Circ de Còlomers loop hike
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Circ de Còlomers - by Alberto Castro on Google
Description
The Circ de Còlomers circular trail is in the Aran valley of the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, one of the Spanish Pyrenees most scenic areas with nearly 200 lakes, mostly of glacial origin. The trail starts at the end of the road coming from the villages of Salardú (next to the famous Baqueira ski resort), 600m short of the Lac Major de Colomèrs and the Colomèrs refuge. The route description is provided in this internet link, you should follow the red paint markings. https://www.summitpost.org/circ-de-c-lomers-circular-trail/614243#chapter_2 The 10-12km hike has a cumulative ascent of about 600m, making it suitable for intermediate level hikers. The estimated completion time is 4h depending on fitness and duration of breaks.
Access & Transport
The closest village is town is Salardú / Baqueira 60km northwest of Sort on the C-13/C-28. Sort is in northern Catalunya, 3h30' to the northwest of Barcelona and 70km / 1h15 drive to the southwest of Andorra la Vella. Alternatively, it is a 1h45' / 120km from Tarbes or a 2h15' / 175km drive from Toulouse in France. Important note: between 01 July and 30 Sept. only taxis are allowed to drive until the trail head so you will need to parc in Banhs de Tredòs and either walk or take a taxi shuttle from there. Walking adds over 4km each way, so plan for a longer duration (+2h/2.5h).
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.
Environmental & Social
Eco-friendly activity. Socially marginally positive as it brings some revenues to the villages in the area
Conclusion
Gorgeous high mountain scenery with blue glacial lakes, streams and granite peaks. It does take some time to get there (an overnight stay in the area is highly recommended) but hikers will be rewarded by the views and peaceful surroundings.
Key positive
Beautiful high mountain scenery with glacial lakes
Trail is not crowded, and refuge has food and drinks available
Key negative
Time consuming to reach from most cities in Catalunya
Suitability
Suitable for anybody with a decent fitness level (best for children > 8yrs old or 12yrs old if walking from Banhs de Tredòs due to the longer distance involved). This hike is not accessible for anybody with reduced mobility.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h 30m
est. visit time:4h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo