Espingo Lake

On the trail of the GR10, the Granges d’Astau and Espingo Lake, via Lake Oô.

Technical sheet

11317
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.66 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 918 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 908 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,970 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,142 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Which route to take to the Espingo Lake, is an ancient path created during the construction of the EDF Lake dam gate of which is much higher, and the dam of Lake . Vestiges of this stony path still exist in places.

From the car park of the Granges d'Astau (S) (1130 m), the path heads south. It is well signposted and marked (GR10, red and white) to Lake Oô. It takes about 1.5 hours to get to Lake Oô and its shelter/hostel (2 hours if carrying a heavy load).
From the dam of Lake Oô (1) (1,500 m), continue to follow the GR10 south to access the Espingo Lake via the many loops leading up to the top of the Oô waterfall. Then we begin the climb to the Col d’Espingo, leaving the GR10 on the left (which goes up to the Superbagnères resort). Expect an additional 2-3 hours from Lake Oô to arrive at the pass.
At Col d’Espingo (1,967 m) discover the lake below at 1,880 m, and the refuge on the right.
From here there is a splendid view of the Cirque d’Espingo and about 3,000 m away (Spijéoles, Grand Quayrat, Mont Arrouy, Pic Lézat).
Come back by the same route.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,142 m - Les Granges d’Astau
  2. 1 : km 2.78 - alt. 1,505 m - Refuge du Lac d'Oô
  3. 2 : km 4.74 - alt. 1,912 m - Leave the GR10 to the left
  4. 3 : km 4.97 - alt. 1,963 m - Col d'Espingo (1967m)
  5. 4 : km 5.18 - alt. 1,926 m - Turn right towards Lac d'Espingo
  6. 5 : km 5.78 - alt. 1,881 m - Lac d'Espingo
  7. S/E : km 11.66 - alt. 1,143 m - Granges d'Astau, near the - Neste d'Oô (rivière) - Affluent de l'One

Practical information

Water isn’t a problem when heading to Espingo even in late summer as there is the refuge of Oô mid-trip, a few waterfalls on the way between Oô and Espingo, and water at the shelter at Espingo .
In principle camping is not allowed during the summer season, but bivouacking in Espingo is tolerated (if you make sure not to leave a trace of your having stayed when you leave), there are often people fishing at the lake.
Booking is essential for the Espingo shelter, which is often full.

In the nearby area

Espingo Lake alone is worth a look, but for those who want to continue to Lake Portillon (shelter) at 2,600 m, continue south along the same path, and passing Saussat Lake below.

 Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

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

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 93 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.9 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
fcmimi
fcmimi

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Well-shaded fitness trail except for the upper section
magnificent site

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User 11276206

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

We had a wonderful time.
It was our first time on the GR10 trail.
We went as far as Lake Saussat, which was well worth the effort!
It's certainly a climb, but the view at the top is breathtaking!
We can't wait to go back!

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KATELINE1976
KATELINE1976

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 08, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Superb, very popular hike to Lake Oo.
It climbs gently but is manageable.
Don't hesitate to go on to Lac de Saussat, just after Espingo, which is also magnificent.

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Vendinielle
Vendinielle

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A great classic that has to be earned. As well as the difference in altitude, the path through the rocks requires vigilance, but the views are splendid. Today, the level of Lac d'Oô was rather low, so everyone went up to Espingo! That was a lot of people on a public holiday. I recommend going as far as Lac de Saussat and climbing to the waterfalls above it. It makes the walk a bit longer, but it would be a shame to miss out on the spectacle.

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david85300
david85300

Hello
Are dogs allowed on this walk?
cdt
David

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Alexandre31
Alexandre31

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Dec 01, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Great hike, I really recommend pushing on to the Espengo lake, which offers a magnificent view of the snow-capped mountains and coms.
Reliable information from visiorando and good signposting.

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david_._lou
david_._lou

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

A beautiful hike!
A lot of climbing, especially from Lake Ôo.
The finish at Espingo is magnificent.
Popular even in November.

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IsaMart
IsaMart

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 02, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Superb walk, perfect description, well signposted, impossible to get lost! A little too busy in the afternoon. Car park quickly full in season.

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garmend64
garmend64

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 27, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

7 years later, I'm delighted to be doing this route again, which is no easy task!
There's a lot of climbing on the way out and a lot of descending on the way back!
But the scenery is marvellous.
To be done again and again. At the end of August, it was still a bit crowded, but it was OK.

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Durisp
Durisp

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

A classic, always popular.

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Muchos
Muchos

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 09, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Whoa,
Great route! Well worth the effort!
There are a few people on the first part, but far fewer on the second.
Lac d'Oô is one of the most beautiful in the Pyrenees, with its huge waterfall in the background, which is quite impressive.
Lac d'Espingo is incredibly peaceful, set in a magnificent cirque, and is the perfect place to have lunch!

Physically feasible, but you need a minimum of experience to get to the top.
The route and directions are spot-on, so there's no risk of you getting lost!

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ThomasBaloge
ThomasBaloge
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

The stretch up to Lake Ôo is extremely busy. Between Lac d'Ôo and Lac d'Espingo, obviously a little less so. But the hike is still very charming and the view on arrival at Espingo is just phenomenal.

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Mickaelmf47
Mickaelmf47

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 24, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Lovely walk.
Very accessible route with no difficulties.
Quite a bit of snow before reaching the Col d'Espingo.

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Evarando07
Evarando07

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 08, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

The route was taken on a Monday at the beginning of October in conditions worthy of a month of July. We met a few people, especially around Oo, but it's really worth the effort to climb as far as Espingo - it's a real eye-opener!
A few ibex may cross your path!
Very well signposted path all the way through the forest to Oo.
I'd definitely recommend it!

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Margorando
Margorando

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 20, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Beautiful walk in the Luchon valley. The climb up to Lac d'Oô isn't the most interesting (no views most of the way) but you're rewarded by arriving at Lac d'Oô with its magnificent waterfall!

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