Paid parking, €1.10/12 hours
Monturull ridge to Coma Extremera peak via the Madriu Valley
You have to be curious enough to venture far south of the Principality of Andorra to have heard of the Monturull peak, the Tossal Bovinar or the Colilla peak; names that are not as famous as the great peaks of the West. However, these peaks are well over 2,700 metres, even reaching 2,800 metres, and are located in eastern Catalonia.
The ridge on today's itinerary is located just south of the Principality of Andorra. It marks the southern border with Spain. The southern slope of this ridge is gentle and accessible, while the northern slope is made up of ravines and steep cliffs. Naturally, the southern route is the most popular, but I decided to tackle this journey by looping around the north. I will therefore start this loop from the Madriu Valley in Andorra.
Details
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 17.10 mi -
Average duration: 14h 10 -
Difficulty: Moderate -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 7,231 ft -
Descent: - 7,224 ft -
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Highest point: 9,308 ft -
Lowest point: 4,055 ft
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Country:
Andorra
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Area: Pyrenees -
City:
Escaldes-Engordany -
Start/End: N 42.504397° / E 1.552262° -
Hour-by-hour weather
Waypoints
- S/E : mi 0 - alt. 4,068 ft
- 1 : mi 3.36 - alt. 7,464 ft - Refugi de Claror
- 2 : mi 4.49 - alt. 8,540 ft - Port Negre
- 3 : mi 5.77 - alt. 9,029 ft - Monturull
- 4 : mi 6.47 - alt. 8,996 ft - Pic de Perafita
- 5 : mi 7.77 - alt. 8,875 ft - Pic del Sirvent
- 6 : mi 8.6 - alt. 9,239 ft - Pic de la Colilla
- 7 : mi 9.26 - alt. 9,308 ft - Tossal Bovinar
- 8 : mi 10.15 - alt. 8,806 ft - Port de Setut
- 9 : mi 13.41 - alt. 6,565 ft - Small pass
- 10 : mi 14.3 - alt. 6,191 ft - Fontverd refuge
- S/E : mi 17.1 - alt. 4,068 ft
Notes
Other walks in the area
The Pic de Casamanya from the Col d'Ordino
Visorando Member 4.55 mi
+2,415 ft
-2,415 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Ordino (Andorra)
A different side of Andorra if you want to get away from the shopping centres!
A demanding hike (it’s a tough climb) without being difficult, but offering sublime 360° views of the surrounding Pyrenean peaks and valleys.
At the start and finish, in the shade of mountain pines, and if you’re hiking in late August, there are raspberries to enjoy all along the way.
Cami del Toll Bullidor
Visorando Member 1.10 mi
+387 ft
-361 ft
0h 50
Easy
Departure from Canillo (Andorra)
A very short, easy hike to see a beautiful waterfall. There is only one path and it is very easy to follow.
Ensagents Refuge and Lakes
Visorando Member 
6.08 mi
+2,192 ft
-2,192 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Encamp (Andorra)
A fairly demanding hike through mountain pines and rhododendrons to reach the refuge and then the Étangs d'Ensagents, set in a predominantly mineral environment. The calm, the omnipresent water and the beauty of the landscapes more than compensate for the considerable effort required to negotiate a few very steep passages. A breath of fresh air just a few kilometres from the consumer frenzy of Pas de la Case.
From Sant Julia de Loria to the Perafita Refuge
Visorando Member 
11.95 mi
+6,309 ft
-2,064 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Sant Julià de Lòria (Andorra)
Set amongst forests and mountain pastures, this stage will take you to the Perafita Refuge, the perfect spot to rest.
Pic de L'Estanyo from Canillo (Andorra)
Association / Club / Walk leader 
11.32 mi
+4,754 ft
-4,760 ft
9h 20
Difficult
Departure from Canillo (Andorra)
Pic de l'Estanyo is the second highest peak in Andorra (2,915 m). The view of the other peaks in Andorra is magnificent. It is accessible from Sorteny or Ransol for the most well-known routes. It can also be accessed from Canillo, which is the subject of this guide.
This is a long hike with a significant elevation gain. The trail is generally well marked up to Estany Gran, then you have to follow the cairns and the trail where it exists.
Circuit of Pic de la Coma Pedrosa
Association / Club / Walk leader 
8.61 mi
+4,902 ft
-4,902 ft
8h 15
Difficult
Departure from La Massana (Andorra)
Pic de la Coma Pedrosa is the highest peak in Andorra. This route takes you around it, allowing you to explore the valleys to the north on the Spanish side as well as the Estanys Forcats, far from the hordes of hikers heading for the summit.
Please note: the descent from Portella de Baiau is not recommended for those who are not used to mountain terrain and are afraid of steep slopes.
Part of the route is off-trail but presents no significant difficulty.
Comapedrosa Refuge - El Serrat
Visorando Member 8.64 mi
+2,329 ft
-4,610 ft
6h 00
Moderate
Departure from La Massana (Andorra)
The fourth stage is in the high mountains, easier than the previous two, allowing you to reduce your effort. Many trails through forests and woodlands make for a more bucolic and enjoyable hike. This stage presents no technical difficulties, but orientation and following the route are complicated due to numerous crossings and intersections of hiking trails. It is essential to have a hiking app and the GPX track to avoid getting lost.
Estany de la Cabana Sorda and return via Val d'Inclès
Visorando Member 
8.61 mi
+2,503 ft
-2,503 ft
6h 10
Difficult
Departure from Canillo (Andorra)
This beautiful and demanding hike allows you to discover several high-altitude lakes in an exceptional environment, including Estany del Querol, Estany de la Cabana Sorda and Estany d'Anrodat, to name but the most important. Other small lakes, some of which are unfortunately drying up, dot the route. After a particularly challenging descent, the return journey takes you along the Chemin de l'Ubac d'Inclès, which allows you to discover this beautiful valley as you walk alongside the Riu d'Inclès, close to pastures where cows, donkeys and horses graze in the summer. However, you will need to save your strength for the climb back up to the car park, which can be very tiring at the end of the walk.
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