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Tour des Écrins (GR54)

Tour des Écrins (GR54) — the trail guide

The Tour des Écrins (GR54) is a 191.5 km trek in France, typically walked in 9+ days, with 12297 m of total ascent. It rates Extreme on our published rubric (64 m of gain per km, topping out at 2757 m).

The GR54 circles the Écrins National Park, home to France's southernmost major glaciers and most rugged alpine terrain. This demanding route crosses multiple passes above 2,500m, with the Col de la Muzelle reaching 2,613m. The Écrins' relative remoteness means fewer crowds than nearby Mont Blanc, with equally spectacular scenery of hanging glaciers, deep valleys, and dramatic rock architecture.

Quick facts

Distance191.5 km
Total ascent12297 m
Typical duration9+ days
Difficulty (computed)Extreme
Steepness64 m gain per km
High point2757 m
CountryFrance
RegionFrance

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Extreme" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Elevation profile

Low point 717 m · high point 2757 m · 12297 m total ascent over 191.5 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 1510 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan-7°137 mm
Feb-5°96 mm
Mar-4°132 mm
Apr-1°85 mm
May11°116 mm
Jun18°83 mm
Jul21°11°58 mm
Aug21°11°80 mm
Sep16°77 mm
Oct12°111 mm
Nov-3°140 mm
Dec-5°177 mm

Planning notes

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Tour des Écrins (GR54)?

The Tour des Écrins (GR54) is 191.5 km, and most hikers complete it in 9+ days. Total elevation gain is 12297 m.

How difficult is the Tour des Écrins (GR54)?

It rates Extreme on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 64 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 2757 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

Can this climate table tell me when the Tour des Écrins (GR54) is open or safe?

No. The table contains historical ERA5 averages, not a forecast or a report of snow, flooding, fire, closures or route condition. Check the responsible land manager and a current local forecast before departure.

Where is the Tour des Écrins (GR54)?

In France. The route starts near 45.045, 6.305 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.

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