St. Jean to Roncesvalles elevation?

[crad80]

Hello Everyone,

Does anyone know the exact elevation at the highest peak on the walk from St. Jean Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles? I know the ascent is pretty steep; and I was wondering if it is like hiking in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado where the air is very thin. Thanks in advance, and Buen Camino.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola - it isn't all that high! Here is what I think are the facts:

St Jean Pied de Port - Roncesvalles Altitude at departure: 180m/594ft.

On the way Orisson stands at 1095m/3614ft, then further on Col Lepoeder stands at 1430m/4719ft - this is the highest point on this route. There is then the descent to Puerto de Ibaneta and Roncesvalles.

Altitude at arrival: 920m/3036ft.

Best wishes

John

 

[methodist.pilgrim.98]

No thin air anywhere on the Camino Francés.

We can promise you plenty of sun and rain though.

 

[grayland]

No thin air anywhere on the Camino Francés.

We can promise you plenty of sun and rain though.

...and at times, pretty heavy air in some albergues... :wink:

 

[OldDad]

Air is fine, but start early and pace yourself. Don't try to beat the clock or stay up with anybody else. Drink plenty of water, even if its cloudy and or chilly. Take it easy going down on the other side. And at the end of the day : Mass. Eat. Sleep.

 

[OldDad]

Air is fine, but start early and pace yourself. Don't try to beat the clock or stay up with anybody else. Drink plenty of water, even if its cloudy and or chilly. Take it easy going down on the other side. And at the end of the day. Mass. Eat. Sleep.

 

[Gillean]

Hola - it isn't all that high! Here is what I think are the facts:

St Jean Pied de Port - Roncesvalles Altitude at departure: 180m/594ft.

On the way Orisson stands at 1095m/3614ft, then further on Col Lepoeder stands at 1430m/4719ft - this is the highest point on this route. There is then the descent to Puerto de Ibaneta and Roncesvalles.

Altitude at arrival: 920m/3036ft.

Best wishes

John

My guidebook (the Rother book) shows Orisson at 800 m elevation rather than 1095m (630 m above SJPdP) and the "Vierge de Biakorri" at 1095 m. The climb to Orisson seems to be half way in elevation but only about 8 km in distance from SJPdP. From Orisson to Col Lepoeder is a similar 630 m elevation gain but spread out over 13 km. So the steepest part of the climb is from SJPdP to Orisson and you can look forward to the remainder of the climb from Orisson to Col Lepoeder being at a more gentle incline on average. My experience is that, although it is a stiff climb, weather can be a much more significant factor than altitude gain. You will not likely notice any thinness in the air. Relative to the Rockies you are still at a pretty low elevation. On the way down, if you have any weaknesses in ankles, knees, or hips, the descent from Col Lepoeder to Roncesvalles can be challenging. Worth considering taking the slightly longer road route to the right on NA2033 just below Col Lepoeder if you want an easier descent. (i.e. at this point don't go straight down the camino instead turn right and descend on NA2033) )https://www.google.ca/maps/@43.0255...TD4BOZpvugAM-NLi4qCA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en