La Dent du Loup

La Dent du Loup is a rocky summit rising to 1425 metres above sea level on the northern edge of the Vercors massif, within the commune of Engins in the Isère department of France, a short drive from Grenoble. The name translates as "the Wolf's Tooth", a fitting description for the sharp rock outcrop that juts out from the edge of the Sornin plateau and stands apart from the gentler slopes around it.

Where is Dent du Loup located?

The summit sits above the village of Engins, on the northern rim of the Vercors, one of the largest pre-Alpine massifs in France. Most hikers start from the hamlet of Fournel, reached via the D531B road from Engins, with Engins itself reached from Grenoble via the D531. A car park near the leisure centre at Fournel serves as the usual trailhead for routes in the area.

What does the hike to Dent du Loup look like?

The classic route is a loop that passes through the hamlet of Sornin, climbs to Dent du Loup itself, and can be extended toward the Plateau de la Molière at 1630 metres. The full loop covers roughly 11 kilometres and takes around four and a half hours on average. The path begins under forest cover before opening onto the wide grassy expanse of the Sornin plateau, where views stretch across the Isère valley toward the Chartreuse and Belledonne ranges in the distance. The route is walkable in summer and, with sufficient snow cover, also popular as a snowshoe outing in winter.

What can you see from the top?

From the rocky edge of Dent du Loup, the view opens onto the steep cliffs forming the northern barrier of the Vercors, one of the massif's most recognisable natural features. Much of the appeal of the spot comes from the contrast between the calm, pasture-covered Sornin plateau behind you and the sheer drop in front, falling away toward the valley below.

Is the area around Dent du Loup protected?

The neighbouring Sornin plateau is classified as an Espace Naturel Sensible, a French designation for ecologically sensitive land. Conservation work there focuses on restoring the traditional summer pasture and preserving the biodiversity of a landscape long used for grazing livestock.

Who is this hike suitable for?

The route combines an easy, wooded approach with a more open, scenic section on the plateau, which makes it workable both for families looking for a walk with a view and for more ambitious hikers planning a longer loop toward the Plateau de la Molière. Because the summit itself is rocky and exposed, it's worth taking care near the edge, particularly with children.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Dent du Loup? The summit reaches 1425 metres above sea level.

Where's the best place to start the hike? The hamlet of Fournel, in the commune of Engins, offers the most convenient trailhead, with parking near the local leisure centre.

How long does the hike take? The full loop through the Sornin plateau and Dent du Loup covers about 11 kilometres and takes roughly four and a half hours, depending on pace and how many stops you make for the views.

Is the route suitable in winter? Yes — with enough snow, the same route is a popular snowshoeing itinerary.

What else is worth seeing along the way? Besides the summit itself, the Sornin plateau is worth a stop, and hikers looking for a longer outing can continue to the viewpoint at Plateau de la Molière.