Col des Cortalets (Ras dels Cortalets) walks

If there is one peak to climb in Catalonia, it is Canigou (the Catalan Olympus). Rising to 2,784.66 metres, it offers exceptional views from the summit, where there is an orientation table.

This is a 2- or 3-day hike, starting from Los Masos, the Cortalets Refuge, the Crêtes du Barbet, the Portella de Valmanya, the Brèche Durier, the Pic du Canigou, the Pic Joffre, and the Cortalets Refuge (where you can stop before descending to Los Masos).

Three-day circular hike starting from Casteil. It takes you up to Mariailles via an old water channel, up the Canigou via the chimney, and back to Casteil via pretty, uncrowded paths.

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.

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.

This two-day hike, with an overnight stay at the Refuge des Cortalets, allows for one or more variations each day, depending on the weather or your needs. The hike is fully signposted. The suggested variations remain on signposted paths or tracks with no risk of getting lost. In addition, on thefirst day (upon arrival) or thesecond day (before descending),you can climb the Pic del Canigó (round trip from the refuge). Access is described at the beginning of the description for the first stage.

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).

First stage of the Mas Malet loop to the Refuge des Cortalets. Ascent to Les Cortalets via little-used paths, marked with directional posts and in very good condition (as of July 2025). This is an alternative route through the forest, sheltered from the heat and, above all, with a steady climb and beautiful views. The only drawback is the access at the start via a very rough track that has been resurfaced (as of July 2025) up to Coll del Forn. After that, driving slowly, you can reach the car park without any problems. Obviously, a car with low ground clearance is likely to scrape.