Mas Malet loop to the Refuge des Cortalets

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This two-day hike, with an overnight stay at the Refuge des Cortalets, allows for one or more alternative routes each day, depending on the weather or your needs. The route is fully signposted. The suggested alternatives stay on the signposted paths or tracks, so there is no risk of getting lost.

In addition, on thefirst day (upon arrival) or thesecond day (before descending): the ascent of Pic del Canigó (a round trip from the refuge).

Access details are provided at the start of the description for the first stage.

⚠️ Works at the Cortalets refuge in 2026, 2027 and 2028. Renovation of the Cortalets refuge; the Cortalets refuge is closed for works.

Details

n°79869200
Creation:
Last update:
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–
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 20.99 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2 days 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,620 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,616 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,157 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 840 m

Photos

Roc de Jocavell
Ciel très chargé
Ciel côté Est (Méditerranée)
Refuge des Cortalets

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

  1. S
    Mas Malet - Cortalets par Roc Mosquit, Ras dels Cortalets

    Mas Malet - Cortalets via Roc Mosquit, Ras dels Cortalets

    ↔9.14 km ↗1,399 m ↘101 m
    First stage of the circular route from Mas Malet to the Refuge des Cortalets. Ascent to Les Cortalets via little-used paths, marked with directional posts that are present and in very good condition (as of July 2025). This is an alternative route through the forest, sheltered from the intense heat, and above all featuring a steady climb with beautiful views. The only drawback is the access to the start via a recently resurfaced track suitable for vehicles (as of July 2025) up to Coll del Forn. After that, driving carefully, you’ll reach the car park without any trouble. It’s clear that a very low-slung car risks scraping the ground. ⚠️ Works at the Cortalets refuge in 2026, 2027 and 2028. Renovation of the Cortalets refuge; Cortalets refuge closed for works
    View the route
  2. E
    Cortalets - Mas Malet par Prat-Cabrera, La Mouline, Chemin des Muletiers

    Cortalets - Mas Malet via Prat-Cabrera, La Mouline, Chemin des Muletiers

    ↔11.86 km ↗221 m ↘1,515 m
    Second stage of the Mas Malet loop to the Refuge des Cortalets. Return (descent) to Mas Malet via little-used paths, marked with directional posts (as of July 2025). Allow around 5 hours for the walk. The GPX track may prove very useful in places.Please note: classified as difficult, with a descent of over 1,500 m, but sheltered from the heat and offering beautiful views and refuges. The only drawback is undoubtedly the climb back up to follow the beautiful Chemin des Muletiers from La Mouline (15). There is an alternative route that avoids this by descending via the track. Another more radical alternative is to descend only via the track from (9) to (E).
    View the route

Notes

Download the map and route in advance.
day1: There is no mobile phone reception in the car park or on the climb, only at the refuge (E). There may be a few places with reception
day 2: Same as above. Probably no mobile phone reception anywhere, only at the refuge (E).

All equipment for a two-day hike with one night in a refuge. Bed linen, toiletries and personal care items, a change of clothes, weatherproof clothing (the weather can change quickly in the mountains. For me, it was sunny onthe first day and stormy with rain onthe second day!
Don't forget: 2 litres of water per person, snacks, GPS, smartphone, map or map extract, GPX track provided by Visorando, etc.

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

Other walks in the area

Walking Mas Malet - Cortalets via Roc Mosquit, Ras dels Cortalets

Visorando member
Mas Malet - Cortalets par Roc Mosquit, Ras dels Cortalets
↔9.14 km ↗+1,399 m ↘-101 m ◔6h 35 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Estoher (Pyrénées-Orientales)
First stage of the circular route from Mas Malet to the Refuge des Cortalets. Ascent to Les Cortalets via little-used paths, marked with directional posts that are present and in very good condition (as of July 2025). This is an alternative route through the forest, sheltered from the intense heat, and above all featuring a steady climb with beautiful views. The only drawback is the access to the start via a recently resurfaced track suitable for vehicles (as of July 2025) up to Coll del Forn. After that, driving carefully, you’ll reach the car park without any trouble. It’s clear that a very low-slung car risks scraping the ground. ⚠️ Works at the Cortalets refuge in 2026, 2027 and 2028. Renovation of the Cortalets refuge; Cortalets refuge closed for works

