How long is Les lacs de Crupillouse?

Les lacs de Crupillouse is 16.4 km (10.2 mi) long as a full loop. Most walkers complete it in about 5 hr 28 min, not counting stops.

How hard is Les lacs de Crupillouse?

It is rated hard, with roughly 1,351 m (4,432 ft) of total ascent. It rewards preparation. Strong legs, an early start and a weather window all make a large difference here.

How long does Les lacs de Crupillouse take?

Allow around 5 hr 28 min of moving time. Add a further 30 to 60 minutes for breaks, photographs and lunch.

When is the best time to hike Les lacs de Crupillouse?

April to October is the most reliable window. Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections.

Can you bring dogs on Les lacs de Crupillouse?

Dog access is not formally recorded for this route. Local rules usually allow dogs on a lead, but check signage at the trailhead before you commit to the walk.

Is Les lacs de Crupillouse suitable for children?

It is a stretch for younger children. At 16.4 km with 1,351 m (4,432 ft) of ascent, it suits teenagers and confident young walkers rather than a family stroll.

Is Les lacs de Crupillouse a loop?

Yes. The route is circular, so you return to your starting point without repeating any section.

Is Les lacs de Crupillouse inside Parc national des Écrins (cœur)?

Yes. The route lies within Parc national des Écrins (cœur), so park rules on camping, fires and dogs apply along its full length.

Les lacs de Crupillouse

HardParc national des Écrins (cœur) · Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur · France

GPX

Distance: 16.4 km (10.2 mi)
Elevation gain: 1,351 m (4,432 ft)
Typical time: 5 hr 28 min
Difficulty: Hard
Route type: Loop
Highest point: Not recorded

About Les lacs de Crupillouse

Les lacs de Crupillouse is a 16.4 km hiking route in Parc national des Écrins (cœur). It climbs roughly 1,351 m (4,432 ft) along the way. Most people take around 5 hr 28 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. This is a demanding day. The climbing is sustained and the descent is long enough to punish tired knees.

You hear the falls before you see them, which makes the final approach genuinely exciting. The woodland changes character with the seasons, at its best when the canopy turns.

It is a 16.4 km loop, so you finish where you started and never repeat a section. The route is waymarked and marked on the ground with its own symbol, so navigation is straightforward in good visibility.

It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths. The nearest town of any size is Gap, about 25.8 km away, which is where most people base themselves. The route is maintained by Parc national des Ecrins.

In short, Les lacs de Crupillouse suits fit hikers with a habit of long days and an eye on the forecast. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Hard16.4 km1,351 m

Numbered marks every 5 km

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

The route in detail

The loop is usually walked clockwise from the main trailhead. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. The return leg is the reverse of the outward journey, which makes it easy to judge remaining time.

Highlights

Inside Parc national des Écrins (cœur)
Waterfall
Forest
Waymarked route
Circular route, no backtracking
Waymarked and signposted
Over 1,000 m (3,281 ft) of ascent

Know before you go

Best season: April to October
Waymarked: Yes, signed on the ground
Surface: Mixed natural surface
Dogs: Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access: Not accessible
Entrance fee: No fee recorded
Camping: Follow park rules
Drinking water: Carry your own
Toilets: Not recorded
Mobile coverage: Generally usable
Parking: Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency: 112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery: 76/100
Adventure: 52/100
Difficulty: 72/100
Accessibility: 30/100
Family: 33/100
Dogs: 70/100

Tips from the trail

Start at first light. A long day is far more pleasant when you are not racing the sunset on the descent.
Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
Go within a day or two of rain if you want the falls at full volume.
Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

This route is long and sustained. Turn back early rather than late if the weather closes in.
Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in France are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
Weatherproof jacket
At least 1.5 litres of water
Trekking poles for the descent
Offline map and compass
Head torch and spare battery
Extra warm layer
Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Bring a small tripod and a neutral density filter if you want the classic silky water, and shoot on an overcast day to avoid blown highlights. Because it is a loop, the light changes direction as you go, so save some memory for the back half. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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