Pic du Canigou - Los Masos at the Refuge des Cortalets

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First stage of this two-day route around Pic du Canigou.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: The Pic du Canigou from Los Masos

Details

n°1530030
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.45 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,166 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 48 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,187 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,035 m
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Description of the walk

(S) From Els Masos, take the trail heading west towards Prat Cabrera / Refuge des Cortalets. This is theGR®®36(red and white markings). Climb up a series of switchbacks, steep slopes and side slopes.

(1) When you reach the ridge, follow the track to the left.

(2) Just after a right-hand bend, leave the track and take the path on the left towards Prat Cabrera.

(3) At the hairpin bend in the track, continue along the path on the ridge (west) and ignore the path that descends to the left. On the climb, keep to the left and go through a gate (close it properly after you have passed through). Continue, staying as close as possible to the fence.

(4) On your right, locate a gate, go through it and continue straight ahead.

(5) On this path, after passing a large scree slope, you will come across the remains of a plane wreck. Continue to the next intersection.

(6) Continue straight ahead and ignore the left turn towards the Crêtes du Barbet (next day's route). Reach the Refuge des Cortalets (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 1,035 m - Los Masos car park, near the - Lentillà (rivière) à finaliser
  2. 1 : km 2.23 - alt. 1,664 m - Crête
  3. 2 : km 2.72 - alt. 1,673 m - Path on the left
  4. 3 : km 2.99 - alt. 1,741 m - Ras de Prat Cabrera (1738 m)
  5. 4 : km 4.26 - alt. 2,069 m - Barrier
  6. 5 : km 5.23 - alt. 2,159 m - Aircraft wreckage
  7. 6 : km 6.19 - alt. 2,172 m - Straight ahead towards the Refuge des Cortalets
  8. E : km 6.45 - alt. 2,150 m - Refuge des Cortalets

Notes

There is no water at the start or along the trail. Be careful on the fairly long stretch through the forest. In case of fog, do not take theGR®® variant but follow the forest track.

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

Worth a visit

The landscapes and views of the Mediterranean.

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

4.6 / 5
Based on 16 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.4 / 5
Arnaud 11
Arnaud 11

Overall rating : 4 / 5

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

Two-day hike with an overnight stay at the Cortalets refuge.
For me, going through the chimney is too dangerous. It's very steep with climbing and no safety equipment.
Magnificent view from the top of Canigou

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Marc Titi
Marc Titi

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A splendid hike with magnificent views, not particularly difficult, just be in good shape and take the time to enjoy it.

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Doumic
Doumic

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 26, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Superb climb to Les Cortalets, magnificent view. The route is easy to follow and pleasant, even if it is uphill!
Remember to take plenty of water, especially in summer. The hike is popular, so it's a good idea to set off early to avoid the heat in summer and the crowds...

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lemarcheur65
lemarcheur65 ★

Hello antau
From the Cortalets refuge, how can you climb up the chimney?
This route has been closed due to the risk of rockfalls, as happened three years ago during the Canigó race.
Furthermore, there is a very high risk this year due to an unstable rock in the chimney or Durier breach.
https://entrevue.fr/pyrenees-orientales-...

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antau
antau

Admittedly, it's a steep climb almost all the way up to the refuge, but the approach is so beautiful through the rhododendrons in July on the last 300 metres of elevation gain. After a night at the refuge, I climbed Canigou via the chimney and returned via the ridge: magnificent! And to spare my tired knees, I spent a second night at the refuge before returning to my car in the morning, delighted with my planning!

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User 7881319

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

No particular difficulties. A bit steep at the start but sheltered in the undergrowth.
I mapped the route in June, so it wasn't too hot or too cold.
In summer, make sure you take sun protection! ☀️

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Jean-Bernard
Jean-Bernard

Thank you for your comments. Indeed, the descent from Canigou/Los Masos is quite a challenge for the knees!

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Les bivouacs de l'extrême
Les bivouacs de l'extrême

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Taken on 11 August 2024, in intense heat.
Be careful ⚠️ Sunscreen, hat, and plenty of water recommended!
There is no possibility of replenishing your water supply on the climb except at the cattle trough that you will come across when you are already well into the climb.
We enjoyed magnificent scenery and unobstructed views stretching all the way to the sea. 🌊
We encountered marmots, squirrels, cows, bulls, and calves.
The climb requires good physical fitness and mental strength. On the descent, take care of your knees ⚠️
Thank you for this route! 🫶

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antau
antau

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 07, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Done over 3 days: I had to take it easy on my knee! A good, steep climb from the car park but pleasant in the forest, then magnificent landscapes when you come out with beautiful views and fields of rhododendrons in full bloom. Friendly team at the refuge. The Canigou route is very easy to do via the chimney: follow the markings carefully, even the "faded grey" ones in the chimney. Even though some people do it with huge rucksacks, it's still climbing. A leisurely return to the car on the last day: the path is easy despite the steep slope.

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Christian Roux
Christian Roux

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 08, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Access to the Refuge des Cortalets is more difficult than the Refuge - Canigou route...

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durade
durade

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A route offering magnificent views all along the way

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marytof45
marytof45

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 07, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful two-day hike with my son. We camped near the refuge.
On the way up to the refuge, we took the wrong route at point number 3. Take the time to find the path that goes up between the trees rather than rushing to follow the one that goes down.
Thank you for this very nice route.

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durade
durade

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 05, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The route is straightforward, following the GR36 to the refuge. The route offers beautiful views, so it's a bit more challenging for the legs

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renildecaroline
renildecaroline

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 24, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A two-day hike, setting off in the afternoon to arrive at the refuge around 5pm, taking the time to admire the scenery. Early morning departure from the refuge to avoid the 'Compostela' effect and its procession of hikers. It's a shame that there are always bags and/or people on the orientation table...

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EEMH
EEMH

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 27, 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 to the Cortalets refuge. The route is very well marked (thanks to those who maintain it!). For GPS, 4G network coverage is available up to around 1,900/2,000 metres, then intermittently thereafter (Bouygues Télécom).

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