Carros de Foc Trail

Your Pyrenees Hut to Hut Hiking adventure commences with a tranquil introduction in Espot, a picturesque starting point for your journey. The initial leg of your hike is a serene stroll through lush woodlands, leading you along a charming boardwalk. As you progress, the path gently ascends, inviting you to cross a quaint river that adds to the day's scenic beauty. Approximately 7 kilometers into your trek, you are greeted by the stunning sight of Lake Sant Maurici. Your destination for the day is the welcoming Refuge Mallafre, reached after a brief yet delightful hike.

Leaving Ernest Mallafré's hut, your second day in the Pyrenees guides you through a scenic 450m ascent to Amitges, with the trail winding past the serene Sant Maurici lake and through lush pine forests. The journey offers a blend of natural beauty, from the captivating view at Port de Ratera to the tranquil lakes and the stunning Cascada de Ratera waterfall. You'll navigate mostly flat paths and some ascents. Your day concludes at the Colomers hut, nestled at 2,135 meters altitude, where you can relax and enjoy a peaceful evening immersed in the majestic mountain landscape.

On this segment of your Carros de Foc hike, you face an ascent to the Port de Caldes, maneuvering over large rocks against a backdrop of snow-dusted peaks. At a junction, the path to the Restanca hut veers right, although there's a shortcut towards the Ventosa I Clavell hut. Your route takes you to Restanca first and then to Ventosa I Clavell, renowned for its 2017 renovations and proximity to a serene lake, ideal for an afternoon unwind.

On this demanding yet picturesque day of your hike, you'll traverse a small valley dotted with lakes and possibly grazing livestock before tackling the challenging ascent to Coll de Contraix, the highest point of the Carros de Foc at 2,748 meters. This segment, marked by steep, rocky paths and a near-vertical climb, offers a thrilling experience for seasoned hikers and a cautious journey for others. After conquering the peak, your descent through a new valley leads you to the tranquil Estany Llong hut, surrounded by nature and close to the serene Llong lake.

Today's hike on the Carros de Foc offers a gentler pace yet still presents an invigorating challenge as you ascend nearly 800 meters to reach Refugi Colomina, the highest of all the refugis on this route. Your journey begins with an ascent through a forest, gradually transforming into stonier terrain as you gain altitude. Along the way, the path weaves through picturesque lakes and over the Dellui mountain pass. As you approach the Colomina hut, the trail crosses two dams and follows an old wagon train path. Your arrival at Refugi Colomina is rewarded with stunning views over the Southern section of Aigüestortes and a chance to relax and enjoy lunch by the lake.

The approximately two-hour final stretch to Josep Maria Blanc guides you past a series of captivating lakes, including Estany de Mar, Estany de Saburo, and the recognizable Estany Negre de Peguera, with El pas de l’Ós presenting the day's main challenge. As you descend towards the Josep M Blanc hut, careful navigation is essential to stay on the correct path. This final leg to Josep Maria Blanc and subsequently to Espot, where you’ll spend the last night, marks a triumphant end to your Carros de Foc adventure.For those wishing to extend their experience, there is the option to lengthen the hike by spending an additional night at the Blanc hut. This extension allows added rest before the final descent to Espot the following day.

The last day is dedicated to rest and reflection, allowing you to depart at a leisurely pace. Espot, with its quaint charm and peaceful ambiance, provides the perfect backdrop for you to unwind and reminisce about the adventures and breathtaking scenery you've encountered. Whether strolling through the village streets, enjoying a leisurely meal at a local eatery, or simply soaking in the calmness of your surroundings, this day is a gentle conclusion to your journey.