The 4 lakes of Picot

A beautiful hike in the Mounicou Valley (Soulcem) that invites you to contemplate four little-visited lakes.
The goal of the day is to discover the four Picot lakes! While the first two are rather unremarkable, thethird andfourth have a charm that strikes you as soon as you see them and rewards you for your efforts.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 10.22 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 972 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 963 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,420 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,563 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐
    Area: Pyrenees
  • ⚐ City: Auzat (09220)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 42.677942° / E 1.452559°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 2148OT, 2148OTR
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

The start is just before the Soulcem dam. To get there, follow the N20 south towards Andorra. Once you have passed Tarascon-sur-Ariège, turn right at the roundabout and head towards "Auzat / Videssos". After passing Auzat, follow the signs for "Soulcem" and "Mounicou". You will soon come across the Soulcem dam, easily recognisable by its sloping structure covered in stones. Park just before you reach the dam. A concrete path will appear on your left.

(S/E) Just opposite your parking spot, you will find a concrete path that climbs to the left of the road. There is no doubt about it, a sign points you towards "Étangs du Picot". A few metres further on, the concrete path turns, but do not follow it. Continue straight ahead on the footpath, where a large sign indicates that you are on the right track. Continue along this path for a little over 1 km. The path is pleasant and flat, but this won't last! You will come to a small stream (depending on the season). Do not cross it, but walk alongside it as you begin the climb.

(1) Start of the climb
This is where the real work begins. You will soon reach a very exposed path (take care in hot weather) that climbs steeply. The path is obvious, so it is impossible to go wrong. Shortly before the first lake, the path branches off to the right into a scree slope, which is a slightly tricky section where you will need to use your hands. The path becomes obvious again and leads you to the first lake.

(2)First lake:
The reward for the climb is the first lake. Catch your breath, as the climb will continue in the same way until you reach the second lake. The path is still very clear and becomes a little rockier due to the altitude. You should quickly reach the second lake.

(3)Second pond
Thesecond pond is a little smaller than the first and has nothing particularly noteworthy about it. Walk around it and continue climbing towards the third pond.

(4)Third lake
Thethird lake comes into view, rewarding you for your efforts! It is probably the most beautiful of the Picot lakes and is much larger than the previous two you have just seen. When you reach thethird lake, the path splits in two. Walk along the lake (keeping to the left). Once you start to leave the third pond behind and begin the climb to the last pond, the path splits in two. Be sure to walk along thethird pond and keep it on your right. One last "small" climb and you will be facing the last pond at Picot.

(5)Fourth pond
The last pond has crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming (but don't forget that you are at an altitude of over 2,400 metres!).
The return journey follows the same route as the outward journey to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,563 m - Parking just before the dam. Close to the - Vicdessos (rivière) - Affluent de l'Ariège
  2. 1 : km 1.18 - alt. 1,615 m - Start of the climb
  3. 2 : km 2.17 - alt. 2,038 m - 1st lake - Étangs du Picot
  4. 3 : km 2.83 - alt. 2,163 m - 2nd lake - Étangs du Picot
  5. 4 : km 3.42 - alt. 2,282 m - 3rd lake - Étangs du Picot
  6. 5 : km 4.3 - alt. 2,415 m - 4th lake - Étangs du Picot
  7. S/E : km 10.22 - alt. 1,563 m - Car park just before the dam

Notes

There are no water points along the route. The elevation gain may seem "low", but remember that the slope is really steep. Therefore, be sure to wear good walking shoes. Walking poles will be very useful for both the ascent and descent. There are a few slightly tricky sections, but nothing comparable to the start of a climb. The difficulty is moderate, but be aware that the ascent is still relatively steep (see elevation diagram).

Worth a visit

As you climb, the view behind you will open up more and more, until you can see a large part of the Bassiès massif in the background (see photos). This is an unnamed peak that hides Malcaras at the3rd and4th lakes. At the3rd and4th lakes, you are very close to Picot.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 31 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
User 19191693

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 08, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike, but after the first trail, the climb is quite challenging. However, it is well worth the effort.

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User 2420087

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

The climb up Pic Picot is very interesting. It is physically demanding but not particularly difficult, except for the commitment required.

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EmilieR31
EmilieR31

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike that deserves to be classified as difficult. It's steep going up, with a few sections where you need to use your hands, and the descent is just as tricky. But the scenery is superb and the effort is well rewarded by the beauty of the ponds, especially the third one. You need to go at your own pace, wear good shoes and take plenty of water, be careful and, above all, take the time to admire the scenery. We saw three izards on the way up to the first lake. If the father of the brave Clément reads this message: thank you very much for your help and kindness. Please don't hesitate to let me know if you're planning any future hikes

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Britanicus100
Britanicus100

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 23, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This is a challenging lake hike with numerous boulder passages, but the beauty of these ponds is well worth the effort.
There are a few steep, somewhat exposed passages where you will need to use your hands.
Access to the fourth lake via a path that runs along the side of the mountain is easier.
I made a video that captures the atmosphere of the hike and shows the route and these steep passages
.
Here it is
https://youtu.be/1RjQ7AYS8Kk?si=fCE-njEt...

