Colomèrs

In Salardú, heading towards the Col de la Bonaigua, be careful not to miss the sign for "Parc National Aygues Tortes et San Maurici par Aiguamòg", which invites you to leave the C-28 and turn right at a small roundabout. The narrow but well-maintained road climbs up the valley, runs alongside the dam and leads to the compulsory car park at Plan des Banhs. Park here and take a shared taxi, which will take you up the track to the upper car park in about ten minutes.

(S/E) Turn back and follow the cement track to the large wooden sign announcing "Refugi di Colomers" and marking the start of the trail on the right.

Yellow markings

Begin the climb through a beautiful pine forest with some steep sections. The trail levels out to cross the beautiful wet meadow that is home to Etanh dera Lossa. The passage is made easier by a wooden footbridge, followed by a boardwalk that avoids the most spongy areas, depending on the season. You will reach the footbridge over the Arriu de la Montanheta, which serves as an overflow for the Estanh Major de Colomèrs (direction sign).

No markings

(1) Turn left. After a flat section, the path climbs steeply through an environment of rhododendrons and difficult rocky passages where the trail is sometimes faint. You will come to a fork in a clearing facing the Lac de Clòto de Baish. Take the time to make a short detour to the left to enjoy the view of this magnificent high mountain lake.

(2) Return to the fork and turn left to climb a narrow valley leading to a clearly marked trail junction opposite a high directional post.

GR®11 White and Red + Yellow markings

(3) Continue right on the trail that runs alongside Estanh Long de Colomers and then Lac Redon, both located in a stunning natural setting. Cross a small ledge to reach Estanh Obago, dominated to the south-east by Tuc de Ratera, a popular viewpoint in the National Park. Follow the western bank to reach a trail junction marked by a signpost with numerous trail markers.

No markings

(4) Turn right, following the sign for "Refugi Colomèrs: 1h 20". An easy climb up a grassy valley leads to Lac des Gargolhes, which mirrors the rocky peaks overlooking Estanh Major de Colomèrs.

(5) Walk along the left side of the lake. A little further on, the Estanh des Cabos stretches out its calm waters where reeds thrive.

(6) Begin the gentle descent that leads to Estanh Plan, which is overlooked on the left. Continue along the well-marked path that approaches Estanh des Gargolhes de Baish, then veer right to reach a crossroads at the torrent that serves as an overflow for Estanh Plan.

(7) Ignore the marked trail that climbs up to the left and head right instead. Walk along a flat marshy area on your right, then veer left onto the trail, which then begins a fairly steep descent for a few dozen metres towards Estanh Major de Colomèrs. Reach the bank and walk along the lake on the left with the refuge clearly visible in front of you. After a climb, rejoin the marked trail and follow it to the right to the refuge.

Markings: GR® White and Red + Yellow

(8) After a welcome break, if desired, return to the marked trail and follow the signs for "Plan des Banhs". Cross a footbridge and continue towards the old refuge and the dam. Cross the dam.

Yellow markings

(9) Once at the end, turn left downhill onto the path that leads further into a pine forest and rejoins the footbridge you crossed on the way up.

(1) Turn left onto the uphill route and you will soon reach the upper car park where taxis are waiting (S/E).

The paid shuttle system is not to everyone's liking. It is possible to use it only on the way up and then walk back down at a leisurely pace after the hike. If you want to avoid it altogether and make the round trip on foot, you should be aware that this adds 8.4 km to the hike, which is not insignificant.
Price in July 2023: single journey €5. Departures are every half hour.

Accommodation and catering at the Colomèrs Refuge.