Los Masos loop via three refuges

Leave the N116 at Lac de Vinça. At the roundabout, cross the village of Vinça on the D36, then follow the D55 to Joch. Continue south on the D13 towards Valmanya, driving along deep gorges on this narrow, winding road, passing the villages of Baillestavy and Valmanya and heading towards Los Masos D13D. Park in the car park, which has plenty of spaces (although it does get very busy).

Yellow signposts

(S/E) From the car park, head south-southwest along the wide grassy path on the left bank of the Ruisseau de la Llentilla, following the yellow markings. Cross the stream on a wide wooden footbridge and climb up through a beautiful beech forest. The path is very even, crossing impressive scree on a well-maintained trail that presents no difficulty. The view of the valley you have left behind and the mountain you are climbing is magnificent. The trail leads to the Abri du Pinatell, located slightly below.

(1) This is the first refuge on the loop. It has been classified as unfit for habitation by prefectural order (bedbugs). There is a fountain here, but it has not been working for a long time. Leave the path opposite and head towards the Refuge de l'Estanyol (free access), then the Refuge de Batère (guarded), and turn right.

White/red markings

Continue horizontally on the GRP® Tour du Canigou and GR®10. Continue along the "Balcon du Canigou" for 3 km. Cross a first torrent, then a second (Ruisseau de la Llentilla) before tackling a 1 km climb that will lead to Ras de Prat de Cabrera. This entire section of the climb offers impressive views of the valley and the trail used to climb up to Pinatell, through wooded areas and scree.

(2) Ras de Prat de Cabrera. Livestock gate. The arrival is on a stony track. This is the track used by mountain bikes, the vehicle that supplies the guarded refuge and a few hikers who are wary of the somewhat steep climb that follows.
Go a few metres to the left to find another cattle grid that allows you to leave the track and take the path that climbs steeply up to the ridge, overlooking the path you took on the previous climb. Walk across a pasture and pass through a herd of cows. Go through a metal gate, then the slope levels out a little. Go through another metal gate. The well-marked trail continues along the hillside and, after a long, almost horizontal section, you can see the next refuge, which you will soon reach.

(3) Second refuge on the loop: Refuge gardé des Cortalets. Huge building (sleeps 110) serving meals, drinks and accommodation for the night. There are lots of people here. This is the arrival point for several hiking trails and the starting point for the Pic du Canigou.
Go and see the small lake via the track that leaves from the left of the refuge: the track followed by a path crosses a pasture dotted with pine trees and somewhat overrun by cows, which also surround the refuge. Unfortunately, you can't see much of the water because, due to its shallow depth, the Estanyol is completely overgrown with vegetation.

(4) Turn around to return to the refuge.

(3) Go around it on the right to find the path, still marked in white and red, which descends slightly towards the north. You will arrive at a stony track.

(5) Follow it to the right for about 300 m until you reach Ras dels Cortalets.

(6) Leave the track and take a path heading east (signposted Los Masos de Valmanya: 2h45).

Yellow markings

This path, which is more pleasant than the track it runs parallel to, leads through a series of paths and sections of track to the Refuge de Prat-Cabrera:^{the third} and last refuge on the loop. This refuge is private during the summer months. Please respect this area.

(7) Continue right on the track, heading south, and cross the Correc de Prat via a concrete ford in a hairpin bend to the left. The stony track continues east, then branches off to the north-northeast and descends for about 500 m. Walk along a wooden enclosure on your right and look for a fork to the right with a rutted path.

White/red markings

(8) Leave the track and climb up to the right. Go through a wooden gate in the fence. Leave a path on the left leading to a viewpoint. Begin the descent on the right onto the GR®36 in the beech forest. Steep sections in rocky areas alternate with less steep and easier sections. The trail ends at Los Masos, where you can park (S/E).

The Abri de Pinatell is infested with bedbugs and is considered unsanitary (sign posted). The Refuge de Prat-Cabrera is a private pastoral refuge in summer and at other times of the year. A sign is posted on a rock:
This hut and its immediate surroundings are a place of life, work and rest reserved for the cowherd who looks after the herds during the summer. It is not open to the public during the summer period, among other times. Thank you for your understanding and for respecting the peace and quiet of the area.

The Refuge des Cortalets is manned. It offers meals, drinks and accommodation. It is one of the manned refuges that dot the Tour du Canigou.

Please take care when passing through grazing areas. Close gates behind you and walk calmly among the cattle, which rarely move out of the way. You may need to walk around them.

The ascent of the Pic du Canigou from the Refuge des Cortalets requires an additional 600 m of elevation gain via the Pic Joffre, but is well worth the detour as the route does not present any major difficulties.