Towards the Grand Ferrand, the big hike from La Joue du Loup
This is the big outing of the area: from La Joue du Loup, the route climbs the whole north-western side of the massif towards the Grand Ferrand, the Dévoluy’s second-highest summit. A proper mountain day, for trained walkers.
| Start | La Joue du Loup (chemin de Vaugelé) |
| Distance | 12.1 km (ascent — track recorded on the way up) |
| Time up | 5h38 |
| Elevation gain | +1,321 m |
| Altitude | from 1,308 m to 2,540 m |
| Best for | Trained walkers, good fitness required |
A long climb into the mineral world
The route leaves the resort and gains height steadily: pastures give way to scree, and the landscape turns more and more mineral as you approach the ridges. Over 1,300 metres of climbing add up — long, steady, and beautiful from start to finish.
Our track stops at about 2,540 m, below the summit of the Grand Ferrand (2,759 m): the last stretch will wait for next time. Even without the top, the balcony over the massif and its valleys is well worth the effort.
Our tips
Start early: it is a long day and shade is almost non-existent once you leave the first woods, as almost everywhere in the Dévoluy. Carry plenty of water — there is no reliable water source higher up in this limestone massif.
Allow extra time for the descent on top of the ascent time given. Save this one for stable summer or early-autumn weather.
Elevation profile
The track
GPS track recorded on the way up. The track stops below the summit.