La Porta del Cel Trek in the Spanish Pyrenees

Distance: 4.2 km / 2.6 mi Elevation gain/loss: 290 m+ / 50 m– (950 ft+ / 160 ft–) Effective time: 2 h

We will meet the guide in Tavascan for a brief introduction, gear check, and the official start of the route. Although this stage unfolds at relatively low altitude, it is exceptionally scenic and offers a variety of landscapes. The journey begins by crossing the town of Tavascan, where traditional stone houses and slate roofs are still preserved. From there, the trail continues along an old path that follows the course of the Tavascan River. The terrain becomes flatter as we enter a wide meadow that leads to the Bordes de Graus campsite, where we will find our first mountain shelter.

Distance: 12.5 km / 7.7 mi Elevation gain/loss: 1,500 m+ / 620 m– (4,900 ft+ / 2,000 ft–) Effective time: 7 h

Although the Bordes de Noarre sit in a picturesque environment, the main attraction of today’s stage—also part of the Pyrenees crossing—is the chain of “Estanys Blaus” (the Blue Lakes). The Bordes de Noarre, a group of historic farmhouses, cannot be reached by car, yet they remain remarkably well preserved. There are no permanent residents anymore, and the houses are now used only during holiday periods.

The highlight of the day is the ascent of Certascan Peak, which at 2,585 m / 8,480 ft offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. This stage also brings us to Certascan, the largest lake in the Pyrenees. Although the ascent to the peak involves a considerable incline, the route as a whole is not excessively long.

Distance: 12.6 km / 7.8 mi Elevation gain/loss: 1,258 m+ / 1,249 m– (4,100 ft+ / 4,100 ft–) Effective time: 8 h

This is a magnificent stage that takes us through the stunning Romedo lakes, the remote Artiga Valley, and Lake Montestaure, where even the old cattle trails have almost disappeared. Today we cross into France—an open border with no checkpoints or signs, a reminder that the mountains pay no attention to the imaginary lines created by people.

Once on the French side, we will admire the dramatic terrain of the French valleys, where enormous drops of more than 2,000 m / 6,500 ft fall away beneath us.

Distance: 11.6 km / 7.2 mi Elevation gain/loss: 1,263 m+ / 1,372 m– (4,150 ft+ / 4,500 ft–) Effective time: 7 h

This stage takes us to the highest peak in Catalonia, the Pica d’Estats (3,143 m / 10,300 ft), following a lesser-known ascent compared to the Catalan side, though increasingly popular in winter with backcountry skiers. The landscape is rugged, and much of the trail crosses stone screes. However, approaching from this side means the climb from the Pinet refuge is much shorter than from Catalonia, making it one of the most enjoyable and beautiful days of the itinerary.

The ascent to the summit of Pica d’Estats is the only mandatory objective on this stage, but with a bit of extra time, it is also possible to climb the Montcalm and Verdaguer peaks.

Distance: 17.7 km / 11 mi Elevation gain/loss: 1,174 m+ / 1,967 m– (3,850 ft+ / 6,450 ft–) Effective time: 8 h

The final stage of the route leads us through the beautiful Baborte lakes before climbing Roca Cigalera (2,667 m / 8,750 ft). From there, we follow a scenic ridge and later skirt the wide Boldís plains before reaching the GR 11 trail, which takes us back to Tavascan and the end of our adventure.