Dent de Moirans

Dent de Moirans rises above the village of Montaud in the Isère department, marking the northern edge of the Vercors massif. Geographically it belongs to Vercors, yet its rock formation is geologically linked to the Jura massif — a quirk that adds an extra layer of interest for visitors curious about the local landscape.

How do you get to the summit?

The most common route starts from the car park in Montaud. Yellow-and-green trail markers guide hikers through Côte Maillet and La Combe, then on toward the hamlet of Beugnet. Along the way, the Bois Vert viewpoint makes a good rest stop before the path turns right just below the peak and climbs to the orientation table at the top. The full loop covers roughly 11.2 km and takes about 3 hours 30 minutes round trip. An alternative approach climbs from Veurey-Voroize via Croix Lespinasse and Font Chaude, and in winter a snowshoe version starting near Saint-Quentin-sur-Isère is popular as well.

What will you see from the top?

Dent de Moirans tops out at 988 meters and delivers one of the widest panoramas in this part of Isère. From the orientation table, the view stretches across the Isère valley toward the Chartreuse, Belledonne, and Ecrins massifs. The summit also overlooks the nearby Bec de l'Échaillon, roughly 400 meters lower to the north. Keep in mind that on the Saint-Quentin-sur-Isère side, the mountain drops away in a nearly 800-meter cliff — the edge demands real caution, especially with children or in windy conditions.

When is the best time to visit?

The trail is walkable most of the year, but spring and autumn offer the most comfortable hiking conditions and the clearest views. In summer, an early start helps avoid the heat on the more exposed sections of the path. In winter, when snow covers the slopes, the snowshoe route becomes a popular option — though it calls for solid route-finding skills and a check on avalanche conditions on the north-facing slopes.

Who is this hike for?

No climbing experience is required, but given the distance (around 11 km) and elevation gain, a reasonable level of hiking fitness helps. Sturdy trekking shoes and poles are useful, particularly on the rockier stretches near the top. Families hiking with children should stay well back from the viewpoint edge, since the ground drops steeply and without any barrier at that spot.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Dent de Moirans? The summit reaches 988 meters above sea level, standing at the northern tip of the Vercors massif right above the village of Montaud.

How long does the hike from Montaud take? The full loop is about 11.2 km and takes roughly 3 hours 30 minutes, depending on pace and how many stops you make at the viewpoints.

What can you see from the orientation table at the summit? A panorama over the Isère valley and the Chartreuse, Belledonne, and Ecrins massifs, along with the nearby Bec de l'Échaillon lower down to the north.

Is the trail safe for children? The path itself is technically easy, but the area near the summit drops away in a nearly 800-meter cliff on the Saint-Quentin-sur-Isère side, so extra caution is needed right at the edge.