Conjunt de Romedo: Romedo de Dalt, Colatx, Guiló de Baix

Conjunt de Romedo: Romedo de Dalt, Colatx, Guiló de Baix is a cluster of glacial high-mountain lakes in the municipality of Lladorre, in the Vall de Cardós (Pallars Sobirà, Catalonia). The lakes sit between 2,000 and 2,200 metres above sea level, at the headwaters of the Noguera de Cardós river, surrounded by the Pyrenean peaks of Pic de Turguilha (2,521 m) and Pic de Tres Comptes (2,671 m).

What does this group of lakes include?

The name covers several lakes sharing a single 156-hectare basin oriented north to south. The largest, Romedo de Dalt, sits at 2,108 m, covers 12.29 hectares and stretches 477 metres — its outflow feeds the Romedo river. Further down, at 2,007 m, lies Romedo de Baix, covering 9.66 hectares with a capacity of 0.53 hm³, collecting water from both the Guiló and Romedo basins. Colatx and Guiló de Baix are considerably smaller — just over 2 hectares each and shallower — but form a natural link along the route connecting the two larger lakes.

How do you get there?

The usual starting points for exploring the lake cluster are the Montalto dam or the area around Pla de Boavi, from where footpaths climb into the Cardós valley. A popular circular route follows the Llurri trail and links Romedo de Dalt, Senó, Colatx, Guiló and Romedo de Baix in a single, multi-hour outing. Given the altitude (over 2,000 m) and terrain, this is a route for hikers with solid fitness and mountain experience — an early start is recommended, leaving enough daylight for the return.

What will you see along the way?

The scenery is classic high Catalan Pyrenees: rocky ridgelines, alpine meadows and a string of lakes ranging through shades of turquoise depending on the time of day and light. Water from Romedo de Dalt flows down into Romedo de Baix, forming the Romedo river, which later joins the Broate river to create the Noguera de Cardós — a useful landmark for orientation on the trail. The area sees far less foot traffic than better-known Pyrenean routes, making it a good choice for quieter hiking and wildlife spotting.

When is the best time to visit?

The lakes are best visited between June and September, once snow has cleared from the high trails and Pyrenean weather is at its most stable. Early summer often brings the highest water levels, which brings out the lakes' colour most vividly. Autumn tends to be quieter on the trail, but conditions become less predictable, so checking the forecast and trail status beforehand is worthwhile.

Frequently asked questions

How many lakes make up the Romedo cluster? The name primarily refers to three lakes — Romedo de Dalt, Colatx and Guiló de Baix — though Romedo de Baix sits in the same basin and is included in the popular circular route linking them all.

How long is the loop around the lakes? It's a multi-hour mountain hike, typically a full day out, starting from the Montalto dam or near Pla de Boavi and returning via the same or a circular route.

Is the hike difficult? Yes — with an altitude above 2,000 m and rugged mountain terrain, it requires good fitness, proper hiking footwear and prior high-mountain hiking experience.

Where do the lake names come from? The names come from local toponyms in the Vall de Cardós — Romedo, Colatx and Guiló are long-established place names used by residents of Lladorre.