Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the car park at the Colle San Carlo, 1,951 m, on the road from Morgex to La Thuile, a simple path runs south through larch woods to the Lago d'Arpy, 2,066 m, in a hollow under the Mont Charvet and the Becca Pouegnenta. From the shore there is a view across the valley to the Grandes Jorasses and the granite peaks of the Mont Blanc range. Return the same way.
It is 6 km there and back with 129 m of ascent; allow about 2 hours. The grade is Easy: a broad, gentle path and track through the woods.
La Thuile's tourist office gives 45 minutes to the lake and suggests it as a summer walk for families. Trout and alpine newts live in the lake, which lies in the commune of Morgex. At over 2,000 m the path is usually under snow in winter, so check conditions outside summer. The lake is outside the national park.
The car park at the pass is free. The road over the Colle San Carlo links Morgex, in the main Aosta valley, with La Thuile.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- A lake at 2,066 m under the Mont Charvet, with the Grandes Jorasses and the Mont Blanc range across the valley
- Through larch woods from the Colle San Carlo, 1,951 m
- Trout and alpine newts live in the lake
- La Thuile's tourist office suggests it as a summer walk for families
Getting there
Start: Colle San Carlo car park · Free parking. 45.74289, 6.98976
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Aosta Valley: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.