Sentier du Col de l'Aiguille

Sentier du Col de l'Aiguille is a moderate long-distance hike in the Dévoluy (French Alps), on paths that reach the Col de l’Aiguille and continue toward L’Aiguille / the Aiguille du Rattier area (2037 m on the summit route).

For a typical outing, the route profile fits a short alpine hike effort: it’s commonly done in about 2.5–3 hours, with roughly 365 m of total ascent over about 5 km. (If you also extend to the Aiguille itself, expect the same hike to read more like a climb-and-summit day.)

Route character is alpine and vegetation-shift focused: you start on forested/covered ground, then the trail breaks above the tree line into open slopes around the col and the Aiguille sector.

On approach to the Col de l’Aiguille, the line described on the ground includes a pair of longer switchbacks/lacets marking the climb toward the col; from there, a short uphill spur leads north to the Aiguille sector.

Near the upper section, the trail passes through rocky/alpine terrain and uses erosion-control works in places (gabion-style structures are referenced on the Col de l’Aiguille line).

Alpine conditions are the main constraint on this route: summer weather can change quickly, so plan for sudden wind/temperature swings and strong sun exposure, and keep layers and hydration with you.

Seasonally, it’s generally best after snowmelt—commonly targeted from July to October for reliable passage.

More information: L'Aiguille 2037 m, depuis Longueville - Saint-Baudille-et-Pipet, Contournement W de l'Aiguille in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Sentier de la Source des Pavés in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes