La boucle du Cruq des Aiguilles
The site of Lac du Goléon is only accessible to hikers after a steep climb from Valfroide; the proposed route which passes through the beautiful pass called “Cruq des Aiguilles” constitutes a varied and more alpine alternative.
From Hières, follow the good vehicle track which follows the valley towards Valfroide and 500 m before the Entraigues car park, turn left onto the tractor track towards “la Sauce”;
Cross the hamlet then go up (east) towards the Serre Coupa kidney; locate and follow the path which goes up the “Lombard coast” in tight bends and at around 2200 m you reach flatter grasslands which lead to the ruins of Puy Garnier (2346 m).
From this point continue towards the North, cross a small stream and continue uphill slightly to pass near the water catchment area (drinking water supply for the hamlets of La Grave).
You can easily spot the Cruq des Aiguilles, a pretty U-shaped pass located 300 m higher.
Go up a first steep slope which leads to the ridge dominating the valley (ruiniform rocks), then after a short flat area at the foot of the pass, reach the latter by a steep and stony slope (2707 m).
The descent towards the refuge and the lake is made on the other slope (East) via grassy slopes cut by small rocky projections.
After a well-deserved break, take the downhill path (steep and stony) which leads through the hay meadows to the hamlets of Valfroide, then via the wide track to reach the starting point of the route in Les Hières.
PS: it is possible from Les Hières to reach the Entraigues car park by car but the crossing is difficult.
Cross the hamlet then go up (east) towards the Serre Coupa kidney; locate and follow the path which goes up the “Lombard coast” in tight bends and at around 2200 m you reach flatter grasslands which lead to the ruins of Puy Garnier (2346 m).
From this point continue towards the North, cross a small stream and continue uphill slightly to pass near the water catchment area (drinking water supply for the hamlets of La Grave).
You can easily spot the Cruq des Aiguilles, a pretty U-shaped pass located 300 m higher.
Go up a first steep slope which leads to the ridge dominating the valley (ruiniform rocks), then after a short flat area at the foot of the pass, reach the latter by a steep and stony slope (2707 m).
The descent towards the refuge and the lake is made on the other slope (East) via grassy slopes cut by small rocky projections.
After a well-deserved break, take the downhill path (steep and stony) which leads through the hay meadows to the hamlets of Valfroide, then via the wide track to reach the starting point of the route in Les Hières.
PS: it is possible from Les Hières to reach the Entraigues car park by car but the crossing is difficult.
