The best MTB trails around Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors

The region offers a diverse range of mountain bike trails, characterized by limestone cliffs, Alpine pastures, and dense forests. You'll find routes suitable for various skill levels, including easy, moderate, and difficult options. The landscape is shaped by dramatic topography, featuring high plateaus and significant elevation changes, providing a truly immersive natural experience.

While the core of the Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors is a vast wilderness, the broader Vercors massif, which encompasses the reserve, offers numerous forest tracks suitable for mountain biking. Around towns like Villard-de-Lans and Corrençon-en-Vercors, you can find itineraries catering to all skill levels, including green and blue routes that are often more family-friendly. These trails provide scenic rides through farms, fields, and forests.

The trails in this region often feature significant elevation changes due to its dramatic topography of high plateaus and limestone cliffs. For example, the difficult route Chemin du Point de Chardon – Abfahrt vom col de Pellas loop from Chichilianne involves over 1,000 meters of ascent. Even moderate trails like Chichilianne – View of Mont Aiguille loop from Chichilianne can have around 630 meters of climbing. Be prepared for challenging ascents and rewarding descents.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can encounter iconic peaks like Grand Veymont, the highest summit of the Vercors massif, and enjoy views of the remarkable Mont Aiguille. Other points of interest include Pié Ferré (Le Dôme), the Baume Rousse Spring, and the scenic Pas des Chattons viewpoint. The landscape also features gorges, canyons, chasms, and 'lapiaz' (karst pavements).

Yes, many mountain bike routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the popular Chichilianne – View of Mont Aiguille loop from Richardière is a circular trail offering views of Mont Aiguille. Another option is the Les Nonières – Bénevise loop from Menée, which takes you through high plateaus and forests.

The best season for mountain biking generally spans from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is typically more favorable, and trails are free of snow. However, conditions can vary, and it's always advisable to check local weather forecasts and trail conditions before heading out, especially in higher elevations where snow can persist longer.

The mountain bike trails around Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 700 reviews. Riders often praise the vast wilderness, the dramatic and diverse landscapes, and the sense of disconnection from urban life. The challenging terrain and breathtaking panoramas are frequently highlighted as key attractions.

The Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors is the largest terrestrial nature reserve in metropolitan France, and access within its strictest part is regulated to preserve its natural state. Mountain biking is generally permitted on designated routes, including variations of the GTV (Grand Tour du Vercors) mountain biking route. It's crucial to respect all signage and regulations to protect the fragile environment. Always stay on marked trails.

Due to the protected status and rich biodiversity of the Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors, specific regulations regarding dogs are in place to protect wildlife. Dogs are generally not permitted, even on a leash, within the core reserve area. It is essential to check the most current regulations from the park authority before planning your trip with a dog, as rules can vary and are strictly enforced to safeguard the unique ecosystem.

Access points to the reserve and its surrounding trails often have designated parking areas. For routes starting near villages, you can typically find parking in or around the village centers. For example, trails like View of the Vercors Mountains – But Sapiau loop from Rousset would likely have parking available in Rousset or nearby access points. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for recommended starting points and parking information.

Yes, electric mountain bikes are permitted on designated routes within the broader Vercors massif, including specific sections of the GTV mountain-biking variation and other forest tracks. The Vercors region is increasingly catering to e-MTB riders, offering a way to explore its diverse landscapes and challenging terrain with assistance. You can find itineraries suitable for e-MTBs, especially around towns like Villard-de-Lans and Corrençon-en-Vercors.

While the core of the reserve is characterized by an absence of permanent housing, there are various accommodation options in the surrounding villages and towns of the Vercors Regional Natural Park. You can find guesthouses, hotels, and campsites in places like Chichilianne, Menée, Villard-de-Lans, and Corrençon-en-Vercors, which serve as excellent bases for exploring the mountain bike trails.