail to the first fork.

(1) Take the Col de la Croix trail on the right.

(2) Ignore the path on the left, which you will take on the way back, and continue to Col de la Croix.

(3) Enjoy the superb panorama of the Mont Blanc massif and the peaks bordering Switzerland to the north-east. Then turn right to climb Pointe de la Croix, first passing by some antennas, then continuing to the summit marked by a beautiful fortification (late 17th century).

(4) Return to Colle della Croce.

(3) Retrace your steps for about 100 metres.

(2) Look for the path on the right that descends to Lago d'Arpy. Begin the descent to the lake via this path, marked with the number 17.

(5) Join the wide track that descends gently towards the Colle San Carlo car park.

(1) Continue straight ahead to return to the pass (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,964 m - Colle San Carlo
  2. 1 : km 0.84 - alt. 2,000 m - Common fork A/R
  3. 2 : km 5.33 - alt. 2,378 m - Common fork A/R
  4. 3 : km 5.46 - alt. 2,370 m - Colle della Croce
  5. 4 : km 6.42 - alt. 2,451 m - Punta della Croce
  6. 5 : km 9.14 - alt. 2,066 m - Lago d'Arpy
  7. S/E : km 12.44 - alt. 1,964 m - Colle San Carlo

Practical information

? Mountain equipment, including good footwear.

? No water available along the entire route.

In the nearby area

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 14 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Clarity of route map
5 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
CanardFly
CanardFly

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 31, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

Varied landscapes, beautiful view at the tip. Lots of people at the lake.

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Kamout
Kamout

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A pleasant hike with no difficulty, the climb is steady.

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User 3312223

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A great hike that's fairly easy because the climb is very steady with fantastic 360-degree views, including Mont Blanc and the Grandes Jorasses. The lake is quite busy, but the atmosphere is very cheerful and family-friendly (people sing). . The trail is very easy to follow.

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François57
François57

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 27, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Very beautiful hike. It was crowded at the start of the section leading directly to the lake. Once you leave the trail towards the pass, it becomes very quiet. What's more, you get a bird's-eye view of the lake and magnificent landscapes.

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eric83
eric83

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 08, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Hike completed on 09/07/2025
Beautiful weather (cool) and magnificent views of all the peaks (Italy, France, Switzerland), especially between Col de la Croix and the summit (Pointe de la Croix)
Very few people on this part of the route, however, with Lac de l'Arpy and the descent very busy

In summary, a very beautiful hike

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Chatelard
Chatelard

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

At the first intersection, turn right towards Colle della Croce, as it is a beautiful path with a gradual climb. Descend to the lake after passing the pass. In the opposite direction, the path that climbs is difficult and very steep.

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cathysaint-jours
cathysaint-jours

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 23, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Very beautiful hike.
Not very busy until you reach the pass, but there are quite a few people at Lake Arpy.

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Laurarandonnee
Laurarandonnee

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 20, 2023
Reliability of the description : N/A
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A very beautiful hike, even though there are many people at Lake Arpy, which remains a perfect spot for a picnic break.

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arnoux bruno
arnoux bruno

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 20, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Very pretty view. Easy climb

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Mr. Pin
Mr. Pin

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Lovely walk. Quite a few people around the lake.

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chrisme
chrisme

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 25, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A walk that is definitely worth doing, it's easy and the view is magnificent

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jl1309m
jl1309m

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 25, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

We took an interesting detour by climbing up to Lake Pierre Rouge at 2,555 metres. It is a very large lake set in a rocky landscape. The location is superb. The route is well marked. The last part of the climb is steep.
The hike from Col San Carlo to Lac de la Pierre Rouge is 13km and 700m round trip.

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muse_88_
muse_88_

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 25, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Hello,
a superb hike with many attractions: lake, waterfalls, Mont Blanc and other peaks, fortifications... breathtaking views at the top.
The only downside is that you can hear motorbikes at the top, which echoes throughout the valley. The summit is not completely peaceful.

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achateau
achateau

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 28, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A very beautiful hike offering views of the great peaks of the Alps (including Mont Blanc). A very pleasant picnic break by Lake Arpy. Very busy around the lake.

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