Vallferrera Refuge - Pic de Comapedrosa - Comapedrosa Refuge

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Third stage passing through the highest point in Andorra: Pic de Comapedrosa. A high-mountain stage with no particular difficulties apart from the climb to Portella de Baiau over scree and the descent along the somewhat exposed ridge of Pic de Comapedrosa.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Tour of the Giants of the Three Nations

Details

n°78380900
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.07 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,136 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 777 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,916 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,852 m
  • ⚐ Country: Spain
  • ⚐
    Area: Pyrenees
  • ⚐ District: Alins 
  • ⚑
    Start: N 42.625077° / E 1.38784°
  • ⚑
    End: N 42.578876° / E 1.449165°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 2148OT, 2148OTR
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Description of the walk

(S) From the Vallferrera Refuge, descend southwards through the Bois de la Cabana until you reach the E16 Pyrenean trail. Do not take the HRP Variant 29.1 on the left just before.

(1) Turn left onto the track of the E16 Pyrenean trail heading south-east, leave the woods and cross the Pla de Boet mountain pasture. The trail re-enters the Cabana Woods and crosses the three small mountain pastures of Pla d'Arcalis nestled in the forest. From these mountain pastures, the trail heads east, then leaves the woods for good to reach the Estanys d'Escorbes. The terrain is a mix of mountain pastures and rocky areas.

(2) Walk along the northern shore of the Estanys d'Escorbes and continue south-east towards the Estanys de Baiau and their refuge. Reach the Petit Estany de Baiau.

(3) Turn left to walk along its northern shore. Pass by the Baiau Refuge to reach the northern shore of the Grand Estany de Baiau.

(4) Take the path on the right and begin the steep climb over scree to reach Portella de Baiau, which marks the border between Spain and Andorra.

(5) Descend on the Andorran side towards the east. The climb that follows is steep and on loose stones, but not technically difficult. Reach Pic de Comapedrosa, the highest point in Andorra

(6) Descend via the southern ridge. This ridge path is a little exposed, but not technical and fairly wide. Only a few small sections require the use of your hands to get over rocks. Overlooking Estany Negre, the path descends towards it without ever reaching its shore and branches off downstream from Estany Negre to arrive at Estany de Comapedrosa.

(7) Continue southwards along the eastern shore of Estany de Comapedrosa and continue descending. At an altitude of around 2,500 metres, the path branches off to the east.

(8) At an intersection at an altitude of 2,260 metres, you will find vegetation again. Leave the path on the right and continue straight ahead towards the east to reach the small pass of Comapedrosa.

(9) Turn right and climb up to the Comapedrosa Refuge (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 1,912 m - Vallferrera Refuge
  2. 1 : km 0.52 - alt. 1,863 m - Pyrenean trail E16
  3. 2 : km 4.91 - alt. 2,372 m - Estany d'Escorbes
  4. 3 : km 5.91 - alt. 2,480 m - Petit Estany de Baiau
  5. 4 : km 6.35 - alt. 2,492 m - Grand Estany de Baiau
  6. 5 : km 7.32 - alt. 2,779 m - Portella de Baiau
  7. 6 : km 7.81 - alt. 2,916 m - Pic de Comapedrosa
  8. 7 : km 8.88 - alt. 2,622 m - Estany de Comapedrosa
  9. 8 : km 10.34 - alt. 2,256 m - Intersection 2260m alt.
  10. 9 : km 10.91 - alt. 2,232 m - Small pass de Comapedrosa
  11. E : km 11.07 - alt. 2,271 m - Comapedrosa Refuge

Notes

Alternative route: it is possible to avoid Pic de Comapedrosa from Portella de Baiau (5) by turning right to reach Estany Negre and then Estany de Comapedrosa (7).

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