HomeTrailsGR 20 Principale vs SPHC, étape 09

GR 20 Principale vs SPHC, étape 09

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 09
Distance 173 km 14 km
Elevation gain 9,520 m 371 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 months: April, June, July
map Route & GPX map Route & GPX

GR 20 Principale vs SPHC, étape 09: which should you hike?

At 173 km, GR 20 Principale is the longer route — roughly 159 km more than SPHC, étape 09 (14 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 09 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.