Description

This hike will allow you to access the gates of the Vercors High Plateaus Nature Reserve and enjoy its characteristic landscapes.

From the Col de la Sarna, this hike takes you to the gateway of the Vercors High Plateaus National Nature Reserve, an exceptional area where nature expresses itself in all its grandeur. Along the way, the landscapes open up to reveal the characteristic terrain of the massif, alternating between clearings, forests, alpine pastures, and vast wilderness areas.

Established in 1985, the Vercors High Plateaus Nature Reserve is the largest terrestrial nature reserve in mainland France. Spanning over 17,000 hectares, it forms the unspoiled heart of the Vercors Regional Natural Park. No villages or roads cross this remarkable area, offering visitors a rare sense of immersion in authentic and pristine nature.

Updated on 06/09/2026 - Report a change: info@vercorsdrome.com

Step-by-step itinerary

1

From the Porte d'Herbouilly car park (alt. 1280 m), descend along the road towards St-Martin-en-Vercors. At the Carrefour des Vialarets (alt. 1185 m), take the forest track on the left following the yellow and green markings.

2

Continue along this wide track through the undergrowth, until you reach the Parcelles Junction (alt. 1240 m). Continue straight ahead to reach Le Grand Bois (alt. 1280 m), then leave the main track to find a path on the left towards the Grotte de l'Ours.

3

Climb this pleasant and bucolic singletrack. Leave a path to the left towards the Col de la Sarna, and follow the path to finish the ascent on the now steeper slope and rejoin the track at the Grotte de L'Ours (alt. 1370 m), for a welcome break.

4

Continue along this path to reach the Col de la Sarna (1395 m altitude), gateway to the Vercors High Plateaus Nature Reserve. From there, the more adventurous can continue to the Darbounouse Plain to enjoy magnificent landscapes, characteristic of the Vercors high plateaus (allow 45 minutes round trip for an unobstructed view, and at least 1 hour 30 minutes round trip to reach the GR trail).

5

At the Col de la Sarna , follow the direction of the Royale . At the first intersection, turn right, then further on, at the T-junction, descend the track on the left.

6

At the Carrefour de la Royale (alt. 1355 m, entrance to the reserve), continue straight ahead, pass the barrier. Walk for a long time on this wide track without paying attention to the secondary paths.

7

Pass the Dodos crossroads (alt. 1305 m), then the Pot de l'Aygue crossroads (alt. 1300 m).

8

Join the Roybon Crossroads (alt. 1305 m), then the Roybon Inn (alt. 1300 m) and finally the Porte d'Herbouilly parking lot.

What comes next?