Hiking the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval in August

Intro

The Cirque du Fer a Cheval hike is an absolutely beautiful, easily accessible hike up a wide canyon enclosed by granite cliffs with numerous water falls pouring down from each side.  It’s also a wildly popular trail where finding solitude is difficult.  If you keep this in mind and accept the fact that you will not be alone then the scenery is worth it.

Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: €7, Pay at gate before parking area.
Distance: 12.6km | 6.2mi | Time: 3-4h
Elevation: ^ 356m | 1,167ft
Trailhead: Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, 74740, France

My wife and I came across this hike while on a weekend getaway.  We had a slow start as it was our first morning of the trip and we had an hour to drive to the trail head.  We arrived at the entrance paid the parking fee, parked and then packed our day pack with 2.5 liters of water, some local cheese, meat and a fresh baguette then began our hike.  Shortly after we began we stopped at a chalet for an americano to get us going.

Ready to Begin our Hike of the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval

From the chalet we continued left along the trail noticing 8 waterfalls dropping a couple thousand feet from the canyon walls.  Very pretty sight indeed.  We then walked through a forest on what was more of a gravel road than a hiking trail.  There were loads of people but we tried to keep our spirits up.  At one point the trail forked and we continued straight.  About half of the other hikers went left which was nice.  Once out of the trees we were greeted by an amazing view of the surrounding peaks while hearing the roar of the creek next to the trail.  We stopped for a quick snack and took in the moment.  It really was a picturesque spot.

Touching Waterfalls

Not too much further up trail we saw 3 water falls on the right.  All very different from each other.  There was a small trail leading up closer to the last and largest one.  We walked up next to it but couldn’t safely get too close.  There was another faint trail leading back to the second waterfall which we were able to reach and touch.  The water was quite refreshing as it slid down the granite wall.

We walked further up trail taking in the views as the Bout du Monde came in view.  It was easy to recognize as the line of people stopped at what looked like a cave halfway up the mountain.  As we came to a small suspension bridge called the Fond de la Combe footbridge.  I could tell that we were sadly both over it all.  3 people were allowed on the bridge at once.  We waited our turn as 15 hikers from each side were eagerly wanting to cross at the same time as us.

After the bridge the hike turns into an out and back.  We found a nice shaded section and ate our fresh baguette with cheese and meat and decided that it wasn’t worth going to the end.  We had seen enough of the hike to enjoy the beautiful landscape but didn’t feel that navigating past other hikers was going to be worth it getting to the “end”.

Our Return Hike on the West Side

We turned around and stayed on the west side of the creek descending quite quickly.  This trail was much more shaded and I thought that it was actually quite perfect for hot summer days.  Hike up on the exposed east side early in the day and hike back on the cooler west side later in the day.  The trail was in and out of the woods.  Beautiful moss covered rocks with the perfect light making it glow.  We were able to take a side trail to another waterfall, Cascade de la Vogealle.

As we approached our parking area, P1, we stayed on the west side of the river all the way back which was quite nice as we finally had a little quiet / alone time.  There was another suspension bridge that crossed the river one last time.  At this point the river had gathered a lot more water and was a rushing current.

Recommendations for Hiking the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval in August

Overall,  I still think the hike was worth it.  The views are spectacular.  Take some sunscreen, lots of water, a lunch and some patience.  If possible, I’d highly recommend finishing the hike before 10am or start after 4pm.

As an alternative for someone who wants a little more difficulty and miles.  I’d recommend hiking clockwise.  At the Buvette De Prazon there is a side trail marked in red.  This looks like it could be a very enjoyable and much more difficult alternative to reaching Le Bout Du Monde.  From there you can continue down into the valley, cross the suspension bridge and finish the hike on the east side of the creek.

Looking for Something Else in the Area?

I highly recommend the hike to Lac Blanc from Chamonix.