Le Méale

Description

This sporty loop takes you up to the summit of Méale, where the view of Lake Serre-Ponçon and the surrounding peaks will reward your efforts. This demanding loop takes you to the pyramid-shaped summit of Méale (2426m), above the county town of Les Orres. The 360° view takes in the Serre-Ponçon valley, the resort of Les Orres, the Parpaillon massif and the surrounding peaks. - Take Rue du Commun, which turns into a dirt track. A single track leads up to the Méale road. Follow the discovery trail on the right. - Turn left just before the hamlet of Haut-Forest for a demanding climb. Follow the hairpins until you reach La Platrière, with its panoramic view over Serre-Ponçon. The view becomes clearer and clearer as the climb continues. - Take a right to reach the summit via one of the two paths. Retrace your steps to the last junction, where you need to turn right. A series of hairpins leads to a track that you need to follow briefly. - Watch out for the single track on the left that leads to the Forêt car park. Take the track back to the starting point.

Difficulty

Official rating: moderate, by Parc national des Écrins.

Getting there

Start: Parking de l'église, chef-lieu, 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/995604-Le-Meale-(Trail)). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 992 m, Parc national des Écrins