Comapedrosa Loop hike (Andorra)
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Comapedrosa Loop hike - by Ian Carrington on Alltrails
Description
The Comapedrosa Loop hike is situated in the Parc Natural Comunal de les Valls del Comapedrosa national park in Andorra. The Coma Padrosa is the country's highest mountain, culminating at 2,943m. The hike reviewed here goes past the Compadrosa refuge and reaches the summit of minor peaks before Coma Pedrosa itself. After that the trail heads back down towards the Pla de l'Estany refuge. The 15km hike has a very significant cumulative ascent of about 1500m, making it suitable for fit hikers. The estimated completion time is 5-6h depending on fitness and duration of breaks.
Access & Transport
The trailhead is just north of Arinsal, in the northwest of Andorra, 5km from La Massana and 10km from Andorra la Vella. It is possible to find parking space near the trailhead but otherwise you can park in the ski resort area, just before the short tunnel.
Instructions & Recommendations
Make sure to bring proper footwear, some snacks (and possibly a picnic), plenty of water, sun protection and rain/wind coat depending on the weather forecast. Cloudy doesn't mean the UVs won't get to you and the weather changes quickly in the high mountains. Info on the refuges available here: https://comapedrosa.ad/en/refuges/
Environmental & Social
Eco-friendly activity. Socially marginally positive as it brings some revenues to the villages in the valley and the people running the refuges
Conclusion
The Coma Pedrosa hike is an enjoyable option for experienced hikers, it provides excellent views over the entire Principality and the nearby Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu (in Catalunya). You'll also get the marginal bragging rights of having summited Andorra's highest mountain!
Key positive
Beautiful high mountain scenery with glacial lakes
Not crowded
Key negative
Time consuming to get to the trailhead from most cities in Catalunya/Spain (or France)
Suitability
Only suitable for fit and experienced hikers. Not recommended with younger children due to the slightly technical trail and material vertical ascent
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:6h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo