Cross the Andorran border at Pas de la Casa and then the Col d’Envalira. It is possible to take the tunnel, but you will miss out on the magnificent view from the pass. Descend the C.G.2 to Soldeu, cross the village and then, at the first hairpin bend to the left, do not miss the start of the very narrow road on the right that climbs up the Vall d’Incles. Continue to the end of the road just before the Badalosa bridge and park in the designated car park.
Signposted with directional signs at major junctions
(S/E) Do not cross the Badalosa bridge but head towards the attractive stone building which serves as a bar-restaurant and quickly leave the tarmac for a wide stony track. At the junction just after a white metal gate, ignore route no. 31 (Obac d’Incles) on the right and continue straight on, following the Riu de Juclar, until you reach a fork with two signposts.
(1) Turn right, following the signs for “Pic de la Cabaneta – Refugi de Siscaro – Estanys de Siscaro”. The path narrows and begins a fairly steep climb through a forest of mountain pines and rhododendrons. Progress is sometimes hampered by numerous streams and some relatively muddy sections.
Emerge from the pine forest onto the beautiful Siscaro hut, where you will find an information board detailing the hikes available in this area, as well as a signpost a few metres further on.
Red and white markings + yellow markings
(2) Ignore the footbridge on the left leading to the refuge and continue straight on towards the mountain cirque. Cross several streams and a few muddy sections, which are easily bypassed, heading towards the rocky barrier that holds back the first pond and overlooks the area to the south. Then turn right onto the path, heading west to go round it.
(3) Ignore the path on the right and continue straight on, following the double markings to quickly reach the first pond, which is drying up, with only two small pools of water remaining.
Yellow markings
(4) Turn left, leaving theGR® to continue due south towards Port Dret. Reach Estany de Baix de Siscaro (2340m), much prettier than the previous one. Cross the outlet then tackle the climb leading to Estany de Canals Roges.
Very old and faded red markings + cairns
(5) Follow the edge of the lake and keep heading in the same direction to begin the climb, following a stream on the right to go round a small rocky outcrop. You’ll come out onto a flat area facing a rocky cirque; go round the outcrop, taking care to stay on the faint trail on the ground.
(6) At the break in the slope, start a steep climb, heading south at first then east. At a short flat area where you can take a break, the cairn-marked trail turns north-east, climbing straight up across the contour lines and two narrow cross-trails which can be ignored.
(7) End of the cairned section. Head off to the right (east) for the final part of the ascent, which is somewhat discouraging as it consists of several grassy knolls, each one obscuring the next, giving the impression that you’re not making any progress. Keep heading in the same direction to reach the ridge at a small flat area.
(8) Turn left and head straight for the Tosa de Siscaro, which you’ll reach in a few minutes via a much gentler climb than the previous one.
(9) Exceptional 360° panorama. Then follow the ridge, heading south-east then east, whilst ensuring you stay two or three metres below, on the south side, to avoid the rocky outcrops on the north slope. Walk along the ridge, taking care not to lose elevation, and reach the Pic de la Cabaneta (2818m).
(10) Take advantage of this well-deserved break to admire the Andorran and Ariège Pyrenees unfolding in a 360° panorama. The view is well worth all the effort of the climb.
Follow the same route back to the Vall d'Incles and the car park (S/E).
