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From Gap and the Col Bayard or Col de Manse, first follow the signs for the Orcière Merlette ski resort, then turn left, north, onto the D944A to go up the Champoléon valley. Pass Les Borels and Les Gondouins and arrive at Les Baumes. Park your car in the small car park at the foot of the hamlet: there are about ten spaces.
(S/E) Follow the road for barely 100 metres to leave the hamlet of Les Baumes, then turn left, following the signs, to take the path that quickly joins a fork.
(1) Take the path on the left towards Val Estrèche; the path on the right is the classic route for ascending or descending to the Lacs de Crupillouse. Follow the easy path that climbs up Val Estrèche on the left bank of the torrent of the same name: a very pleasant section.
(2) Begin a steep section where a walking stick may be helpful, then arrive at a flat area at Les Vallons. On the left, you will see a basic concrete shelter, attached to the rock face, but closed. I was lucky enough to observe and photograph ibex, females and kids, for a good fifteen minutes. Continue following the trail, still on the left bank of the stream, which first climbs northwards and then slopes westwards to climb up the entire cirque. Do not follow a faint trail on the right that leads up to the shepherd's hut and his flock with patous. You will arrive at the end of the marked trail.
(3) Stop for a moment to take stock and head due north towards the Col de Val Estrèche. It would be possible to follow the blue trail, which is the theoretical route for skiing in winter, but the Col de Val Estrèche is not visible from below and the average slope is gentler if you veer to the right towards the north-east (choice of route). The route is easy going throughout, across grassland with a few rocks in places. It is a little long, but not difficult, and above all it gives a good overview and a good view of the route to follow a little later to climb the steep western slope of the Col des Lauzières. Continue climbing northwards.
(4) It is still not possible to see where the Col de Val Estrèche actually is, and the rocky ridge is confusing. Don't worry, it will become clearer as you climb and get closer. You will find traces of a path at times and will have no problem climbing up a small grassy ledge between the rocks to reach a temporary plateau and finally see the pass. Reach the pass.
(5) The view is breathtaking on both sides, especially on the north side: it is a good idea to stop here for a drink and a bite to eat. Descend from the Col de Val Estrèche, keeping the rocky ridges descending from the Choucières Vertes in sight and staying as far to the left as possible to avoid descending too far and having to climb back up again.
(6) Head left, due east. The climb is steep and a little crumbly in places. Always stay as far to the left as possible, using your left hand to support yourself on a line of rocks, while your right hand is busy with a walking stick and your feet climb a steep grassy and stony slope, even scree in places. The actual Col des Lauzières is further to the right, but do not attempt to cross or veer to the right. Stay as far to the left as possible and climb straight up the steep slope.
(7) Do not be discouraged and continue the climb, staying as far to the left as possible. Once you reach the top, there are about 75 metres of easy walking along the boulders to reach the Col des Lauzières.
(8) Descend towards the Lacs de Crupillouse (north-east): the first twenty metres below the pass are a little steep and impressive. After that, the descent is gentler over a huge scree slope. Do not descend too far to the right, which is the natural tendency, to reach the low point and the Cros de la Casse basin. Go around the rocky outcrops on the left and continue across, keeping to the left and level with the huge scree slope made up of large, fairly stable stones. Be careful, though, as one or two stones may still tip over or cause you to lose your balance. Reach a flat area where the lakes are no longer visible.
(9) There is a faint trail, but in any case, this area is almost flat and you can walk anywhere. Reach a first small lake, then a second larger one, and climb ten or twenty metres to reach the point halfway between the two main lakes.
(10) Continue to the outlet of the second lake to find the well-marked trail that descends and returns to Les Baumes. Then begin a long descent with a steep drop (about 1,300 metres).
(11) A break is possible and welcome on this long descent: there are numerous waterfalls and viewpoints. Then continue on your way, following a new series of very tight hairpin bends, then a straighter section leading to the junction at the start.
(1) Descend to the left towards the hamlet of Les Baumes. At the end of the trail, turn right and walk up the road for about 100 m to reach the car park (S/E).
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Difficult 
Moderate 
Extremely difficult 
