Lake Djouan from Valnontey

EHikersummer · autumn

Distance

11 km

Ascent

+850 m

Descent

−850 m

Duration

5.5 h

Fitness level

~2700 kcal estimated

Elevation profile

Valnontey · 1666 mValnontey · 1666 m

Map & route

Download GPX

GPX track — verify on the ground before hiking

Description

From Valnontey village (1666 m), a well-marked trail climbs the Lauson pastures up to Lake Djouan at 2515 m. Ibex sightings are very likely, especially early morning. Crowded in August — start before 8 AM.

Key points

Valnontey
1666 m · 0 km from start
Start from Gran Paradiso Park, Lauson parking
Alpe Lauson
2100 m · 5.5 km from start
Pastures with frequent ibex sightings
Lago Djouan
2515 m · 11 km from start
Finish, alpine lake below Becca di Moncorvé

Earth sciences

Geology & landscape

The trail climbs the southern Gran Paradiso slope on Penninic calcschists and micaschists with augen gneiss outcrops of the Austroalpine basement above 2200 m. Lauson pastures develop on Würmian glacial deposits with rebuilt moraines and lacustrine sediments. Lake Djouan occupies a cirque carved by the Würm glacier with terminal moraines and proglacial deposits. Rocks around the lake show glacial striations and meltwater potholes. Gran Paradiso granite (Dora-Maira unit) outcrops appear near Becca di Moncorvé. Periglacial scree deposits indicate instability on slopes above 2400 m.

History & culture

Valnontey is the southern gateway to Gran Paradiso National Park, established in 1922. The lake is a classic ibex-watching destination, symbol of the park.

Water sources

Fountain in Valnontey. Springs at Lauson in summer. Do not drink lake water.

Getting there

VITA bus to Cogne from Aosta with Valnontey connection in peak season.

Parking

Parcheggio Lauson a Valnontey (area del Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso).

Warnings