Refuge du Clôt des Vaches

Refuge du Clôt des Vaches sits at 2,253m in the Hautes-Alpes, serving hikers crossing the high pastures and ridges between the Queyras and Champsaur valleys. Access is via the GR5 long-distance trail or shorter valley approaches from Guillestre or Ancelle. Most routes take 3–4 hours from the nearest road-head. The refuge sits above the tree line on open alpine terrain, giving direct access to the surrounding 2,600–2,800m summits and col crossings.
The refuge holds 30 beds across dormitory rooms. Meals are available: a hot dinner and breakfast are standard, with packed lunches on request. There is running water and basic washroom facilities; toilets are outside. The hut operates year-round, though winter access requires serious mountain skills and route-finding ability. Summer (June–September) is the standard season when all facilities are fully staffed and reliable. The guardian can advise on conditions and route choices across the local network.
Book by phone directly with the guardian. July and August are fully reserved well in advance—contact by April if targeting peak season. May, June, and September offer better availability. The refuge is unmanned on occasional winter dates, so confirm ahead if planning an off-season visit. Half-board (dinner, bed, breakfast) is the standard arrangement; day visits are possible if space permits.