Passage through the chimney is visible as the yellow markings have been erased - path closed (not recommended).
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(S/E) From the Los Masos car park, head towards the road and take the path that branches off to the left towards Ras de Prat Cabrera / Cortalets refuge. This is theGR® 36 (red and white markings), which is well signposted. Make a long climb through the Bois de Patriques (allow about 2 hours). Arrive at the ridge (altitude approx. 1600 m).
(1) Follow the track on the left, which quickly joins a forest road.
(2) Just before a large right-hand bend, leave the track and take the path on the left towards Ras de Prat Cabrera.
You can also take the forest road that leads to the same place.
(3) Continue along the path on the ridge (west). Leave the return track on the right and the path that descends to the left (Balcon du Canigou). On the climb, keep to the left. Continue as close as possible to the fence. (The path is very well marked). At an altitude of around 2000 m, the path branches off to the left.
(4) You will see the path continuing on your right. Cut across, continuing straight up. Follow this path towards the Refuge des Cortalets, after passing a large scree slope. Continue to the next intersection. This is a very pleasant path along the mountainside. 300 m before the Refuge des Cortalets, you will come to a fork.
(5) Turn left towards the Crêtes du Barbet. You will come out of the pine forest (at around 2,270 m). Continue climbing the winding path on the bare ridge, admiring the Canigou on your right and the Vallon Barbet with its steep walls. Pass a large cairn (at around 2,630 m).
(6) Continue along the very exposed Crête Barbet (around 2710 m) (take care if it is windy) then descend to Portella de Vallmanya (well-marked path).
(7) Descend first, then climb up the slope on your right, to the north-west. Join the path coming from the Mariailles Refuge. Pass close to the impressive Vallon Barbet breach (around 2650 m).
Pass the Brèche Durier (2696 m) to reach the foot of the Cheminée.
(8) Reach the summit by climbing up the Cheminée. Although impressive, this passage, consisting of large steps, does not present any major difficulties (approximately 70 m). (For information: this is not a natural chimney).
Watch out for falling rocks. You will reach the summit of Pic du Canigou (Pic del Canigó) at an altitude of 2784 metres.
(9) The summit is marked by a cross and an orientation table, which is very useful for identifying the many peaks visible on the horizon. Descend via the normal route (easy), heading generally north on a very good path.
(10) Intersection with the variousGR® trails, theGRP® du Tour du Canigou and the Fontaine de la Perdiu (altitude 2264). Continue to the right to reach the Refuge des Cortalets. You can sleep at the refuge to break up the hike. You can also sleep at the refuge the night before the hike.
(11) Behind the refuge, take theGR® 10 andGR® 36 paths, which join the Balaig track.
(12) Continue north on this track and at Ras dels Cortalets take the track on the right towards Ras de Prat Cabrera.
We chose to descend via the forest track to Ras de Prat Cabrera. It is a little monotonous and a little longer, but much less tiring as the hike is long for a single day.
(3) At Ras de Prat Cabrera, you will find the path you took on the way there. Turn left and follow the path in the opposite direction.
Long descent towards Los Masos to (S/E).
Visorando member
Difficult 
Moderate 
