In Catalonia, we know a thing or two about complicated, high-altitude construction projects, but carrying one out at nearly 3,000 meters is something you don’t see every day. The Government of Catalonia has announced that it will carry out the restoration of the Sotllo trail, the most popular route used by mountaineers to reach the Pica d’Estats, the highest point in Catalonia.
This renovation will take place on the section between the Vallferrera mountain hut and the Sotllo Pass, at an altitude of 2,910 meters. This project marks the highest-altitude public works project ever undertaken in the history of Catalonia.
The trail restoration plan stems from a pressing need: the original trail was severely damaged by a storm in 2025, and hikers have been forced to create alternative routes through the Alt Pirineu Natural Park, which have caused problems on the ground, affecting the area’s flora and fauna.
This natural park receives more than 350,000 visitors each year, many of whom are drawn by mountain tourism and the opportunity to climb to the summit of Pica d’Estats. To prevent problems and emergencies, the main trail has been paved; in addition to improving safety along the new trail, plans are being considered to create new bus routes (in addition to the existing ones) to provide safer access to the park and promote sustainable mobility.
