Alt del Griu and Ensagents Lakes Trail

This is considered a difficult hike, requiring a very good level of fitness and sure-footedness. It corresponds to SAC 4-6 on the Swiss Alpine Club scale, indicating a challenging alpine experience. While not technically difficult, the significant elevation changes make it physically demanding.

The terrain varies significantly. You'll start by winding through a black pine forest with rhododendrons, transitioning to high-mountain meadows and alpine flora. As you gain elevation, you'll encounter granite blocks and rocky areas. The initial part is signposted up to the Ensagents Refuge, but beyond that, navigation relies on paint marks and stone cairns. The final section, particularly along the Sierra de las Pedrusques, can be confusing and requires experience in orientation.

The trail typically starts from the Cortals d’Encamp area. You can find parking near the Cortals d’Encamp Picnic Area and Tamarro Enko Sculpture. Specific parking details might be available on local tourism sites like visitandorra.com.

Key highlights include the beautiful glacial Estanys d’Ensagents, the well-equipped Ensagents Refuge, and the Collada d'Entinyola (2,716 m). The ultimate reward is reaching the Alt del Griu (2,875 m) summit, which offers a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of Andorra.

While dogs are generally allowed on trails in the Andorran Pyrenees, it's always recommended to keep them on a leash, especially in high-mountain areas where wildlife is present and to protect the delicate alpine flora. Given the difficulty and rocky terrain, ensure your dog is fit enough for such a demanding hike.

The best time to undertake this hike is during late spring, summer, and autumn. During these seasons, conditions are most favorable, with less snow and more stable weather, making the route safer and more enjoyable. Winter hiking would require specialized equipment and experience due to snow and ice.

No, there are generally no permits or entrance fees required to hike this route in the Andorran Pyrenees.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several other paths. Notably, it covers a significant portion of the Camí de l'Ossa, and also passes through parts of the Cami del Bosc del Campea, Coma dels Llops, and Camí pleta dels onis.

From the Alt del Griu (2,875 m) summit, you are treated to a spectacular 360-degree view, considered one of the widest in Andorra. You'll get an extraordinary vantage point over the southeastern sector of Andorra, including views of the lakes of Meligar de Emportona, the almost perfect amphitheater of the Cirque dels Colells, and the broad valley of Ensagents encircled by the Coma de los Llops ridge.

The Ensagents Refuge is a well-equipped mountain hut with a capacity for 8 people. It provides basic shelter for hikers, but it's always advisable to check its current status and availability if you plan to rely on it for an overnight stay.

The effective hiking time for this circular route is estimated to be between 4 hours 17 minutes and 5 hours 10 minutes. However, with breaks for enjoying the views, photography, and navigating the challenging sections, the total duration can be longer, often around 6-7 hours.