HomeTrailsGR 20 Principale vs SPHC, étape 12

GR 20 Principale vs SPHC, étape 12

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 12
Distance 173 km 23 km
Elevation gain 9,520 m 637 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: January, April, June, July, November
map Route & GPX map Route & GPX

GR 20 Principale vs SPHC, étape 12: which should you hike?

At 173 km, GR 20 Principale is the longer route — roughly 150 km more than SPHC, étape 12 (23 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 12 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.