Refine your search for walks in Col des Isards (2749m)
Col des Isards (2749m) walks
The seven “3,000-metre peaks” of the Cirque de Gavarnie via the three Pics de la Waterfall
Visorando Member
15.36 mi
+5,951 ft
-5,938 ft
12h 15
Very difficult
Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
There’s no need to describe the Cirque de Gavarnie, this ‘colosseum’ of stone, snow and water cascading in countless waterfalls… But let’s describe here the hike across its peaks, all those legendary summits over 3,000 metres high overlooking the cirque on the French side and the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park on the Spanish side. It is a demanding route, at times somewhat technical and quite long (though it can be shortened by skipping a few peaks or by spending the night before or the night of the return journey at the Refuge des Sarradets). This hike can, however, be completed in a single day, which makes it all the more exceptional!
Walks near Col des Isards (2749m)
Col de Tentes - Goritz Refuge
9.92 mi
+4,829 ft
-4,265 ft
8h 45
Very difficult
Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
First day of the trek to Mont Perdu. Departure from Col de Tentes, passage through Brèche de Roland, at the foot of Pic du Marboré, and ascent of Mont Perdu. The first day is the most technical. You quickly reach the high mountain ranges of the Gavarnie massif.
The Spanish ledges
13.20 mi
+4,432 ft
-5,043 ft
9h 55
Difficult
Departure from Fanlo (Huesca)
Second day of the trek between the Mont Perdu massif and the ledges overlooking the Ordesa Canyon: Faja Luenga, Faja de las Flores, Faja Tardiador and Faja Escuzana, with a passage via Pico Mondarruego. This hike leaves the mineral landscape of the high mountains for a succession of vertiginous ledges and grassy sections between the peaks. A long route offering thrilling experiences on the ledges and spectacular views of the mountains around Ordesa. Not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo.
Refuge des Espugettes – Cirque d’Estaubé.
7.61 mi
+3,235 ft
-3,740 ft
6h 20
Difficult
Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Route from the Espuguettes refuge to the Cirque d’Estaubé, including the ascent of the Petit and Grand Piméné (2,801 m) via the Hourquette d’Alans. Bivouac in the cirque, entirely self-sufficient.
Route of the three cirques: Gavarnie, Estaubé and Troumouse
29.94 mi
+9,777 ft
-9,252 ft
4 days
Moderate
Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A four-day route of the three cirques of Gavarnie, Estaubé and Troumouse, including the ascent of the Piméné. A self-guided route with nights spent in bivouacs.
Gavarnie – Refuge des Espuguettes
7.36 mi
+3,901 ft
-1,759 ft
6h 45
Difficult
Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Start from Gavarnie and climb towards the Plateau de Bellevue, then descend to the Grande Waterfall. From the Hôtellerie du Cirque, climb via the ledges to the Refuge des Espuguettes, with a campsite nearby.
Gavarnie to the Espuguettes Refuge
7.16 mi
+3,868 ft
-1,677 ft
6h 40
Difficult
Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Day 1
The Cirque de Gavarnie needs no introduction; it is a monument, a cathedral, a colossus.
The route via the Plateau de Bellevue allows you to discover it from this remarkable viewpoint.
The path running along the slopes of the Bosquet Long adds an extra dimension, allowing you to appreciate it in all its splendour and enjoy a tranquillity not found on the more well-known routes.
The return route along the ledge on the right bank takes you back to the Refuge des Espuguettes, where you’ll spend the first night.
Estaubé Cirque – Troumouse Cirque
9.52 mi
+2,106 ft
-1,237 ft
6h 15
Moderate
Departure from Gèdre (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Set off from the Cirque d’Estaubé, passing by the Lac des Gloriettes, to the Cirque de Troumouse for a completely self-catering bivouac.
Refugio San Vicenda - San Urbez
9.79 mi
+2,799 ft
-5,331 ft
6h 55
Difficult
Departure from Puértolas (Huesca)
Second day of this superb two-day trip with a bivouac at the Refugio de San Vicenda. It is possible to go as far as Fuenblanca for the bivouac. In the Añisclo Canyon, bivouacking is permitted from 1,650 metres.
If you plan to sleep in your van the night before the hike, it is best to park 5-8 km before the canyon car park. The road to the car park is one-way, and crossing the canyon during the day must be magnificent (night crossing for the hike).
Troumouse Cirque – Héas Chapel
5.19 mi
+535 ft
-2,451 ft
2h 50
Moderate
Departure from Gèdre (Hautes-Pyrénées)
From the Cirque de Troumouse to the Chapel of Héas, via Fontaine and the Oratory of the Holy Family.
San Urbez - Sestrales - Refugio San Vicenda
9.04 mi
+5,043 ft
-2,608 ft
8h 35
Difficult
Departure from Fanlo (Huesca)
A superb two-day hike with a bivouac at the Refugio de San Vicenda. It is possible to go as far as Fuenblanca for the bivouac. In the Añisclo Canyon, bivouacking is permitted from 1,650 m.