Avenc petit de Can Garrigosa

Avenc Petit de Can Garrigosa is a small vertical cave (avenc) in the municipality of Matadepera, tucked into the wooded slopes of the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park. It sits close to the Can Garrigosa masia, a farmhouse with medieval roots, and near a larger sinkhole that shares its name — the two are easy to mix up.

What exactly is an avenc?

An avenc is the Catalan term for a vertical karst shaft — a hole dropping straight down into the rock, unlike the horizontal passages typical of classic caves. Avenc Petit runs roughly 6 metres deep, making it one of the more modest examples of its kind in the area. Descending into it requires caving equipment and experience; this is not a walk-in attraction but rather a landmark along the hiking routes that cross the massif.

Where exactly is it located?

The shaft lies among the old masies scattered around Matadepera, in a stretch of the park known for its dense network of caves and sinkholes carved into the limestone bedrock of Sant Llorenç del Munt. Nearby, besides the larger Avenc de Can Garrigosa, other known cavities such as Avenc de Can Pèlags dot the same patch of terrain — one of the more heavily karstified corners of the massif.

How do you get there?

Matadepera itself is the most convenient starting point, with hiking and cycling trails leading into the natural park. A popular route links several historic masies — Can Robert, Can Garrigosa, Cal Pèlecs and Can Bofí — and passes near the avenc's surroundings, letting walkers and trail runners take in the area even without descending into the shaft. A trail map is worth carrying, since cave entrances here are often poorly marked and easy to miss under the thick undergrowth.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

The Can Garrigosa masia itself, while private and closed to visitors inside, is a striking piece of the region's cultural landscape — stone farmhouses of this kind are scattered across Sant Llorenç del Munt and testify to centuries of agricultural settlement in these hills. The park more broadly offers views of its distinctive red conglomerate rock formations, oak and pine woodland, and a dense trail network linking the various peaks and valleys.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for hiking this part of the massif, when temperatures stay mild and the vegetation is at its lushest. Summers in this part of Catalonia can turn quite hot, especially on exposed stretches of trail, so early morning starts are advisable if visiting in that season.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Avenc Petit de Can Garrigosa? Descending it requires caving equipment and experience — it's not a spot for casual, unprepared exploration.

Is this avenc different from the nearby Avenc de Can Garrigosa? Yes, they're two separate features with similar names — Avenc Petit is smaller and shallower than the larger avenc found in the same area.

Are there other caves worth visiting nearby? Yes, the area around Matadepera and the Sant Llorenç del Munt massif holds numerous avencs and caves, including the nearby Avenc de Can Pèlags.

Is there an entrance fee to reach the avenc? No, the site sits within the open terrain of the natural park, freely accessible to hikers on marked trails.