Cavalls Del Vent is a circular route hiking through the spectacular Cadí-Moixeró Natural Parkin the Catalan PyreneesThe route is about 80 km long and has an elevation gain of 5,000 metres. It is normally covered in 4 or 5 stages, but the 8 refuges along the route allow you to divide the stages as you wish.
Quick guide TREKKING SEVERAL DAYS in the Pyrenees
with everything you need to know before undertaking a multi-stage circular route.
(This video of Mundo Baca I think it can be a good landing if you are looking for a route of several days in the Pyrenees for this summer).
📋 Route Description
| Cavalls del Vent in data: |
| Distance: 76.3 km Unevenness: +/- 5.000 m Duration: 4-5 days. Number of shelters: 8 |
The starting point and the direction of the route is free. The path passes through altitudes ranging from 900m to 2,520m, with a total accumulated difference in altitude of 5,000m. The route is completely marked with orange paint.
You may be interested in: Discover the most emblematic circular routes of the Pyrenees >>
Stages Cavalls Del Vent
The route can be done on your own by booking individually in each refuge, or through the official website of Cavalls del Vent and make a joint booking in all of them. Free camping and bivouacking are prohibited according to the park's regulations.
The start and the direction of the route is free but, please note that The refuges Lluís Estasen, Gresolet, Rebost and Serrat de les Esposes can be reached by car..
As we said, the 8 refuges allow a distribution of the stages to the taste of each one. These are the distances and slopes between each of them in counterclockwise direction.
| From the refuge of... | to the refuge of... | Distance | Unevenness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gresolet (1280m) | Sant Jordi (1565m) | 16 km | +1.010m /-670m |
| Sant Jordi (1565m) | Rebost (1540m) | 13 km | +940m /-865m |
| Rebost (1540m) | Niu de L'Àliga (2510m) | 7 km | +880m / -0m |
| Niu de L'Àliga (2510m) | Serrat de Les Esposes (1511m) | 16 km | +360m / -1.450m |
| Serrat de Les Esposes (1511m) | Cortals de L'Ingla (1610m) | 4.7 km | +200m / -100m |
| Cortals de L'Ingla (1610m) | Prat D'Aguiló (2010m) | 11 km | +830m / -320m |
| Prat D'Aguiló (2010m) | Lluis Estasen (1640m) | 12.5 km | +470m / -810m |
| Lluis Estasen (1640m) | Gresolet (1280m) | 4 km | +100m / - 570m |
Cavalls del Vent in 4 stages:
| From the refuge of... | to the refuge of... | Timetable | Distance | Unevenness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lluis Estasen (1640m) | Sant Jordi (1565m) | 6h | 20 km | +1.100m /-1.200m |
| Sant Jordi (1565m) | Niu de L'Àliga (2510m) | 7h | 20 km | +1800m /-860m |
| Niu de L'Àliga (2510m) | Cortals de L'Ingla (1610m) | 6h | 21 km | +560m / -1.550m |
| Cortals de L'Ingla (1610m) | Lluis Estasen (1640m) | 7h | 23 km | +1.300m / -1.150m |
Cavalls del Vent in 5 stages:
| From the refuge of... | to the refuge of... | Timetable | Distance | Unevenness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gresolet (1280m) | Sant Jordi (1565m) | 6h | 16 km | +1.010m /-670m |
| Sant Jordi (1565m) | Rebost (1540m) | 5h | 13 km | +940m /-865m |
| Rebost (1540m) | Cortals de L'Ingla (1610m) | 7h30min | 23 km | +1.240m / -1.450m |
| Cortals de L'Ingla (1610m) | Prat D'Aguiló (2010m) | 6h | 15.7 km | +1.030m / -420m |
| Prat D'Aguiló (2010m) | Gresolet (1280m) | 5h30min | 16.5 km | +1.470 / -1.380m |
Preparing for the Route
Study the route, the times between refuges, the weather forecast, possible escapes, the height of the cols, springs, etc. A map can be useful for all this and to help you find your way along the route. It is advisable to carry a GPS.
- Essential Equipment:
- 30-40 litre backpack
- Adequate clothing for temperature changes
- Trekking shoes
- Lightweight sleeping bag
- Trekking poles
- First aid kit
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Documentation and Maps:
- Detailed route map
- GPS or offline map application
- Hydration and Nutrition:
- Bring plenty of water and energy snacks.
- Take advantage of meals at the lodges to recharge your batteries with local dishes.
- Security and Guidance:
- Don't underestimate mountain weather; be prepared for sudden changes.
- Use the route signs and confirm your route with GPS or maps.
What is the best time to do the route:
The most appropriate season for this trek is from the beginning of June to the end of September, although it depends on the season. In early June there may be snow.
Some notes and keys to the Trekking
- Gresolet viewpoint:
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Pedraforca and the Cadí Moixeró Park.
- The first kilometres are an excellent introduction to the beauty of the landscape.
- Lluis Estasen Refuge:
- Ideal to spend the first night and get used to the trekking.
- It offers hot meals and a cosy atmosphere.
- Through Forests and Gorges:
- Stages through changing landscapes, from dense forests to rocky gorges.
- Opportunity to spot local wildlife and enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings.
- Passage through various refuges:
- Each shelter has its own history and peculiarities.
- Plan your meal and rest stops at these points.
