Les Grandes Têtes (no. 14)

Description

A panoramic circuit taking you through forest and extensive clearings. You first have to go through the ski resort of Puy Saint-Vincent to reach the pastoral surroundings of the Tournoux plateau and on to the Col de la Pousterle. From here, set out on the panoramic tour of the peak of Les Têtes. An absolute joy! The route starts at the entrance to the « RECOUMERE » car park in the Puy Saint-Vincent 1800 resort near the Résidence Le Parc Aux Étoiles. It starts on the road, then straight on at the hairpin along a track above the buildings. - Turn off this track onto another track leading left towards the Escapade chairlift ("Télésiège de l'Escapade") and the start of the summer toboggan run - At the Chalet de Pré Loubet, turn right onto another track and after 200 metres, turn left which brings you to a sharp bend - Take the narrow track on the left and then turn left again towards Le Laus. After this chalet, carry straight on, continue along the upper edge of the Tournoux plateau and on towards the Col de la Pousterle along a track which runs along the foot of a rock bar. It comes out on the plateau of the Col de la Pousterle - Turn left and, after a short distance, right. The track leads away along a balcony route - Turn right off the track towards the Lac des Sagnes - As you approach the Lac des Sagnes, head left onto a track overlooking the Lac des Charbonnières and the Lac des Lauzes, which can be difficult to make out, and which comes out on the L'Argentière-la-Bessée side - Drop back downhill to the Lac des Sagnes, and then turn left towards the Col de la Pousterle. This then brings you back to the plateau and Les Tournoux - At Les Tournoux, head right onto a track which leads past some chalets and brings you back to Le Pré Loubet, and then on to your starting point

Difficulty

Official rating: moderate, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

• Rescue services contact details: Secours Montagne (Mountain Rescue): +33 (0)4 92 22 22 22 or 112
• Show consideration for the work of farmers, livestock keepers and owners
• Take your litter home
• Do not take shortcuts across pastureland

Getting there

Start: Parking Résidence La Voile, Puy Saint Vincent 1600, Puy-Saint-Vincent (05).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/969842-VTT-N14---Les-Grandes-Tetes). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 533 m, Parc national des Écrins