Refuge de l’Estrop – La Foux d’Allos

Preliminary note: the^first part of the route climbs steeply through beautiful pastures, following the cairns, before quickly entering a very rocky landscape. In this landscape, you’ll pass large flat slabs and small rocky outcrops that require a bit of climbing, using your hands and the rocks for support. It is essential to follow the cairns and the yellow markings on the numerous rocks.

(S) Set off from the Refuge de l’Estrop, heading west and following the cairns.
You’ll reach a flat area, in a sort of small valley, with three cairns arranged in a triangle marking the junction of three paths.

(1) Turn left to begin the most difficult part of this route, which marks the start of the ascent of the Estrop. You will soon reach a scree slope with a maze of large boulders; cross it.
Caution: this section requires great care, as some boulders are precariously balanced. In this technical maze, follow the yellow markings closely, checking for them before proceeding.
You’ll reach a sort of pass where a magnificent panorama of the northern slope already opens up before you.
Go slightly round the ridge to reach large rock slabs leading to the summit.
Caution here: this section is very impressive but the rock is not slippery. You will then reach the summit of the Estrop.

(2) Retrace your steps, keeping an eye out for the yellow markings.
However, you must take great care as the descent is even more technical than the ascent, particularly on the scree slope. Make your way to the junction of the three cairns.

(1) Turn left and begin the descent through a landscape that remains very rocky: slabs, boulders, rocky outcrops…
Take a moment here to look around; numerous ibex and chamois inhabit this lunar landscape. At the bottom of the descent, you’ll reach a stream.

(3) Cross it, then veer left and begin a new ascent. Make your way alternately across scree slopes and small pastures until you reach the junction with the path leading up to the Petite Barre.

(4) Turn right onto a slight plateau to reach the Baisse de l’Aiguille.

(5) Turn left and head for the top station of the Observatoire chairlift.

(6) Take the path that descends steeply to the right. Continue across the wide pastures until you come out again at the chairlifts and onto the ski run.

(7) Turn left and follow the wide track to an old ski lift station.

(8) Leave the run to the right onto a path running along a ridge above the resort. Continue to the bottom of the resort and return to the car park at the start of the route at Pont de l’Abrau (E).

There are no water sources at this time of year.
High-top walking boots are recommended due to the numerous scree slopes.
You are in the high mountains, so bring warm clothing, even in summer. The weather can change quickly.
Please note: the scree sections are technically challenging and can sometimes be dangerous.

(2) The Tête de l’Estrop: enjoy a magnificent panorama from here: the Écrins, including the Barre des Écrins, the Vieux Chaillol, the Champsaur and the Montagne de Ceüse, the Ventoux, the Queyras, the Viso and the Mercantour.