La Haute Cime

From lush forests and a crystal blue lake to lunar landscapes and towering cliffs, follow this windy path conquering by foot the tallest Dent du Midi, la Haute Cime. This hike is not for the fainthearted  as it requires perseverance through the many vertical meters up , but is very worth it once you overcome the clouds in the valley below.

After a windy road, park in Val d’en Haut (there are very cute toilets here if needed). There are two paths for the first section of the hike so we chose to go up the southern one and come back down on the Northern path. In this case, cross the river in the camping and follow the path up the hill in the trees and luscious grass, following the signs for “Cabane de Salanfe”. You will then arrive on a wider dirt road which you follow up until arrival at the damn.

Turn right here and walk up to a little mountain hut. I would definitely recommend having a drink and slice of homemade cake here, but on the way down as a reward! In the meantime, take a right and contour the lake on the eastern side, following the signs for “Col de Susanfe“. As you leave the lake, the path will take you through green (and probably quite wet) meadows. It will get gradually steeper and the terrain will become looser rock and dirt. At one point, you will walk around bigger rocks where ropes are provided for the more technical steps. Eventually, after many turns and false hopes of arriving, you will make it to the pass. Views are already quite nice with very interesting geological sites, notably the Tour Salière in the south. 

Here, take a right and follow the very steep path up la Haute Cime. It can get very slippery in some regions so be careful and be ready to used your hands on more sturdy rocks if needed. This part is more mentally challenging as the end is never fully in sight, but don’t lose hope! You will arrive at a first “false summit” named “Col des Paresseux” and then its only 200 meters elevation more to the real summit! Be sure to take photos and enjoy a well-deserved lunch here, views are spectacular.

For the downhill, again, watch your step. A tip for beginners on this loose, rocky terrain is to go down slightly sideways and at an angle with your feet to slide with the rock. Follow the same path down back to the hut where you can enjoy a cold beer.