Col du Jaillet

A very steep, very scenic ride high above Combloux ski station with Mont Blanc dominating the surrounding views.

For more rides starting in the same region see here

I started down low near Sallanches (550 metres). Note, the route is paved until 1300 metres following a quiet road that is also a good road-bike alternative to much of the busy main road for anyone climbing towards Megève (see map below).

At Haut Combloux the paved road ends becoming a wide (still steep) rocky dirt road climbing through a forest.

The higher one gets the better the views, especially of Mont Blanc:

Getting closer to Col du Jaillet (1723 metres) the road becomes smaller and smaller eventually becoming a hiking trail.

I wanted to continue to Le Petit Croisse Baulet (2009 metres), and began pushing the bike up. About half way I realised bringing the bike was pointless – and tiring. So I left it in some scrub and hiked higher feeling much lighter and happier.

The views from the summit are fantastic, in both directions:

I then hiked down and a little further reaching Col de l’Avenaz (1929 metres). Here the hiking continues much higher. But I had my extra col, so I turned around here. 🙂

I had mapped on my GPS an alternate mountain bike trail for the return to Sallanches that I had read about online. But looking at it in person, I decided I was an old, scared, untalented mountain bike descender … and declined the challenge. 🙂

So I just retraced my steps, making a small detour to enjoy the views from Croix des Salles:

To repeat myself, this is steep. But it’s perfectly ride-able all the way to Col du Jaillet. A beautiful route with rewarding views.