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At Encamp, at the roundabout marked by a fountain, turn left (from Pas de la Casa) or right (from Andorra la Vella) onto the narrow CS-220 road, following the signs for Els Cortals d'Encamp. After a series of more or less tight hairpin bends, this road leads to the upper valley of the Riu Aixec. Once you reach a beautiful hamlet on the left that is currently being restored, leave the road and park on the right, at the start of a stony path where there are two wooden hiking signs. Please note: there is space for one or two vehicles maximum.
(S/E) Continue along the path until you reach a fork and head towards the signpost marking the start of the trail.
Yellow round sign
Take this trail, pass a picnic area, then enter the forest. The yellow markings are combined with secondary markings consisting of animal paws in various colours and letters painted on rocks (educational route). A little further up, the trail splits: follow either the right or left path, which rejoin further on, and you will reach a fork that is not shown on the map.
Keep left, following the wooden sign for "Ensagents" and leaving the secondary markings behind. The slope becomes much steeper with a short section over rocks, and the well-marked trail leads to a second fork marked by a wooden sign.
(1) Continue to the right through a magnificent forest of mountain pines with a ground carpeted with rhododendrons. The slope remains steep until you reach another fork, also not shown on the map, but marked on the ground by a large wooden sign.
Ignore the sign for "Coma dels Llops" on the right and follow the sign for "Ensagents" on the left. You will come out at the bottom of a large meadow, which you must climb up to the next signpost.
(2) Turn right. The path becomes more uneven on ground that is sometimes muddy but has been improved with wooden sections in the most problematic areas. When you reach a large scree slope on your right, descending from the rocky outcrop that holds back the waters of Estany Moreno, continue along the path, which rises sharply to cross a fairly difficult rocky passage before levelling out and leading to the plateau where the Ensagents Refuge is located.
Off the trail
(3) With your back to the refuge, cross the stream, leaving the marked trail, then turn left to climb up a narrow rocky corridor leading to a small unnamed pond. Turn left to follow it, then climb up to the left on a scree slope and rejoin the marked trail at a signpost.
Yellow round markings
(4) Head opposite, following the direction "Estanys d'Ensagents". The very steep climb leads to a small lake and then opens onto the first pond. Continue following the markings to reach the upper pond, which is much larger than the previous one. Head towards the tiny peninsula, which is an excellent place to picnic and take the essential photos.
(5) Take the time to enjoy this beautiful lake, which softens the predominantly mineral landscape dominated by Alt del Griu (2,875 m). You can reach this iconic peak in the area via Collada d'Entinyola, clearly visible to the north-west thanks to its large signpost.
Off the trail
Retrace your steps and then veer left to follow the lake shore as closely as possible to its southern end.
(6) Then turn right and climb up to the weak point of the small ridge, making your way as best you can between grassy areas and rocks. When you reach the grassy hollow that occupies the site of a former pond that is now dry, turn right (south-west) to go around it, then head south to find a marked trail.
Purple round markings
(7) Turn right and continue along the hillside until you are about 50 metres from a large rock bearing the markings.
Off the trail
Leave the trail and descend towards an unnamed pond. There are several possible routes: the recorded route is an example that avoids steep slopes. Reach the bank of the pond and follow it until you reach a marked trail.
Yellow round markings
(8) Turn right. Follow this sometimes indistinct path, making sure to locate the next markers on the rocks before continuing. Reach the junction with the pond trail.
(4) Continue to the left to quickly return to the refuge.
(3) Retrace your steps along the ascent route. Navigate the difficult passage, which is even more challenging on the descent, and return to the starting point (S/E).
Visorando member
Easy 
Association / Club / Walk leader
Difficult 
