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Aigüestortes Vall de Fosca – Mountain Lakes & Cable Car Hiking Route

Demanding 14 km circular hike in Aigüestortes Vall de Fosca, linking seven glacial lakes via the cable car to Estany Gento, historic dams and dramatic Pyrenees scenery

by: Barcelona Travel Hacks Views: 1.6k

About Aigüestortes Vall de Fosca Lakes and Reservoirs

There are few places in the Pyrenees that feel as wild and untouched as La Vall Fosca, the northern gateway to the Aigüestortes National Park, Parc Nacional d’Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici. The moment you step out of the cable car at Estany Gento, the world opens into a high‑mountain amphitheatre of granite peaks, deep blue lakes and absolute silence. It’s the kind of landscape that makes you slow down, breathe deeper and realise you’re somewhere extraordinary.

This demanding 14 km circular route climbs through a chain of glacial lakes — twenty‑six in total across the valley — each one framed by rugged summits and the colours of alpine grasslands. The highlights include the Salente reservoir, Panta de Sallente, Gento Lake Estany Gento, Tort Lake Estany Tort, Colomina Lake Estany de Colomina, Sea Lake Estany de Mar, Saburó Lake Estany Saburó and Frescal Lake Estany Frescal. Each lake has its own character — some vast and windswept, others hidden behind dam walls or tucked into narrow cirques.

As you approach Tort Lake, the remains of a narrow‑gauge railway appear along the path. This was once used to transport granite blocks for the dams that transformed the valley into a pioneering hydroelectric power system hidden deep inside the mountain. The final stretch from Gento Lake back to Sallente follows a peaceful Via Verde, a former railway line now converted into a scenic walking route through tunnels and along the mountainside.

I’ve completed this hike twice, and each time the combination of granite grey, deep‑blue water and vibrant alpine green has stayed with me long after returning to the valley. It’s a route that feels both remote and monumental — a place where nature and engineering meet in a way that’s uniquely Vall Fosca.

Carros de Foc

Carros de Foc is the legendary multi‑day traverse of the Parc Nacional d’Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici — a 60‑kilometre high‑mountain circuit linking the park’s most iconic refugis, from Refugi d’Amitges to JM Blanc, Colomina, Saboredo and beyond. For many hikers, it’s the ultimate Pyrenean challenge: a week spent crossing glacial basins, climbing between granite peaks and waking up each morning in a different corner of the national park.

The route has a certain mythology to it. It feels wild, remote and beautifully old‑fashioned — a journey that rewards endurance, curiosity and a love of big landscapes. Starting and ending in Espot, Carros de Foc takes you through some of the most dramatic terrain in Aigüestortes, including the high plateaus above Estany de Ratera, the rugged passes near Refugi d’Amitges, and the deep valleys carved by ancient ice.

On this page, I present part of the middle section of the Carros de Foc as a one‑day hike. It’s a perfect way to experience a taste of the route without committing to the full multi‑day itinerary. The only reason I haven’t done the complete Carros de Foc myself is simple: I love mountain hiking, but I am also a pampered poodle that love's a warm bed, a good shower and a proper dinner with a wine list at the end of the day.

You’ll also find other sections of the Carros de Foc woven into my one‑day routes, including Aigüestortes – Espot to Estany Negre and Aigüestortes – Estany de Sant Maurici to Ratera Waterfall. Each of these hikes gives you a glimpse of the larger circuit — a way to experience the spirit of Carros de Foc one beautiful day at a time.

Sallente reservoir Hydro Electric Power Generation

Standing on the dam of the Sallente reservoir, it’s hard to imagine that beneath your feet lies one of the most remarkable engineering projects in the Pyrenees. The peaceful surface of the lake hides a vast reversible hydroelectric power plant carved directly into the granite core of the mountain — a system that links Estany Gento and the twenty‑six glacial lakes of the Flamisell river basin in a way that feels almost impossible in such a remote landscape.

The concept is beautifully simple: Estany Gento sits roughly 400 metres above Sallente. When electricity is needed, powerful flow‑control valves open and water plunges down a steep subterranean shaft, gathering immense pressure before reaching a hidden chamber where turbine generators convert that force into energy. When demand drops — usually at night — the system reverses, pumping water back up to the upper lake. This “water battery” is known as pumped hydro storage, and it allows the valley to store renewable energy and release it precisely when the grid needs it most.

The power station itself is closed to the public, sealed behind a discreet tunnel entrance and a large electricity substation at the base of the cable car. Yet the story of this mountain‑sized machine is told just down the valley at the Museu Hidroelèctric de Cabdella, a fascinating museum housed in the original 1914 hydro plant that once powered the region. It’s an ideal stop before or after the hike, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity that shaped Vall de Fosca long before it became a hiking paradise.

Sallente Hydro was Not used in the 2024 blackout recovery: Despite its engineering importance, Vall de Fosca was not part of the black‑start sequence that restored the Spanish grid after the April 2024 blackout. You can read the full story here: Spring 2025 Spain Blackout – What Really Happened.

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Visiting Aigüestortes Vall de Fosca Lakes and Reservoirs

As the Vall de Fosca cable car glides into the upper station, you step out of the cabin and descend the 88 metal steps of the tower. At the base, turn right onto the ascending path that leads toward Estany Tort. The route begins gently, following the line of the old disused railway before curving onto a rocky trail that skirts the edge of Colomina Lake. There are several natural viewpoints along this stretch — perfect places to pause and take in the vast granite landscape.

