Trail to Lac des Quirlies from Le Perron

The hike to Lac des Quirlies from the hamlet of Perron is a challenging route that generally takes about 7 hours round trip without significant breaks. This estimate accounts for the approximately 14 km distance and nearly 1,000 meters of elevation gain.

The terrain varies significantly. Initially, you'll experience a pleasant, gradual climb through mountain pastures. After passing the Ferrand Bridge and Waterfall, the path becomes steeper, especially through a slate quarry. Beyond the Chalet des Quirlies, the route becomes considerably more challenging, involving rocky chaos, scree, and several stream crossings without bridges. The final ascent is short but intense, leading into a high-mountain, mineral landscape.

No, this trail is classified as 'difficult' or 'hard' and is not suitable for beginners or young children. It demands very good physical fitness, sure-footedness, sturdy footwear, and some alpine experience due to its significant elevation gain, rocky sections, and stream crossings.

The trail starts from the hamlet of Perron. Parking is available in the hamlet, which serves as the trailhead for this route. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.

The best times to hike this trail are generally late spring and autumn. During these periods, you can often avoid encountering herds with guard dogs, which are common in the summer months. Late spring might present challenges with stream crossings due to higher water levels from snowmelt, while autumn offers cooler temperatures and potentially stunning foliage.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on this trail. However, as parts of the route pass through mountain pastures where livestock may be present, it is highly recommended to keep your dog on a leash to ensure the safety of both your pet and any grazing animals. Be prepared for potential encounters with guard dogs if hiking during summer.

The trail is located within the peripheral zone of the Écrins National Park. While there are no specific permits or entrance fees required for hiking this particular trail, visitors are expected to respect national park regulations, which include rules on waste disposal, camping, and protecting wildlife and vegetation. Always check the official park website for the most current regulations.

The hike offers a constantly evolving panorama. You'll pass the impressive Ferrand Bridge and Waterfall early on. As you ascend, you'll enjoy views of the Grandes Rousses massif, the schist ridge of Échine de Praouat, and the Ferrand torrent. Higher up, expect breathtaking vistas of the Grand Sauvage peaks, the Plateau d'Emparis, the Aiguilles d'Arves, La Meije, and a glimpse of the Écrins massif. The destination, Lake Quirlies, is a stunning milky-blue glacial lake nestled in a wild, high-mountain setting.

Yes, sections of this route intersect with other paths. Approximately 3% of the trail follows a variant of the 'Route des Grandes Alpes à vélo, variante L'Alpe d'Huez / Briançon', and about 9% overlaps with the 'Pont Ferrand' trail.

Lac des Quirlies is particularly notable as the youngest lake in the Oisans region, having formed around 1950 due to the significant retreat of the Quirlies and Malatres glaciers. Its milky-blue color comes from fine clay particles, and it's held back by a granite moraine. Until recently, glaciers calved icebergs directly into the lake, making it a striking testament to global warming and a captivating high-mountain environment.

The hamlet of Perron is quite small and primarily serves as a starting point for hikes. While there might be limited local amenities, for a wider selection of cafes, pubs, restaurants, and accommodation, you would typically need to visit larger nearby villages such as Clavans-en-Haut-Oisans.