Lac de Gers, Refuge de Sales et Tête Pelouse

Trail specs

Distance22,3 km

Ascent+1650 m

Descent-1640 m

Average time7h10

DifficultyVery hard

Highest point2345 m

Lowest point764 m

TypeLoop

TrailheadLe Fay, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval

Water sourcesNo reliable water source along the route. Carry 2.5 to 3 L of water per person.

Best seasonJune to October

GPSN 46.04764 / E 6.76426

GPX track · Lac de Gers, Refuge de Sales et Tête Pelouse

Download the GPX file to follow the route on your GPS or phone. Works with Garmin, Suunto, Apple Watch and all major hiking apps.

8 Waypoints · 22,3 km · Loop

Download the GPX

Topographic map

Elevation profile

Waypoints

D

Start (764 m)

km 0,0 764 m
1

Cascade du Saubaudy (887 m)

km 1,2 887 m 26 min from previous waypoint
2

Col Pelouse (2,227 m)

km 9,8 2227 m 3h58 from previous waypoint
3

Cascade de Trainant (1,705 m)

km 15,0 1705 m 1h03 from previous waypoint
4

Cascade de Sales (1,645 m)

km 15,4 1645 m 4 min from previous waypoint
5

Cascade de la Sauffaz (1,435 m)

km 17,0 1435 m 19 min from previous waypoint
6

Cascade du Rouget (1,012 m)

km 19,2 1012 m 27 min from previous waypoint
A

Finish (765 m)

End of the hike.

km 22,3 765 m 36 min from previous waypoint

Detailed route description

This loop hike starting from Le Fay, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval totals 22.25 km with 1,642 m of elevation gain. Rated very hard (5/5 stars), it requires about 7h10 of effort depending on your pace.

Elevation profile

The route ranges from 764 m to 2,345 m, with 1,639 m of descent on the way down.

Notable waypoints

The main points along the way are Cascade du Saubaudy (887 m) (km 1.16), Col Pelouse (2,227 m) (km 9.81), Cascade de Trainant (1,705 m) (km 15.02), Cascade de Sales (1,645 m) (km 15.38), Cascade de la Sauffaz (1,435 m) (km 16.95), Cascade du Rouget (1,012 m) (km 19.22).

Practical tips

As with any mountain outing, check the weather before setting off. Carry at least 2.5 to 3 L of water per person, warm layers (even in summer, conditions change fast at altitude), solid hiking boots and energy snacks. This hike requires good physical condition and mountain experience. Start early to avoid the heat and the afternoon thunderstorms common in summer. Always tell someone your route.

Best season: June to October.