The best walks and hikes around Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu
4.5
(4044)
39,079
hikers
87
hikes
Hiking trails around Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu traverse the largest natural park in Catalonia, characterized by rugged mountainscapes and diverse ecosystems. The terrain includes Mediterranean forests at lower elevations, transitioning to black pine forests and alpine flora higher up. Ancient glaciers have sculpted the landscape, leaving behind valleys, high-altitude passes, and numerous glacial lakes, including the Pyrenees' largest, Certascan. This region offers a comprehensive network of trails for various hiking experiences.
Best hiking trails around Parc Natural de l'Alt…
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.8
(13)
412
hikers
19.1km
09:57
1,340m
1,340m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
3.8
(5)
43
hikers
6.52km
03:31
630m
630m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Sign up for free
5.0
(2)
17
hikers
6.89km
01:58
150m
160m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
15
hikers
7.60km
03:36
830m
830m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(5)
38
hikers
9.73km
05:11
920m
920m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu
Haute Route Pyrénéenne – Pyrenees Crossing
Tour of Mont Valier - The Giant of Ariège
On wild ridges: Catalonia to Ariège – Hexatrek, Eastern Pyrenees
Catalonia and Andorra on the Pyrenean Trail – GR 11
Pedals de Foc – An adventure through the Catalan Pyrenees
Road to Lisbon – bikepacking the Alps, Pyrenees and Picos de Europa
MTB Trails around Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu
Road Cycling Routes around Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu
Cycling around Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu
Running Trails around Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu
Other adventures around Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu
Tips from the Community
Fantastic panoramic views all around; this summit is well worth it, as you can see from my two panorama photos. Ascent from Estany de Sotllo via the pass. I took the partly exposed scrambling/climbing ridge via Pic Verdaguer. Beautiful scrambling; you just have to be careful to stay on the right track. Descent around the summit, then back to the same pass and down past the same beautiful mountain lakes, and via the Valferrera Hut into the valley. The length and roughness of this route surprised me. Luckily, I didn't start my ascent from the hut. The section along the mountainside, especially above the hut, was quite challenging. There are frequent short climbs over rocky outcrops, and at one point, I found myself on a side path below the main trail, which then ended in the undergrowth. After a short climb, everything was fine again.
0
0
Bergsee directly in front of the Pica d'Estats
0
0
Beautiful mountain lake directly in front of the Pic Verdaguer & the Pica d'Estats
0
0
A nice mountain hut in the forest, the starting point for the Pica d'Estats summit. The trail up is well marked, but quite strenuous, as it follows the mountainside for a long time, gaining little elevation, but crossing those rugged rocky peaks.
0
0
The small secondary peak of the Pica d'Estats. If you've made it to the gap between the two, you should also take this peak. An additional 3000m peak for free (if you don't take the 30m gap height too seriously 😉).
1
0
The summit can be reached from several sides. The direct route from the Spanish side to the summit ridge is challenging (I estimate it to be T5 according to the SAC scale). However, you can "cheat" by first crossing the pass to the left to the north side, after which you have to descend a bit to reach the trail from the French side. The technically easiest ascent is certainly from the north via the Refuge du Pinet (T3). However, from the parking lot at L'Artigue, the total elevation gain is around 2,000 meters, which is why staying overnight at the refuge is a good option (a winter room was open in October 2024, €8 per night). I chose the third option, from the Étang de Soulcem. From there, it's "only" 1,500 meters of elevation gain with a difficulty of T3+/T4-. However, I chose a variant for the ascent (see my tour) that isn't on the map and that I would rate as T4+.
2
0
This is a little-frequented summit, as the proximity of Pica d'Estats takes away its prominence, but it is an easy and very fun climb. I recommend doing the circular route along the ridge that borders the Aixeus cirque, which is accessed from a neck on the southern part of the summit.
0
0
Peak with which the ridge of Monteixo ends. Or that gives it a start, as it walks 😜
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu?
Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu offers a vast network of over 90 hiking trails, catering to various skill levels. These include 8 easy routes, 35 moderate routes, and 47 difficult routes, ensuring options for everyone from casual walkers to experienced mountaineers.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly hikes in Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu?
Yes, the park features several easy routes suitable for beginners or those looking for a gentle stroll. One such option is the Montgosso Itinerary — Alto Pirineo Natural Park, which offers varied scenery with gentle elevation changes.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while hiking in Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu?
The park's landscapes are incredibly diverse, ranging from Mediterranean forests at lower elevations to black pine forests and alpine flora higher up. You'll encounter rugged mountainscapes, stunning valleys sculpted by ancient glaciers, and numerous high-altitude passes. The region is also home to an impressive collection of glacial lakes.
Are there any circular hiking routes in Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu?
Yes, the park offers several circular routes. For example, the Monteixo and Pic de Norís Loop provides a moderate challenge with rewarding views as it circles back to its starting point.
Can I find any glacial lakes or significant water features on the trails?
Absolutely. Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu is renowned for its glacial lakes, with 87 named lakes and 94 smaller ones. The Glacial Lake of Certascan is the largest in the Pyrenees. You can explore routes like Refugio Pleta del Prat — Lago de Mascarida y Lago del Diablo to experience some of these beautiful water bodies, including Estany de Romedo de Dalt.
What are some notable peaks or high-altitude points I can reach?
The park is home to Catalonia's highest peaks. The most prominent is Pica d'Estats (3,143 meters). Other significant summits include Pic Verdaguer, Punta de Gabarro, Pic Rodo de Canalbona, Monteixo, and Pic de Norís, all offering challenging climbs and panoramic views.
Are there places to stay overnight or huts along the trails?
Yes, the park has several huts and refuges available for hikers. Notable options include Refugi Certascan and Refugi de la Pleta del Prat, which can serve as bases for multi-day treks or rest stops.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu?
The trails in Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1400 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the park's rugged mountainscapes, the stunning glacial lakes, and the diverse forests. Many appreciate the variety of routes available for different ability levels.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter while hiking?
Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu is a sanctuary for biodiversity. You might spot emblematic animals such as the bearded vulture, chamois, and capercaillie. The park's diverse ecosystems support a wide array of species, making it a rewarding destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Are there any historical or cultural points of interest along the hiking routes?
Beyond natural beauty, the park integrates cultural heritage into its hiking experiences. Trails like the Burgal Hermitages Caves loop lead through historical sites, and numerous villages within the park offer insights into the region's rich history and Romanesque art.
What is a good moderate trail for an experienced hiker looking for varied scenery?
For a moderate challenge with varied scenery, the Trail of the Sun is a popular choice among local hikers. It features a notable elevation gain and offers diverse views throughout the route.
Are there any particularly challenging routes for experienced mountaineers?
Yes, for experienced mountaineers, the park offers demanding expeditions. The Pica d'Estats via Vallferrera Trail is a difficult route leading to Catalonia's highest peak, offering a significant ascent and a true mountaineering experience.
Most popular routes around Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu
Most popular attractions around Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
