Lake Estaens as seen from Les Forges d’Abel

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This circular route takes you to Lake Estaens from Les Forges d’Abel.
It is also possible to do this hike as a return trip from Sansanet; this route is described on the Lac d’Estaens information sheet
The route suggested here is a circular route offering a variety of scenery.
Please note that this walk is slightly more vertiginous than the other one, in that reaching the lake requires using a small ladder attached to the rock face and a few handrails – though it is completely safe. Alternatively, it can be done as an ascent, which is less vertiginous than a descent.
Although the route is not signposted, it is very well maintained and it is impossible to get lost. However, it is advisable to follow the route on the app to ensure you don’t get lost.

Details

n°50970790
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.93 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,998 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,978 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 5,909 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 4,367 ft
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Photos

Estaens Lake
Espélunguère Waterfall

Description of the walk

On the Somport road, just before the tunnel, take thefirst road on the right towards Les Forges d’Abel, then follow the road as it winds uphill to the car park. Park in this car park on a hairpin bend.

(S/E) Head into the woods towards the lake, as indicated by a sign. You’ll soon reach the Espélunguère Waterfall.

(1) Cross the stream and leave the woods. Continue uphill, cross another stream via a footbridge and carry on until you reach the Y-junction, which marks the start of the circular route.

(2) Take the path on the right and continue climbing. Enter the forest and follow the winding path alongside the stream. Cross the stream before reaching the Cabane d’Espélunguère, which is about 250 m further on.

(3) Gradually leave the forest behind to reach the steep section.

(4) Cross it carefully. To do so, use a ladder and two bridges: handrails provide support for the climb. You will then reach the border above the lake, the Ibon de Estanés.

(5) Continue into Spain, then go round the lake on the left. Gradually move away from it to join theGR®11.

(6) Take this path to the left, following it downhill to reach the border between boundary stones 291 and 292.

(7) Continue straight down the slope until you reach a crossroads. Turn left onto this path and head for the Cabane d’Escouret mountain hut.

(8) Go round the houses on the right, climb a little and continue along the track which enters the forest a few hundred metres further on. Reach the bottom of the descent.

(9) Take the path leading uphill on the left. Take care: there is a steep slope for a few hundred metres. You will then reach an unnamed pass.

(10) Head downhill, then pass through a clearing where the track becomes a footpath. Continue straight on until you reach the crossroads you passed on the way out.

(2) Turn right and retrace your steps along the route you took on the way there to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 4,367 ft - Car park at the hairpin bend
  2. 1 : mi 0.05 - alt. 4,446 ft - Espélunguère Waterfall
  3. 2 : mi 0.4 - alt. 4,633 ft - Junction of the circular loop
  4. 3 : mi 0.88 - alt. 5,282 ft - Espélunguère hut
  5. 4 : mi 1.23 - alt. 5,669 ft - Steep section
  6. 5 : mi 1.3 - alt. 5,797 ft - Border and - Lac d'Estaens (1754 m)
  7. 6 : mi 1.86 - alt. 5,843 ft - GR11
  8. 7 : mi 3.02 - alt. 5,331 ft - Border
  9. 8 : mi 3.91 - alt. 4,626 ft - Escouret huts
  10. 9 : mi 4.41 - alt. 4,423 ft - Low point
  11. 10 : mi 5.14 - alt. 4,767 ft - Unnamed pass
  12. S/E : mi 5.93 - alt. 4,367 ft - Car park at the hairpin bend

Notes

It is possible to park before the car park, which is tiny, especially as the road is unpaved from that point onwards. You can also park opposite the Estaens power station, as the tarmac gives way to gravel from there.
There are no water sources, so make sure you bring plenty of water.

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

Somport Pass.
Borce and its wildlife park.
Lescun Cirque.

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

4.8 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
Jn64
Jn64

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 09, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike in beautiful, very hot weather (34°C in the plains). We set off around 9:30 a.m., and the climb through the forest was very pleasant with sumptuous landscapes, ending in a grand finale at the famous passage through the chimney, which is really no problem at all. The view of the lake is superb. However, we were disappointed to see so many people at the lake with a continuous stream of people arriving. I was also surprised to see dogs, which are prohibited in the Pyrenees Natural Park, but only on the French side. They are allowed on a leash on the Spanish side. Long live European harmonisation!!! The section of the GR11 between the lake and the sheepfold was very busy and therefore a little disappointing. It was much quieter after the fork towards the Sansanet car park, where all these people had come from. The rest of the walk was quieter and more wooded. Very pleasant too. Following the trail was no problem, as the path was clearly visible. But the GPS track was perfect, with landmarks announced at just the right moments.

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ayout
ayout

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The car park is a little further down than shown on the app (at the end of the tarmac). A lovely walk, with perfect weather today. As suggested by a colleague, we walked round the lake on the right-hand side; it’s very scenic but not very well signposted until you reach the GR11, and there are a few tricky sections. It was indeed a bit busy on the direct route from Sansanet.

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amiralpoum
amiralpoum

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 03, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Very nice hike, access to the lake is fairly quick, the ladder is not a problem and arriving at the lake from this side is really sumptuous - there were a lot more people on the other side.

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User 3112964
• Edited:

The most scenic route in Estaens starts at the power station at the Espelunguere car park; climb up the ladders, go round the right-hand side of the ibon, and head back up the opposite side to join the GR11. Continue as far as the Puerto de Escalé and return via the Paso de Escalé.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.