The best running trails around Saint-Martin-En-Vercors

There are over 15 running routes available around Saint-Martin-en-Vercors, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels within the Vercors Regional Natural Park.

The jogging trails in Saint-Martin-en-Vercors offer diverse terrain, including gentle mountains, vast plateaus, and verdant forests. You'll encounter dramatic cliffs, deep gorges, and expansive meadows, providing a varied and engaging running experience.

While many routes offer a good fitness challenge, there are options suitable for a leisurely jog or for those building fitness. The region is described as a 'gentle mountain' with paths accessible to children, suggesting easier routes are available. For a moderate option, consider the Running loop from Saint-Martin-en-Vercors, which is 7.8 km long.

Many routes offer breathtaking views. You can explore areas like the high-altitude plain of Herbouilly with its forests, or find trails leading towards scenic lookouts such as those on the Col d'Herbouilly – Valchevrière lookout loop from Parking D’Herbouilly. The region is also known for impressive geological formations like the Gorges de la Bourne and the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Bourne valley.

Yes, many of the running routes in Saint-Martin-en-Vercors are circular. For example, the popular Running loop from Saint-Martin-en-Vercors and the more challenging Col d'Herbouilly – Col d'Herbouilly loop from Parking D’Herbouilly are both circular trails.

Running routes vary significantly in length and duration. You can find shorter routes like the Running loop from Saint-Martin-en-Vercors at 7.8 km (approx. 52 minutes), up to longer, more challenging trails such as the Valchevrière lookout – Col d'Herbouilly loop from Parking D’Herbouilly, which is over 40 km and can take several hours.

Many routes, especially those exploring the high plateaus and forests, start from designated parking areas. A common starting point for several trails is Parking D’Herbouilly, which serves routes like the Col d'Herbouilly – Plateau de Château Julien loop.

The Vercors region offers diverse conditions. While summer provides pleasant routes through cool undergrowth, the region also has 'alpine atmospheres' in the north, suggesting cooler temperatures and potential for winter running. The best time depends on your preference for weather and trail conditions.

The Vercors Regional Natural Park generally welcomes dogs on trails, though it's always advisable to keep them on a leash, especially in areas with wildlife or livestock. The extensive network of trails through forests and meadows provides ample opportunities for running with your dog.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 20 reviews. Runners often praise the varied terrain, from gentle mountains to vast plateaus and verdant forests, and the opportunity to explore stunning natural features and scenic lookouts.

While not directly on every running route, the region is known for its karstic landscapes and water features. Nearby attractions include the Moulin-Marquis Waterfall and Bournillon Cave, and the famous Choranche caves, which highlight the area's unique geology.

Absolutely. The Vercors massif is well-suited for more challenging trail running adventures. Routes like the Valchevrière lookout – Col d'Herbouilly loop from Parking D’Herbouilly, classified as 'difficult' and over 40 km with significant elevation gain, provide a substantial challenge for experienced runners.