Vallon de Combau - Tête Chevalière, Vercors

Description

From Chatillon in Diois, reach the hamlet of Bénevise, a commune of Tréschenu-Creyers, and take the D515 in the Vallon de Combau.

Park at the end of the small valley by the Fontaine des Prêtres after the gite-auberge (inn). The number of parking spaces is limited.
Continue along the road for about 100m. When you reach a stele, take the pasture trail that turns left and then right on a hairpin. Pass a large barn (1) and continue until the Cabane de l'Essaure, which is a small mountain hut. (2) Turn right to reach the Pas de l'Essaure which offers a stunning view of the Trièves and Isère!
Keep to the ridge, pass a small trough and climb left on a very steep path for cows. Continue until you reach the edge of a big rock fall (3) This section is dangerous!
From there, climb along the ridge until the highest point with an amazing view over the Veymont and Mont Aiguille.
Climb up to the Tête Chevalière at 1941m (4)
Then descend southwest, then south continuing straight through the stones and grassland (5). You'll find yourself by cairns positioned on this section.
Rejoin the GR by the Chamousset bergeriee (sheep pen) (6). Turn left and you'll be back at the Refuge de l'Essaure, passing via the Col du Creuson.
Then retrace your steps over the outwards leg until you arrive back at the starting car park.