Stunning views from the Grand Colon and around Lac Crozet

We parked at the lower car park, you could also continue up the road and park at the higher one and descend slightly to start the walk.

Initial climb is on metalled path for a couple of km before ascending on switchbacks in the forest until reaching the Baraque du Colon. The gradient is pretty consistent and not too tough, covering the first half of the total ascent. Ascent continues on well marked paths and going early means that although you are above the tree line you are not in the full sun for most of the climb. Views from the Grand Colon are pretty spectacular.

Descending into lac Merlat is on steep scree, from here it is a short walk to the Refuge de la Pra. Food and drink available here, as well as board. The refuge has some 70 beds. From here its less than 200m climb to the col de la Pra and descent into lac Crozet. Descent from lac Crozet back to the car park is on decent well marked paths, through quite interesting landscape.