Refine your search for walks in Col d'Estos
Col d'Estos walks
Estos Mountain Hut – Viados Mountain Hut
The second day of the Tour du Posets begins with a steady climb along the GR®11 to reach the Col d’Estos. The second part of the day is a long descent leading to the Refuge de Viados. There are stunning views of the valleys, followed by views of the summit of Posets and its neighbouring peaks during the second part of the day.
Walks near Col d'Estos
Viados Mountain Hut – Angel Orus Mountain Hut
Day three of the Tour du Posets with a long day ahead: a long climb to reach the Collado de Eriste at an altitude of 2,862 metres before descending to the Angel Orus Refuge. Varied landscapes, starting with woodland before moving onto more open terrain that becomes increasingly rocky. The day ends with a section of boulders that makes you really appreciate arriving at the refuge!
Lake Espingo - Granges d'Astau
A gentle descent after the exertions of the previous days. From the Col d’Espingo, the Lac d’Oô below accompanies us for a long while. Once at the stone bridge, don’t hesitate to make a short detour to the Auberge du Lac d’Oô, where you can enjoy the view of the great waterfall, which will help you forget, if only for a moment, the increasingly obvious and cruel shortage of water. The return to Les Granges d’Astau brings this getaway in one of the most beautiful spots in the Luchon area to a pleasant close.
Refuge du Maupas – Pic de Maupas – Lys Valley
On this day’s hike, you’ll need to find your own way up to the Pic de Maupas over rounded boulders, where the numerous cairns mean you’ll have to locate the next one each time to continue the ascent to the ‘Mal Pas’, which gave the peak its name. This is the only pass – difficult to access – allowing you to cross over to the western slope and complete the ascent with a few easy climbing moves. The return will follow the same route as the ascent, with a pleasant alternative route via Lac Vert.
Estos car park – Estos mountain hut
The first day of the Tour des Posets, which offers a gentle start with a steady climb to the Estos Mountain Hut. Initially through woodland, partly alongside the Rio Estos, the path follows the GR®11 route and takes you close to the Gorgues Galantes (waterfalls) before reaching thefirst mountain hut on this tour.
Granges d'Astau - Lac du Portillon
Starting from Les Granges d'Astau, there is a long climb with some steep sections, made more pleasant by the presence of several lakes. Lac d'Oô and its inn, and Lac d'Espingo in its magnificent setting are ideal places to stop for a break. After Lac du Saussat (pronounced Sa-ou-sat), the much smaller Lac de la Coume de l'Abesque marks the start of the steep, winding climb that leads to a plateau dotted with smooth rocks and small lakes, and then to the Jean Arlaud refuge.
Fuente de la Pubiya – Prados de Llosás
Starting from Fuente de la Pubiya and ending at Prados de Llosás. The first day covers around 10 km with a climb of nearly 1,000 m. A lovely, gradual climb through the heart of the valley, with superb scenery and a finish in a magnificent setting.
Lac Vert, the Cirque de la Glère and the Hospice de France
A truly beautiful walk leading from the Vallée du Lys to the Hospice de France via the Lac Vert. The route is varied and the elevation gain is certainly significant, but this is more than made up for by the magnificent views over the Haut-Luchonnais and the ridge marking the border with Spain.
Lys Valley - Maupas Refuge
This first stage, which serves as an approach walk, is difficult. The climb is steep and sustained along the Torrent de Houradade up to the junction at the Cabane de la Coume. Continuing the route to reach the Cabane de Pratlong allows you to catch your breath a little before tackling the final stretch via the numerous tight hairpin bends leading to the pumping station and then to the Refuge du Maupas, where the warm welcome will quickly make you forget the day’s exertions.
Maupas Mountain Hut via the Cirque des Crabioules
An alternative route to climb up and spend the night at the Refuge du Maupas: this is longer than the standard ascent but less busy, offering splendid views over the Lys Valley and the 3,000-metre peaks overlooking the Cirque des Crabioules. Best undertaken in good weather, as the path is sometimes poorly marked after the Anciennes Mines des Crabioules.
From the Hospice de Rioumajou to Saint-Lary-Soulan
The first stage starts at the Hospice du Rioumajou. You are at the start of the summer pastures, one of the arrival points of the Ténarèze. This ancient path, first traced in prehistoric times and then developed by the Romans, linked the Adour and Garonne basins, avoiding fords and tolls. A major transhumance route, it allowed herds to move between the plains and the mountains, while serving as a commercial and cultural link between Gascony and Spain, notably via passes such as the Ourdissétou.