Rochassac and the Swallow Trail

38710 Saint-Baudille-et-Pipet

Difficulté: Difficile
Distance: 10.6Km
Dénivelé: 823m
Durée: 4H30

Set off on this mountain loop on the balcony of Rattier and Obiou. A short path clinging to the cliffs takes you up to the Rochassac mountain pasture. Take a picnic break at the pleasant Rochassac hut and its fountain.

Let yourself be tempted by a magnificent hike to the Rochassac mountain pastures. Enjoy the panoramic view over the Trièves. This characteristic walk will allow you to discover different facets of the mountains, sometimes cool in the forest, sometimes warm on the mountain pastures. Several watercourses allow you to enjoy the landscape even more. We mainly recommend this hike in late spring, when the snow is melting and the weather is not too hot.

En pratique

Acceptés

Passages délicats

Some vertiginous passages with handrails. Only to be done in good weather and after the snow has melted.

Précisions sur le balisage

Balisage jaune (PR)

Références cartographiques

Cartoguide "Promenade et randonnée Vercors Trièves"

Publics

Walkers/hikers,
Level red – hard,
For experts / practiced

Animaux acceptés

Acceptés

Conditions d'accueil des animaux

Dogs must be kept on a leash due to the presence of herds.

Departure: Park at the Rochassac parking lot, then head for "Refuge de Rochassac", which is signposted 2h15 from your position.
1) Take the forest track for a few hundred metres, then turn left to follow the signs for "Refuge de Rochassac". A pretty forest path will take you up quickly. This is a steep climb, so be sure to follow the signs as you cross several paths along the way. There are several switchbacks on the way to the Rochassac refuge. You can quench your thirst at the refuge's fountain.

2) From the "Refuge de Rochassac" head towards "L'Hirondelle", taking another short climb through the alpine pastures. You'll pass the sheepfold usually used in August by the shepherd and his flock.

3) From "L'Hirondelle", enjoy the magnificent view of the Trièves plateau. Head for "Le Réservoir" to begin your descent. The descent can be tricky at times, with a few passages involving cables. Take care, as the descent can also be relatively steep. A multitude of bends make for a rapid descent, as you pass through a pretty cirque and close to several streams. At the bottom you'll find the "Reservoir" post.

4) From the "Le Réservoir" post, follow the signs for "Longueville", continuing along the path opposite.
You must cross the stream, then continue on a downhill concrete track to the hamlet of "Longueville". The view to your left is magnificent, with the Rochassac plateau in full view. From the hamlet, follow the signs for "Des Granges". Follow the road to the path leading to the Rochassac parking lot, where you'll find your car.

Services