The trail continues toward Estany de Mar, where the valley opens into a wide glacial basin. A steep, snaking climb brings you up to Estany Saburó, a beautiful spot to stop for lunch behind the dam wall with the mountains rising sharply around you. From here, walk across a series of dams and traverse an undulating plain dotted with marshy patches, alpine flowers and sweeping views toward Estany de la Frescal.

At the corner of Estany Frescal you’ll find another peaceful place to rest, with a panoramic view across the lake. The descent begins here, dropping through a quiet valley back toward Colomina Lake and eventually returning to the upper cable car station and Bar Restaurant Telefèric 2200. The terrace here is an ideal place for a cold drink while enjoying the views of the Fosca Valley.

To complete the loop, follow the paved path along the former railway line, passing through several short tunnels. Keep an eye out for a descending trail on the right beside the Canal de Pigolo — this leads back to the lower cable car station.

Allow seven to nine hours to complete this challenging but rewarding route.

Start with two to three litres of water, though you’ll find plenty of fresh water sources along the lakes. Aim to take the 10:00 am or 11:15 am cable car to Estany Gento — any later and the full loop becomes difficult to complete in a single day.

If you prefer a slower pace, this mountain paradise also works beautifully as a weekend escape. Stay overnight in the Refugi Colomina, a mountain hostel set beside Colomina Lake with picture‑perfect views. It’s common to see free‑grazing cattle wandering around the lakes in summer.

Note: Swimming is not permitted in any of the lakes within Aigüestortes National Park. Rangers do issue fines if you’re caught.

Where to Eat in Vall de Fosca

Museu Hidroeléctric de Cabdella Opening Hours

Museu Hidroeléctric de Cabdella Prices

Hiking Aigüestortes Vall de Fosca with a dog

This route is excellent for dogs, though the long ascents make it physically demanding for both humans and animals. Snow can linger around Refugi Colomina until early May, and lakes may remain partially frozen — keep an eye on your dog’s paws and temperature.

Dogs were permitted on the cable car during my visits, but it’s wise to call ahead to confirm current rules.

The terrain is mostly scrub and open ground with a short section through pine forest. Encounters with Pine Processionary Caterpillars are unlikely at this altitude, but vigilance is recommended in spring and summer.

I awarded this route five stars for dog fun on my Hiking with a dog page.

What to take with you for Aigüestortes Vall de Fosca Hike

This is a medium‑to‑hard mountain route, but in typical Vall de Fosca fashion you’ll spend most of the day hiking in shorts and a T‑shirt. The climate here is warm and dry for much of the season, and unless you’re visiting in early spring or specifically aiming for a snow hike, you won’t need heavy layers.

I usually carry a small, comfortable rucksack with the basics: water, snacks, a compact first‑aid kit and a lightweight windproof or waterproof jacket. Even though the weather is generally pleasant, the exposed areas around Colomina can get breezy, and a thin layer is enough to keep you comfortable.

Start the hike with two to three litres of water. There’s plenty of fresh water in the lakes and streams, but it’s best to begin the day well‑hydrated. Good trail shoes are important — the terrain mixes rocky paths, dam walls, and uneven ground.

Sun protection is essential at this altitude. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, especially in summer when the granite reflects the light. Trekking poles are optional but helpful on the long descent back toward the cable car.

If you’re hiking in early spring, be aware that snow can linger around Refugi Colomina until early May, and some lakes may still be partially frozen. In these cases, pack an extra layer and check conditions before setting out — but for Summer, this is a warm, sunny, T‑shirt‑friendly hike.

Aigüestortes Vall de Fosca Lakes and Reservoirs Summary of Prices

Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Adult € 25.00 € 12.00 Child € 25.00 € 9.00 3 - 19 Years Old. Under 3 years old FREE Notes Cable Car - 2 adults + 2 children (3 to 9 years) 55 Euros Return

Getting to Aigüestortes Vall de Fosca

Address: La Torre de Cabdella, Lleida, 25515

Documents for Aigüestortes Vall de Fosca Lakes and Reservoirs Hike

Wikiloc Trail for Aigüestortes Vall de Fosca Lakes and Reservoirs Hike

a0304 - Aigüestortes Vall de Fosca Lakes and Reservoirs

a0304 - Aigüestortes Vall de Fosca Lakes and Reservoirs

Spectacular 14km circular hiking route via seven glacial lakes in high mountains of Aigüestortes Vall de Fosca using a cable car to climb to Estany Gento

Transport: Car Fare: €20.00 Distance: 14.80 Difficulty: Moderate
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Weather for Aigüestortes Vall de Fosca Lakes and Reservoirs


Mountain Forecast weather for Aigüestortes Pic Morto

Where to Stay Near the Vall de Fosca Trailhead

There are no hotels directly at the Vall de Fosca trailhead, but the nearby hamlet of La Torre de Cabdella offers comfortable and convenient options just a short drive away.

Bar-Restaurant Vall Fosca 1750 Bar-Restaurant Teleferico 2200 Refugi Colomina

Nearby Attractions to Aigüestortes Vall de Fosca Hike

Tags for Aigüestortes Vall de Fosca Lakes and Reservoirs Hike

Aigüestortes National Park Barcelona & Catalonia Hiking Viewpoint 3 to 4 hours by Car 25 to 40 Euros

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