Refuge des Cortalets - Refuge de Mariailles via Canigou

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This day is devoted to the ascent of Pic du Canigou from the Refuge des Cortalets, and the descent via the chimney to the Refuge Arago, then to Mariailles, the starting point of the hike.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: The circular of the Canigou

Details

n°10564
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.68 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 739 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,168 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,780 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,688 m
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Photos

The Pla de Cady
the chimney
The cross
the table at the summit

Description of the walk

Please note: Observed on Thursday 29 October 2020. A large, recent and permanent road sign clearly indicates that the access track to the Mariailes refuge is closed from the Col de Jou car park.
It is advisable to check with the Casteil town hall.
See § practical information.

(S) Departure towards the Fontaine de la Perdrix (passed the day before). At the intersection, follow the track towards the Pic. The path climbs steadily, first reaching Pic Joffre.

(1) Continue the ascent on a particularly well-marked path to reach the summit of Pic du Canigou via a final section of tight switchbacks.
Enjoy the beautiful view of the glacier below and the Barbet ridge opposite, as well as the Roussillon, unless the clouds have not cleared.

(2) Then begin the descent via the chimney between the orientation table and the cross. Follow the yellow markings.
Be careful, the descent is not easy, especially if you are carrying a rucksack (put your walking poles in your rucksack; it is better to have your hands free for the descent). But, as with a very steep staircase, you have to look for the steps and hold on to the rocks. There is no difficulty unless the chimney is crowded with people climbing in the opposite direction.
You will then reach a small meadow at Plans de Cadi.

(3) Continue on easily to reach the Arago Refuge.

(4) Continue westwards and you will soon reach theGR®10crossroads.

(5) Take it to the left and follow the same route as the day before. Find the Cady torrent.

(6) Ford the stream and continue downhill to reach Collet Vert.

(7) Continue on theGR® and return to the Refuge de Mariailles car park (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 2,151 m - Refuge des Cortalets
  2. 1 : km 1.66 - alt. 2,362 m - Pic Joffre
  3. 2 : km 3.82 - alt. 2,780 m - Pic du Canigou
  4. 3 : km 6.88 - alt. 2,282 m - Maps of Cadi
  5. 4 : km 7.76 - alt. 2,121 m - Refuge Arago
  6. 5 : km 8.84 - alt. 2,018 m - GR°°®°°10
  7. 6 : km 9.47 - alt. 1,965 m - Gué de - Cady (rivière)
  8. 7 : km 11.13 - alt. 1,860 m - Col Vert ou Collet Verd (1850m)
  9. E : km 13.68 - alt. 1,726 m - Car park at - refuge de Mariailles

Notes

Water... there is little water in this area. There is a spring at the Pic, but then you will find the torrents that feed the Cady.
(S) Refuge des Cortalets: You must reserve your place at the refuge, and this service allows you to plan your climb with much less equipment than if you had to carry your sleeping gear and meals with you.
The refuge is particularly pleasant and relatively busy, making it a great place to spend an enjoyable evening chatting with other hikers.
Regulated access to the Canigou massif]

This route passes through multiple protected areas, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

Same as for the ascent.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 2 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
AmazonGa
AmazonGa

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 23, 2022
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello,

I would like to do this hike at the beginning of May. Is it feasible? It seems that the peak is still covered in snow?
We would be an independent group.

Thank you for your help.

Machine-translated

Daniel P4.
Daniel P4.

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 08, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Corridor known as the chimney, starting from the summit, with no technical difficulties, provided you are not afraid of heights; numerous solid handholds; descent with your back to the void for 10 or 20 metres, then descent facing the void.

Machine-translated

Charlie07
Charlie07
• Edited:

A new hike entitled "Day Two: Ascent of Pic du Canigou and descent" has been posted in the municipality of Casteil in the Languedoc-Roussillon region...

Except that it is listed in the South East, the Alps... A slip of the mouse when selecting?

Machine-translated

Pascal11210
Pascal11210
• Edited:

Indeed, Canigou is very popular. This route allows for a slower and more enjoyable approach than simply climbing up via the Cortalets refuge (or the Mariailles refuge), reaching the summit and then descending the same way.
The first day is a good warm-up in preparation for the second. The only difficulty is the descent down the chimney, which requires careful footing.
It is also possible to do it in the opposite direction...

Machine-translated

bernardino
bernardino ★

This popular Catalan peak makes for a very beautiful hike. I climbed Canigou during a five-day route, starting from the Carança Gorge and spending a night at Les Cortalets, and I have wonderful memories of it. See you soon for more descriptions of hikes in the Pyrenees.
Bernard

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Other walks in the area

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