Refine your search for walks in Grand Som (2026m)
Grand Som (2026m) walks
Le Grand Som from the Col du Cucheron
Visorando Member 
5.43 mi
+2,890 ft
-2,887 ft
5h 00
Difficult
Departure from Isère
This is definitely the easiest and shortest way to climb the Grand Som.
Caution for those prone to vertigo: between (2) and (3), the walk becomes a climb in places. The passages are often narrow and can be daunting.
Grand Som loop
Visorando Member 
8.77 mi
+4,639 ft
-4,619 ft
6 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
This is a loop trail that passes through the Grand Som and, to avoid the crowds, descends along the Arête de la Suiffière (a little exposed but easy), then joins the Col de Freney (and the forest) and, via a path with numerous hairpin bends, returns just above La Correrie, our starting point.
Le Grand Som via the Col du Frêt, Le Racapé and the Crête des Aures
Visorando Member 
6.73 mi
+3,537 ft
-3,514 ft
6h 10
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont (Isère)
A wilder approach to this iconic peak of the Grande Chartreuse, which will require some route finding to reach the starting point.
The Grand Som circular loop via the Col des Aures and Col de Mauvernay passes
Association / Club / Walk leader 8.28 mi
+3,894 ft
-3,894 ft
7h 10
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
This extensive circular route will take you to one of the most legendary peaks in Chartreuse. Technical passages, magnificent views of the massif and the Chartreuse monastery, wild trails: it has it all!
The Grand Som circular loop via the Suiffière ridge and the Chemin Racapé
Visorando Member 
5.52 mi
+3,458 ft
-3,445 ft
5 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
This is a classic circular route, both fun and demanding, but without any major difficulties. It was found almost unchanged in Chartreuse - Vercors: Les randonnées du vertige by Pascal Sombardier. As this cult book is now out of print and virtually impossible to find, I think it is worth mentioning it here, with what I hope is a clear description of the route.
This circular path is strongly discouraged for people who are afraid of heights or who are unsure of themselves on steep terrain. It is therefore not suitable for children either.
See the Practical Information section.
Rated very difficult from (3) to (4) and then to (5).
The Grand Som loop via the south ridge and the Monastère de la Gde Charteuse
Visorando Member 
7.86 mi
+4,009 ft
-4,029 ft
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
A magnificent hike that combines a natural section starting with a climb through the forest, continuing over the pleasant Pas de La Suiffière and then the easy but aerial ascent of the south ridge of the Grand Som, with a cultural section exploring the Monastère de la Grande Chartreuse, a veritable work of architectural art.
Walks near Grand Som (2026m)
Aulp du Seuil Hut – Pravouta Hut
Visorando Member 6.81 mi
+2,815 ft
-3,009 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Bernard (Isère) (Isère)
Day2 of this trip via the Col de Bellefont to reach the Dent de Crolles plateau.Descent via the pass above the Trou du Glaz, then down to the Col des Ayes and up the Roc d’Arguille to the Col de Pravouta and the hut of the same name.
⚠️ 27/11/2025: Route modified following a rockfall. It is no longer possible to take the path via the Trou du Glaz (5). The area remains particularly dangerous due to the high risk of further rockfall and falling boulders. Following this incident, the municipality of Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse has issued a by-law to close several hiking trails (for walking, snowshoeing and ski touring). For an ascent of the Dent de Crolles, it is possible to take the route via the Pas de l’Oeille.
You can also go via the Guiers waterfalls to reach (E).
Cabane de Pravouta - La Plagne
Visorando Member 15.41 mi
+4,469 ft
-6,211 ft
12 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
Third and final day of this trip to the Chartreuse to collect the car.
From Col du Coq to Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
Visorando Member 
14.29 mi
+4,423 ft
-5,938 ft
10h 25
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Pancrasse (Isère)
The route runs mainly through the Chartreuse Natural Park, passing through the massif's iconic passes and mountains. The route combines fairly steep climbs, passages through plateaus, mountain pastures and a village.
Le Pal de Fer
Visorando Member 1.43 mi
+2,001 ft
-0 ft
2h 25
Moderate
Departure from Crolles (Isère)
An original outing that allows you to discover the superb work carried out here for the construction of the Touvet funicular railway. The ascent is on foot and the descent, to relieve the knees, is by funicular.
(Please note): This route is currently closed. See explanations here
(Comment from a hiker) dated 18 June 2023: small difficult section: crossing the scree slope where you need to use two ropes to reach the path in the forest.
Easy