Sentier de découverte géographique
MODERATE (1.8/10)Switzerland
3D Trail Preview
Sentier de découverte géographique is a 9.9 km point-to-point moderate hiking route in Switzerland. The route covers 716m of ascent and 922m of descent, with elevations ranging from 1,916m to 2,537m. Allow approximately 4h 11m for the full route.
The route is divided into 5 segments. The toughest stretch is the 4.8 km from Start to Grand Muveran, climbing 502m (allow 2h 15m for this section). In contrast, the 1.7 km from Le Pacheu to Pointe de Paneirosse is much gentler.
About 68% of the trail is runnable, but the remaining steep sections will push most people into power-hiking mode. Some pitches hit 60% gradient, so trekking poles are strongly recommended.
Budget roughly 2,178 kcal of energy expenditure and 2.5 L of water.
Mountain route up to 2538m. Best June–October; snow possible into June.
Elevation Profile
Route Map
Trail Splits
Waypoint-to-waypoint breakdown with estimated hiking times (Naismith's Rule).
| Segment | Dist | ↑ Ascent | ↓ Descent | Time | Cum. km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
📍 Start → Grand Muveran | 4.8 km | +502m | -566m | 2h 15m | 4.8 |
⛰️ Grand Muveran → Dent de Chamosentze | 1.0 km | +125m | -17m | 25 min | 5.8 |
⛰️ Dent de Chamosentze → Le Pacheu | 3.2 km | +90m | -119m | 52 min | 8.9 |
⛰️ Le Pacheu → Pointe de Paneirosse | 1.7 km | +0m | -143m | 27 min | 10.6 |
⛰️ Pointe de Paneirosse → End | 0.5 km | +0m | -77m | 9 min | 11.1 |
| Total | 9.9 km | +716m | -922m | 4h 11m | 9.9 |
Pace & Fuel Calculator
Adjust your flat 10K pace to see personalized finish time, calorie burn, and hydration needs.
Terrain Analysis
Surface & Technicality
🥾 Mixed terrain: expect sustained climbs between runnable sections.
Sun Exposure
☀️ High sun exposure. 97% of the route is above the treeline (2000m) with minimal shade. In summer, start before 7am to avoid peak UV. Carry sunscreen, a hat, and extra water.
Current Conditions
Conditions for June
✅ Snow unlikely at this elevation in June. Trail conditions expected to be clear.
🥾 Muddy sections likely. Waterproof boots recommended.
Snow Conditions
Suggested Gear List
Auto-generated based on 9.9 km, 716m ascent, max altitude 2537.7m, ~4h duration.
- 👟 Trail running shoes / hiking bootsRequired for any trail
- 📱 Phone (charged) + offline mapNavigation & emergency contact
- 💧 3L hydration vestNo water sources on route
- 🍫 Trail mix, bars & sandwichEst. 2178 kcal burn
- 🧴 Sunscreen SPF 50+UV intensifies above 2000m
- 🧢 Sun hat / capExposed alpine terrain
- 🧥 Windbreaker / shell jacketSummit at 2537.7m — wind chill
- 🆘 Emergency space blanketCritical if injured at altitude
- 🕶️ Sunglasses (cat 3+)Snow & rock glare at altitude
- 🧤 Warm mid-layer (fleece)Temps drop ~6°C per 1000m
- 🔦 Headlamp4h route — plan for delays
- 🩹 Mini first aid kitBlister plasters, tape, antiseptic
- 🥢 Trekking poles40% steep terrain, 716m+ ascent
- 🧊 Microspikes / light cramponsSnow risk in November, December, January
- 🦵 GaitersKeep snow out of boots
- 💰 Cash (CHF/EUR)Mountain huts often cash-only
Logistics
This route runs from the trailhead to the finish (9.9 km by trail). You'll need to arrange transport back to your starting point.
Nearby Points of Interest
⛰️ Peaks
- Le Pacheu km 8.9 · 687m off trail
- Dent de Chamosentze km 5.8 · 743m off trail
- Col de La Forcla km 5.9 · 825m off trail
- Tête aux Veillon km 6.1 · 1.0 km off trail
- Tête à Pierre Grept km 8.5 · 1.4 km off trail
🏠 Mountain Huts
- Cabanne de Plan Névé km 8.8 · 1.7 km off trail
📍 Nearby Places
- Les Pouays km 2.7 · 1.9 km off trail
- La Saille km 4.7 · 1.9 km off trail
- Darbeline km 2.7 · 2.3 km off trail
Route Details
- Network
- Local Trail Network
- Sport
- hiking
- Start Coordinates
- 46.24042, 7.15792
- OpenStreetMap
- View on OSM →
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