HomeTrailsGR 20 Principale vs SPHC, étape 08

GR 20 Principale vs SPHC, étape 08

A side-by-side look at distance, elevation, difficulty and the best time to hike each — so you can pick the right route.

GR 20 Principale SPHC, étape 08
Distance 173 km 18 km
Elevation gain 9,520 m 745 m
Typical duration
Difficulty
Route type Point-to-point Point-to-point
Network National International
Country France France
Best time to hike Best months: June, August Best from June to August
map Route & GPX map Route & GPX

GR 20 Principale vs SPHC, étape 08: which should you hike?

At 173 km, GR 20 Principale is the longer route — roughly 155 km more than SPHC, étape 08 (18 km). If you want the bigger challenge or a longer trip, that's the one; for a shorter or first multi-day hike, SPHC, étape 08 is the gentler pick. Check the elevation and best-season rows above, then open each route for the full guide and a free GPX download.