Stage 24 (GR11.18): Refugi dera Restanca - Refugi de Colomèrs
(0h0min;0km) Refugio dera Restanca (2.010m). Follow the path that climbs up from the refuge (east), while also following the Carros de Foc route. After about 30mins you will reach Cap de Port lake (2,230m), which you follow round on the left, then head up across bumpy terrain to the col that can be seen in the distance.
(1h30min; 2.5kms) Oelhacrestada or Rius Pass (2.475m). At the foot of Montardo (2,833m), those eager enough could take on the climb in 40mins. Just beyond the col, the path splits in two. To the right, towards Estany des Monges, the yellow markings lead down to Carros de Foc. Ahead, on the flat, are the markings for this variant of the GR11. You keep ahead (east) over a shoulder that peels off from Montardo, followed by a sharp drop that takes you to Port de Caldes lake (2,410m). Continue in an easterly direction, towards...
(2h35min; 4.4kms) Port de Caldes (2.568m). The highest point of the stage. You start the descent with the Estanh deth Pòrt de Caldes lake on your right . After another steep drop leaves you at the foot of the valley (Coma deth port de Caldes), you walk ahead, through more confortable terrain, until you reach Lac Major de Colomèrs. Veer right before the dam, then you will reach the new Colomèrs mountain refuge.
(4h00min; 7.1kms) Refugi de Colomèrs (2.115m).
At the beginning of the stage, Refugi dera Restanca (/).
At the end of the stage, Refugi de Colomèrs (/). Given that the refuge is accessible from Arán valley (track, taxi service) added to the popularity of the area around the lakes (among the busiest routes in the Pyrenees), we recommend booking at least 1 month in advance during the months of July and August.
Maps:
- Alpina:
Parc Nacional d'Aigüestortes i Stany de Sant Maurici
(Scale: 1/25.000).
- SUA edizioak:
Aigüestortes i estany de Sant Maurici
(Scale: 1/25.000).
The Park bus (Alsa), completes an almost circular route of the Park through the Boí, Noguera Ribagorçana, Arán and Noguera Pallaresa valleys with 2 daily services in one direction and 2 in the other.
Activities in the area:One of the best-known excursions is the round trip around the Circo de Colomèrs (waymarked itinerary). In the Aigües Tortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, the Carros de Foc traverse is very popular (a circular route that links all 9 of the National Park’s refuges).
Detrás el Port de Oelhacrestada
Detrás la Sierra de Rius.
Detrás las Agujas de Travessani, Pic de Comalespada y Pic de Comalesbienes.
Detrás el Estanh Mòrt y el Tuc Gran de Sendrosa (2703m)
Bajando por la Coma deth Pòrt de Caldes