Walking Between Clara and Taurinya

Visorando member
Entre Clara et Taurinya
↔5.10 km ↗+263 m ↘-255 m ◔2h 15 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Clara (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A beautiful and easy hike open to all in the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park, which will allow you to discover the villages of Clara and Taurinya. The starting point is in the car park opposite the Church of Saint-Martin in Clara.

Walking Roc de la Collada via the Chapel of Saint-Étienne de Pomers

Visorando member
Roc de la Collada par la Chapelle Saint-Étienne de Pomers
↔11.82 km ↗+737 m ↘-737 m ◔5h 30 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Clara (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A little-visited but very pleasant area, in winter or early spring when the Canigou is covered in snow. The trail is mostly signposted and very well marked.

Walking Double circular route between Villerach and Llonat

Visorando member
Double boucle entre Villerach et Llonat
↔11.12 km ↗+280 m ↘-272 m ◔4h 00 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Clara (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A walk beneath Canigou with views of the villages on the left bank of the Têt. You will pass a dolmen and the ruins of the church in the old village. No difficulty. Suitable in all seasons.

Walking From Cortalets to Mariailles via the Barbet ridges and the Moura hut

Visorando member
De Cortalets à Mariailles par les crêtes du Barbet et la cabane de Moura
↔14.66 km ↗+978 m ↘-1,430 m ◔7h 00 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Taurinya (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Variation of a mountain stage that is part of theGR®®36.This way of connecting the two refuges allows you to avoid the crowds. The path from the Cabane de Moura to Coll del Cavall Mort is quite challenging.Read practical information in case of bad weather.

Walking Cortalets - Mas Malet via Prat-Cabrera, La Mouline, Chemin des Muletiers

Visorando member
Cortalets - Mas Malet par Prat-Cabrera, La Mouline, Chemin des Muletiers
↔11.86 km ↗+221 m ↘-1,515 m ◔4h 00 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Taurinya (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Second stage of the Mas Malet loop to the Refuge des Cortalets. Return (descent) to Mas Malet via little-used paths, marked with directional posts (as of July 2025). Allow around 5 hours for the walk. The GPX track may prove very useful in places.Please note: classified as difficult, with a descent of over 1,500 m, but sheltered from the heat and offering beautiful views and refuges. The only drawback is undoubtedly the climb back up to follow the beautiful Chemin des Muletiers from La Mouline (15). There is an alternative route that avoids this by descending via the track. Another more radical alternative is to descend only via the track from (9) to (E).

Walking Refuge des Cortalets - Casteil

Visorando member
Refuge des Cortalets - Casteil
↔12.51 km ↗+274 m ↘-1,613 m ◔4h 20 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Taurinya (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Third stage of the Three Days at Canigou. A very pleasant return to the starting point of these three days via old, little-used paths. This hike is classified as difficult because it involves a 1,650-metre descent, with a steep slope over a little more than two kilometres. Allow at least five hours of walking.

Walking Pic du Canigou - From the Cortalets Refuge to Los Masos

Visorando member
↔15.42 km ↗+791 m ↘-1,907 m ◔6h 40 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Taurinya (Pyrénées-Orientales)
This is the continuation of the Pic du Canigou - Los Masos hike from the Refuge des Cortalets. It passes through the Crêtes du Barbet, the Portella de Vallmanya, the Brèche Durier, the Pic del Canigó, the Refuge des Cortalets and ends at Los Masos. Pass through the chimney as the yellow markings have been erased - path closed (not recommended). See practical information below.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.