Upper Ecouges Canyon: the most challenging canyon in the Vercors

The Upper Ecouges Canyon features a series of rappels up to 70 m in an extraordinary gorge. Five hours of total immersion in the Vercors—the Upper Ecouges Canyon is reserved for experienced participants who know what they’re doing. Minimum age: 16. Difficulty: 4/4. Certified guide included.

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Canyon Details

A Sensational Journey

The Ecouges Supérieur Canyon is in a class of its own. Located in the Vercors Massif, 30 minutes from Grenoble, this expert-level route features a series of rappels up to 70 m in a spectacular gorge. The Ecouges Supérieur Canyon is rated 4/4 and is reserved for experienced canyoneers. Five hours of pure adventure, with a certified guide included.

What you'll love:

– The final 70-meter waterfall: a legendary abseil
– An exceptional canyon in the Vercors Massif
– A series of technical and varied rappels
– 5 hours of pure adventure in a wild and unspoiled setting
– Just 30 minutes from Grenoble and 1 hour and 30 minutes from Lyon
– The option to continue on to the Lower Ecouges for the “Integral” version.
– The most challenging canyon in the CANRIV catalog

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Practical Details

Upper Ecouges Canyon: Technical Specifications

All the details about the trip—no more secrets (except for the magnificent scenery and experiences we have in store for you).

Upper Ecouges Canyon

– Difficulty: 4/4
– Minimum age: 16 years old
– Duration: 5 hours
– Price: 95€
– Maximum waterfall height: 70m
– Walk there: 5 min
– Walk back: 5 min
– Season: May through October
– Mountain range: Vercors
– Nearby cities: Grenoble, Lyon, Aix-les-Bains, Chambéry, Valence

Meeting place:

How's it going?

YourDay at a Glance

From the moment you arrive at the parking lot until the final rappel, here’s how a canyoning trip with Canyons & Rivières unfolds. Every step is designed with your comfort and safety in mind.

Canriv

Reception & Facilities

Meet at the base of the Upper Ecouges Canyon. Your CANRIV guide will welcome you and outfit you with a wetsuit, socks, helmet, and harness. Technical equipment check. Here, we leave nothing to chance.

On the Way to Adventure

Shuttle bus to the upper parking lot at the trailhead

Entrance to the canyon

A 5-minute walk, and the canyon opens up before you. The canyon walls close in immediately, towering above you. The scenery sets the tone from the very first seconds.

Safety briefing and entry into the canyon

A comprehensive technical briefing before setting out. The guide assesses each participant’s skill level and explains the rappels and belay points. On this canyon, preparation is just as important as the actual descent.

Canyon Descent

The Upper Ecouges Canyon kicks off immediately with a series of technical rappels in a remarkable gorge. The limestone walls, carved for tens of meters, create a unique, almost surreal atmosphere. Abseil after abseil, the canyon reveals itself in all its grandeur. The highlight of the experience comes at the end of the route with the 70-meter waterfall—an unforgettable abseil into a dizzying void. It’s a moment no one will ever forget.

Return trip

It takes 5 minutes to reach the starting point. The canyon is over, but the images will stay with you for a long time.

Decommissioning

We return the equipment and find our belongings dry. Some people are still silent. That's normal after a 70-meter rappel.

A Fun Time & Memories

We’ll make the descent again, with the guide narrating the story. The 70-meter waterfall seems even taller in our memories. CANRIV offers souvenir packages to help you preserve a record of your adventures in the Vercors: professional photos and videos in the Standard Package, Couples Package, or Premium Package. Ask your guide for pricing on the day of your trip.

What are our plans?

Logistical Information

Included in the price

wetsuit
wetsuit socks
helmet
harness Supervision by a state-certified guide
Professional liability insurance

Things to Plan For

swimsuit Sneakers with grippy soles

Requirements

Knowing how to swim

How to rappel

Being comfortable in the water

Have no medical contraindications

There's no doubt about it—you're going to love it

A quick look: :Upper Ecouges Canyon

What they're saying:

Natural slides, optional jumps, and paths carved through impressive gorges: they've been there and are sharing their experiences.

Do you have any questions about this program?

We'll answer all your questions

No. This is the most challenging canyon in our catalog, reserved for those who already have solid canyoning experience and a good command of rappelling techniques. If you’re a beginner or have little experience, start with the Lower Ecouges or the Grenant Canyon before considering this descent.

Ages 16 and up, provided you already have significant canyoning experience, are in excellent physical condition, and do not suffer from a fear of heights. This is not a canyon for testing your limits for the first time.

Yes. Unlike our beginner-level canyons, the rappels at Ecouges Supérieur are mandatory and cannot be bypassed. This is what makes this canyon an expert-level route. Technical proficiency in rappelling is essential before attempting this route.

You must be in excellent physical condition. The descent takes 5 hours and involves a series of technical rappels with a total elevation drop of 220 meters. This is not a canyon where you can afford to get tired halfway through.

Yes, and this is the ultimate canyoning experience in the Vercors. The “Intégrale des Ecouges” route combines the upper and lower sections into a single day, rated 4/4. This route is reserved for groups of people in excellent physical condition with extensive experience. Contact us to plan your day.

Yes! CANRIV offers souvenir packages to capture your rappelling experiences, including the 70-meter waterfall: Standard Package, Couples Package, and Premium Package. Ask your guide for pricing on the day of your trip.

The canyon is accessible from May through October. The best time to visit is from June through September for optimal conditions.