Lac des Espécières and Pic entre les Ports circular (Gavarnie)

Departure from the Col des Tentes car park.

(S/E) Head towards Port de Boucharo (tarmac road, closed to traffic). Immediately climb up the embankment on the right to take an unmarked trail (not shown on IGN maps) overlooking the Port de Boucharo road. Do not take the ridge as there are numerous rocky outcrops. Continue climbing gently for about 600 m, on the Lac des Espécières side. The trail disappears for a few dozen metres. At around 2250 m, when Lac des Espécières is clearly visible on the right, you will find a clearly visible trail (shown on the IGN map) leading to Col des Espécières.

At the first peak (trail of the Ruisseau de Holle), leave the path and climb towards the summit of Pic entre les Ports, across the grassy slopes, making as many zigzags as necessary.

(1) Reach the ridge of the peak's secondary summit and continue straight ahead, following the ridge to Pic entre les Ports (2,476 m).

(2) Enjoy the 360° view of the Plaine d'Espagne. There are dry stone walls forming a shelter for bivouacking.
Retrace your steps.

(1) At the fork, as soon as possible, turn left heading north-northwest to reach the clearly visible Col des Espécières (border cross).

(3) Take a tricky path on the right that descends steeply (east then north-east). Reach the northern shore of Lac des Espécières and follow it on your right.

(4) At the eastern end of the lake, continue straight ahead on a path (east-southeast then east). This will take you to the Col de Tentes (S/E).

The description is based on a solo hike in summer (June 2021). There are no visible markings, but practically everything is visible along the route. However, you will need to use the description along with a GPS track if possible.
- Port can be translated as: pass

Parking at the start
The Col de Tentes car park is large but often very busy during the summer season.
Please note that it is not accessible in winter, and parking must be done far away at the Gavarnie-les Espécières resort car park.

Time indicated
I completed this route in about 1 hour 35 minutes, including breaks. I didn't rush, but it's a fairly short time. Allow between 2 and 2½ hours.

Difficulty
This hike is classified as moderate. It is relatively easy, but the lack of markings and a few slightly exposed sections justify this classification. It is a family-friendly route with no difficulty.
The IBP index is 64 HKG, which corresponds to a route of moderate difficulty for a hiker with average physical fitness.

Water
There are no drinking water points along the route. Springs, lakes, rivers and runoff water are not guaranteed to be drinkable due to grazing livestock. Allow 0.5 to 1 litre per person.

Shelter
There are no huts or shelters along the route.

Equipment
Bring the usual equipment for high-altitude hiking, including hiking boots, suitable clothing, rainwear, sunglasses, water, food, sunscreen, lip balm and possibly walking sticks (survival blanket, knife, compass, map and whistle are not essential here). A GPS or the Visorando app on your smartphone can complement your equipment to make the hike truly safe.

Traffic
In summer, the route is quite busy around the car park and the lake. Beyond that, you may encounter a few hikers.
Whatever the season, don't forget to tell your friends and family your exact route and inform them of any changes by text message or telephone.

Météo-France mountain report
Check the weather forecast.

Variations
- At (3), descend to Ibón de Lapazosa on the Spanish side and climb back up the same path.

- From the car park, you can easily reach Port de Boucharo in half an hour via an almost horizontal path (route to Brèche de Roland).

Along the route
Numerous viewpoints for taking photos of the surrounding wonders.

Nearby
The village of Gavarnie and its church.
See theGavarnie Tourist Office website.