The Razis Waterfall

Description

This varied and continuous loop is ideal for a family outing. The view of the waterfall crowns a beautiful walk through a characteristic larch forest and along a mountain stream that provides refreshing coolness. The "subalpine" stage in all its splendour could be the motto of this hike. All the ingredients are there: from agricultural lands at the start, steep south-facing slopes, a larch forest on the north side, a stream, and a mountain waterfall. - The start is from the Plan Bridge car park. Follow the path along the stream amid the larches towards the fairy trail. Cross the river three times within a few hundred meters without ever leaving the banks. Some contemporary art pieces can be seen along the path. - Continue on a small path along the stream when the path you are on makes a left turn. Take a right 150m later on a path that becomes wider, then left after the bridge onto a small path in a landscape that begins to open up onto alpine meadows. - Turn left at the Chenevier Canal sign when the waterfall seems to be right above the path. Exercise greater caution until you reach the torrent. The path becomes narrow, very steep, and sometimes exposed to splashing foam. Progress is through a scree slope. Return to the Chenevier Canal sign along the same route to resume the loop. Follow the direction of Plan Bridge straight ahead when returning from the waterfall via a narrow path in the heart of the pastures. Continue straight ahead past the cabin and the explanatory panel, then the path enters a larch forest again. After a few hundred meters, take a right at the intersection to follow a small path. Take a right at the wooden car. The path begins to descend. Go straight ahead at the next intersection and again at the one after that, continuing in the larch forest. Join a wide grassy path that bends to the left, then take a path on the right in the forest 20m further on. - Turn right at the Pré Vayer sign via a steeply descending path. Turn right once on the Parpaillon pass road, then return to the parking lot.

Difficulty

Official rating: easy, by Parc national des Écrins.

Getting there

Start: Pont du Plan, Crévoux, Crévoux (05).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/986820-La-Cascade-de-Razis). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 364 m, Parc national des Écrins