Lakes of the Emparis Plateau - Hike from Singuigneret (Mizoën)

Situated on the edge of the Ecrins National Park, the plateau offers magnificent views of the Meije and surrounding glaciers. It's a paradise for hikers, lovers of wide open spaces and picnic enthusiasts!

TECHNICAL INFORMATION Starting point: Singuigneret parking lot (Mizoën). Elevation: 1,300 m. Elevation gain: 1,536 m Round-trip duration: 10 hours Round-trip distance: 24.14 km Difficulty: Very difficult Caution: The trail runs along a ledge in some sections. It may be challenging for those prone to vertigo. MAP AND GUIDE - IGN TOP 25 Map No. 3335 ET (Bourg d’Oisans - Alpe d’Huez) - OBP Map and Guide No. 3 (Oisans au Bout des Pieds): Trails No. 343 and No. 416 (partially) on the outbound leg, then No. 359 and No. 343 again on the return leg. Available for purchase at Oisans Tourisme tourist offices. ITINERARY Take the trail that starts at the end of the Singuigneret parking lot, and continue straight ahead to the hamlet of Les Clots, following the GR trail markers (red and white). The trail, which is initially wide and shaded, becomes narrow, exposed, and runs along a ledge after a few minutes. This entire section has very little elevation gain. After this section, you’ll have the option to take a detour to Lake Lovitel and its nature trail leading to an orientation table. Shortly afterward, you’ll arrive at the Clots mountain hut, where you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of La Meije and the Fontaine Pétrifiante waterfall. To head toward the plateau, take the path toward the waterfall. From this point on, the trail becomes steeper (about 600 m of elevation gain over 1.6 km). Stay on the trail and follow the GR markings until you reach the plateau, where the trail continues to climb but at a gentler grade. Near the Fay and Mouterres mountain huts, the trail will gradually descend along the Rif Tort toward the center of the Emparis Plateau. Once you reach the center of the plateau, you’ll enjoy a 360-degree view of the plateau’s alpine pastures, which resemble the Mongolian steppes. In the center of the plateau, take the trail to the right (GR54) toward the Col du Souchet (2,365 m). Once at the pass, leave the GR54 (which descends toward Chazelet) and climb to the right up the grassy valley leading to the shore of Lake Lérié. Continue to the right above the lake to reach Lac Noir. From there, you’ll be treated to an exceptional panorama of the peaks of La Meije and Le Râteau, with the Rousses massif to the north. From the lake, continue north on the trail to return to the center of the plateau. Descend via the same route you took on the way up to reach Singuigneret. HIGHLIGHTS ALONG THE ROUTE - Fontaine Pétrifiante Waterfall - Fay and Mouterres mountain huts - Rif Tort marsh - Lac Noir, Lac Lérié, Lac Cristallin - Alpine pastures - Panoramic views of La Meije and the Écrins NEARBY ATTRACTIONS - Village of Mizoën