Chemin du garde

Description

This small, undulating loop through a larch grove follows the old paths used to ascend to the mountain pastures in summer. This loop is aimed at both beginners and experienced trail riders. Your playground: an undulating single track through a larch forest. An old irrigation channel, on the flat, will give you a chance to warm up before winding your way through the forest. This same route was used for years by the "pastres", the local shepherds. With 80% of the route being in the shade, it's a great option if you're looking for a break from the heat. - From the Les Orres 1650 tourist office, go to the Pitchounets children's club, then follow the road uphill to a small car park. The start can be found at the bottom of the hill. - After a short passage through undergrowth, head up the 4x4 track for a few metres until you turn left onto an old flat channel. - At the end of this channel, begin the climb and pass in front of the Cabane du nain rouge. Keep ascending into the woods. - Here you can enjoy a beautiful unobstructed view of the village. Beware; this is quite a vertiginous route: a handrail accompanies you up the few steps you have to climb. - A bit further on, take several switchbacks as you descend into the forest. A final ascent takes you to a flat single track that leads back to the start of the route. - From this point, the return journey takes the same route as the outward journey.

Difficulty

Official rating: very easy, by Parc national des Écrins.

Getting there

Start: Les Orres 1650, Les Orres, Les Orres (05).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/995642-Chemin-du-garde). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 318 m, Parc national des Écrins