a0357 - Andorra's Pic de pessons Pyrenees Mountain Hiking

12km medium-hard circular hiking route from Grau Roig ski resort parking via the Circ de Pessons. The route starts with a constant uphill climb initially via ski slopes then into natural mountain landscape ascending to a series of peeks along a ridgeline route before descending via a series of lakes back to the parking area.

The principal points of interest are the mountain valleys (Coll), summits (Pic), rivers (Riu) and lakes (Estany):
- Riu Dels Colells
- Collada de Montmalús
- Estany de Coma Estremera
- Collada de Montmalús
- Pic de Montmaús
- Pic d'Alig
- Coll de Ríbuls
- Pas de Rí;buls
- Portella de Pessons
- Pic de Pessons
- Collada de Pessons
- Estany del Cap de Pessons
- Estany de les Fonts
- Sisè Estany
- Estany del Meligar
- Estany Rodó
- Tercer Estany
- Estany Primer
- bosque dels peu dels pessons
- Riu de Pessons

The route trails cover varied terrain, including forests, meadows and rocky paths. The path between the Ríbuls peaks is narrow and steep. The descent from the Collada de Pessons is made of loose stones and a steep slope. Various signage with yellow marks, GR and stone milestones indicate the trails. There are also information posts at some of the intersections. Above all this route has amazing 360 panoramic views of all the peaks in the area.

NOTE: This route is extremely physically demanding and I only recommend it for frequent experienced mountain hikers.

SAFETY TIP: I recommend Andorran routes at altitudes of over 1,700 metres between the end of June and the end of September. This route has peeks at altitudes of 2700 with the highest point of Pic de Pessons being at 2862 metres so outside of this summer window will be covered in snow and ice. The narrow ridge at the Ríbuls peaks is probably impassable in snow and at best extremely dangerous is snow with its steep drop on either side.

One of the attractions of this route is the last section between the Estanys de Pessons, consisting of eight lakes, could be a simpler route for the whole family or inexperienced hikers.

Allow 7 to 9 hours to complete this route. You can also swim in the lakes but the water is very cold.

Read about where to park and how to Get to Andorra avoiding the Andorra de la Vella city traffic plus overnight accommodation and where to eat on the Barcelona Travel Hacks website.

This route is from the Andorran Pyrenees Hiking collection.