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FredF
FredF

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 08, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very beautiful route. The lakes are magnificent, and the area is quite wild. Be careful not to underestimate the difficulty of the route: there is little elevation gain and the distance is very reasonable, but there are some tricky sections for people who are not used to the mountains. You sometimes have to use your hands. I would not recommend this route in wet weather for people who are not sure-footed in the mountains.
But it's definitely worth it. The lakes are magnificent.

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@Far_away
@Far_away
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 10, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike with a significant elevation gain. It's a tough climb, so walking sticks are a good idea, and be sure to bring plenty of water. But once you reach the fourth lake, wow, it's beautiful... a breathtaking view!
If you plan to spend the night there, don't arrive too late, as there isn't much flat ground to pitch a tent.
A very nice hike with a bit of training, but I wouldn't recommend it for a Sunday outing with the family as it's still quite challenging!
Enjoy your hike, everyone!

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teysmur31
teysmur31

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 02, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

i found this hike more difficult than indicated. I usually agree with your descriptions, but not this time... The climb is tough, which is to be expected, but there are many sections where you need to use your hands, and the walking sticks are more of a hindrance than anything else. These sections may be scary for those who are afraid of heights.And you have to scramble down or slide down on your backside. Here too, the walking sticks get in the way. The ground is slightly damp and therefore slippery, and despite our best efforts, there were several falls, especially on the descent. However, it was all rewarded by some superb ponds with magnificent shades of blue.

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RAND19
RAND19
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 23, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely discovery, the ponds become more and more beautiful as we progress.
There is plenty of wildlife along the route
A real treat, but be warned, it's a tough climb with a few sections where you'll need to use your hands.
thanks for sharing

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la loutre randonneuse
la loutre randonneuse

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 27, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hello,

This is a two-day hike with an overnight camp at the fourth Picot lake. The third lake is much more beautiful and interesting for a dip after the tough climb! However, the view is nicer at the fourth lake for camping.
Be warned, the climb to the first lake is really tough! There's a steep incline in a short space of time and I saw people turning back.
There are indeed chamois on the ridges as you climb up to the right, but also marmots higher up in the scree. I also heard ptarmigans in the morning in the scree at the fourth lake.

So, my advice is to travel light and take walking sticks (especially for the descent).

From the top, the view is magnificent and the starry sky is beautiful.

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francoisdurand78
francoisdurand78

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 09, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very gentle start, followed by a fairly steep climb with a few tricky sections... However, the lakes are magnificent, and swimming is recommended in the current heat...

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pier road
pier road

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 09, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Thank you for this hike, it was beautiful, lovely ponds, and we even had the chance to see a chamois and a doe (on the right on the way down)
the climb was steep, but it was worth it
Plus, there weren't many people in July

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Pascal donard
Pascal donard

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 03, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Some delicate passages!

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billbock
billbock
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 03, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A challenging hike where you need to save your strength for the descent
We stopped at thethird lake because we were feeling the heat and fatigue

sighting of chamois between thefirst andsecond lakes

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Valériane
Valériane

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 21, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant hike with a series of four lakes, each more beautiful than the last. The first climb up the mountain pasture is quite steep and unshaded. After that, it's very different, with lots of rocky sections requiring a bit of agility, but that's also what makes the trail interesting. No problems with signposting and few people. Good walking shoes are essential.

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AndrieuxLN
AndrieuxLN

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 06, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hello,

The description is generally accurate and the reclassification as difficult is understandable, even if there are no major difficulties. Nevertheless, it is a hike where you need to be constantly vigilant, especially on the descent. Personally, I set off alone, which I very rarely do, and as there weren't many people around, I thought on the way back that it was a bad idea to do this route alone as there were too many opportunities to twist your ankle, knee, etc. In the end, everything went well but it was a lesson learned. If I go back alone, I'll choose an easier hike... I stopped at the third lake for about two and a half hours to climb up at a good pace but with several stops because it got hot from 11 a.m. onwards. There are several places where you have to use your hands, just before the first lake and just before the third. It is indeed the most beautiful of the first three. A couple had to make a detour of about ten minutes to get to the third lake because the woman couldn't climb the short section... The descent took almost two hours in the blazing sun. So, a beautiful hike, yes, but be careful: walking shoes are essential, take water and don't overestimate your abilities... It's the mountains, after all!

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