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GRR1 - Grande Randonnée de La Réunion

GRR1 - Grande Randonnée de La Réunion — the trail guide

The GRR1 - Grande Randonnée de La Réunion is a 58.0 km trek in Reunion, typically walked in 2-4 days, with 4096 m of total ascent. It rates Extreme on our published rubric (71 m of gain per km, topping out at 2493 m).

The GRR1 traverses Réunion Island from the volcanic Piton des Neiges through three spectacular cirques - Cilaos, Mafate, and Salazie. This challenging route passes through some of the most dramatic volcanic scenery outside of Hawaii, with lush tropical vegetation, vertiginous ridgelines, and remote mountain villages accessible only on foot.

Quick facts

Distance58.0 km
Total ascent4096 m
Typical duration2-4 days
Difficulty (computed)Extreme
Steepness71 m gain per km
High point2493 m
CountryReunion
RegionReunion

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 698 m · high point 2493 m · 4096 m total ascent over 58.0 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 1252 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
Jan23°18°381 mm
Feb23°19°343 mm
Mar23°18°275 mm
Apr22°17°150 mm
May20°15°78 mm
Jun18°13°59 mm
Jul18°12°50 mm
Aug18°12°46 mm
Sep19°13°47 mm
Oct21°14°79 mm
Nov22°16°140 mm
Dec22°17°186 mm

Planning notes

Frequently asked questions

How long is the GRR1 - Grande Randonnée de La Réunion?

The GRR1 - Grande Randonnée de La Réunion is 58.0 km, and most hikers complete it in 2-4 days. Total elevation gain is 4096 m.

How difficult is the GRR1 - Grande Randonnée de La Réunion?

It rates Extreme on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 71 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 2493 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 GRR1 - Grande Randonnée de La Réunion 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 GRR1 - Grande Randonnée de La Réunion?

In Reunion. The route starts near -21.129, 55.474 — 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.