Pélenquine et les crêtes by mountain bike

Off the beaten track

Pastoralism

Summit and pass

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A hike up to the Col de la Sapie and the Clot des Martres ridge, followed by a traverse through alpine pastures with panoramic views, ending with a visit to the hamlet of Briançon.

Follow MTB trail No. 18
Please note: this route is currently being re-marked!
Extensive cleanup and re-marking work is underway, particularly along the Clot des Martres ridge and on the descent to Collet Pointu

Description

The long but gradual climb along the Pélenquine trail takes you up to the Col de la Sapie (1,744 m) and on to the Clot des Martres ridge.
The route crosses mountain pastures (panoramic views; please do not disturb the herds) and descends via a scenic trail to Briançon (a few technical sections).

Departure : Village, Authon
Arrival : Village, Authon
Towns crossed : Authon and Bayons

Forecast

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

Warning: This trail is currently being upgraded! Extensive cleanup and trail marking work is underway, particularly along the Clot des Martres ridge and on the descent to Collet Pointu.

WARNING: On this trail, you may encounter livestock guard dogs tasked with protecting herds from wolf attacks.

To minimize the risk of conflict, bringing pets is strongly discouraged, even if they are on a leash.

Cyclists, please be especially vigilant: upon seeing a herd, you must get off your bike, stop, and allow the dogs to assess you. Then, give the herd a wide berth, keeping your bike between you and the guard dog.

In any case, stay calm, avoid sudden movements, and do not attempt to cross through the herd.

→ To learn more about how to behave around livestock guard dogs: https://rando.sisteron-alpesprovencales.fr/information/14-Les-patous-et-nous-!

Information desks

04250 Le Caire

viaferratalecaire@sisteronais-buech.fr 04 92 68 40 39

Transport

Let’s limit our trips and use public transportation and carpooling: https://zou.maregionsud.fr

Access and parking

From the roundabout north of Sisteron, take the D 951, then the D 3 to Saint Geniez. Drive through the village and continue on the D 3 to reach Authon.

Parking :

Village of Authon

4 points of interest

Lake and river
La Bastié source
This route goes up onto the wild ridges between the Monges summit and Jouère summit. The rise through the forest allows you to reach the Sapie pass where the landscape opens onto mountain pastures and offers a great panoramic view on the surrounding mountains and further, the Durance valley.
Panorama
Viewpoint
The Clot des Martres ridge offers a wonderful view on the Monges massif. This hiking route also allows you to reach the Monges summit
Geology
Clot des Martres ridge
The Clot des Martres ridge is located between the Jouère mountain and the Monges massif. The Sapie pass (1744 meters) allows you to overcome the ridge, linking Authon to la Sapie. Many waterways arise from the ridge side.
Panorama
Viewpoint
From the Clot des Martres ridge, a breath-taking panoramic view allows you to see the whole territory. From there, you can admire the Dévoluy and especially the Bure peak, but you can also see the Monges the Lure Mountain and the surroundings