Hiking - Short Gorgias Valley Loop

In the Gorgias valley, larches, Arolla pines, and mountain pines form a pleasant reforested woodland. However, hikers will need to put in a bit of effort to enjoy its scents.

Each season has its own rewards: if you hike the trail in summer, you're sure to come across the flock of sheep grazing in their summer pastures. A little earlier in the season, carpets of rhododendrons create an explosion of red blossoms.

All year round, look out for the Dipper by the footbridges, and the Spotted Nutcracker at the top of the trees: the latter feeds on Arolla pine seeds and, by forgetting some of its caches, contributes to the dispersal and reproduction of this tree.

At signpost 286, take the path that enters the larch and mountain pine forest, heading towards the Sanguinière huts, which are situated in the middle of a pleasant clearing. At the first hut, turn right to cross the meadow diagonally to the footbridge over the stream. You may spot the White-throated Dipper, a brown bird with a large white bib, also known as the water ouzel.
The path climbs steadily through the forest. In the undergrowth, the ground is carpeted with rhododendrons and bilberry bushes, whose berries are a favorite of the black grouse. 

Higher up is the "lac des ciboulettes" (chive lake), which gets its name from mountain chives. At the next intersection (cairn), bear left. After a short, steep climb, followed by a brief flat section, you will rejoin the Sentier de la Roche Trouée.

Begin the descent to the left at the cairn marking this junction. Follow a seasonal stream, enjoying the view of the Gipière massif. If you listen closely, you might hear the calls of the Spotted Nutcracker. Further on, downed trees indicate that you are crossing an avalanche path. At the stream, you will find signpost 287; turn left towards Estenc to return to the Sanguinière huts.