For those of us accustomed to the noise of the city, concrete landscapes, and daily exposure to screens, escaping to the Pyrenees feels like traveling to another planet and rediscovering a reality we thought was long gone.
Among all the marvelous landscapes this mountain range has to offer, there is a route that allows us to pass through seven glacial lakes in a single morning. The Colomers Lakes Trail is a circular route through the Catalan Pyrenees that owes its formation to the melting of massive glaciers over millennia.
As is often the case, there are different trails that allow us to extend or shorten the route depending on how much time we want to spend on it. In any case, the route begins at the taxi stand next to the Banhs de Tredòs spa. From here on, our only means of transportation will be our own two feet, so it’s important to keep in mind that this is a highly challenging route, as there are several sections with elevation gains exceeding 350 meters.
Before starting the hike, it’s important to plan which route you’ll take: the shortest option is less than 6 kilometers, and there are others up to 16 kilometers long. The time needed to complete them will depend largely on each person’s experience and ability.
Whichever option you choose, the route will take you past seven of the most impressive estanhs in all of the Val d’Arán: the Estanh dera Lòssa, the Estanh Major, the Estanh Mòrt, the Estanh des Garguilhs de Jos, the Estanh des Cabidornats, the Estanh Long, and, to round out the route, the Estanh de Baish, from where it will be easy to return to the starting point.
A hot springs resort and a snowmobile excursion
What’s more, this route is the perfect excuse to enjoy a few relaxing days and discover the Pyrenees through fun activities that are a refreshing change from the daily grind. Right at the start of the route lies the town of Tredòs, a municipality where you’ll find everything you need to make this getaway an unforgettable trip.
In Tredòs, you’ll find a hot springs resort, which offers the perfect contrast for relaxing after a morning of hiking. But if your dream trip is something more active and extreme, they also organize snowmobile or electric bike tours to explore the entire area.
