Col de Maronne par les Sures - Hiking from Auris-en-Oisans

A hike in the heart of Europe's highest south-facing spruce forest! This area is regularly frequented by chamois, so stay alert and discrete.

From Place des Ecrins, take Rue de Piégut and continue uphill. On your right, you'll find the access to the trail with a PDIPR sign pointing you in the direction of Les Sures. A short climb through the forest takes you to a track that climbs gently. At the end, take the path to the right, still heading for Les Sures. You'll then skirt the verdant slopes of Auris-en-Oisans on one side and overlook the Romanche valley on the other. Once you've reached Les Sures, the view is breathtaking! You'll even see the famous Alpe d'Huez resort in front of you. You can then descend via the Col de Maronne back to the resort. TECHNICAL INFORMATION Start: Place des Ecrins Ascent: 274m Duration: 3h30 Distance: 5.6km Topo Oisans au Bout des Pieds n°3 itineraries 313 and 301 IGN top25 n°3335 Est THINGS TO SEE ON THE WAY - Panoramic view of the famous Prégentil cliff and its geological folds. - Be discreet, chamois are never far away. - View of La Meije and La Muzelle (Écrins massif) NEARBY ATTRACTIONS - Auris-en-Oisans and its 9 traditional hamlets, including Cours, home to a chapel, a rural museum and a few sundials (signs of plenty of sunshine). - Numerous chapels: the chapelle des Anges, some of whose objects are listed as historic monuments, and the chapelle Saint-Jean-Baptiste, whose distinctive wooden bell tower. - The oratories, all preserved. - The Romanesque church.