estanh deth Pòrt de Colomèrs

Estanh deth Pòrt de Colomèrs is a high-mountain lake sitting at 2,415 meters above sea level, within the municipality of Naut Aran, in the Val d'Aran region of Catalonia, deep in the Spanish Pyrenees.

The lake belongs to the celebrated Circ de Colomèrs, a glacial cirque holding more than 50 lakes and smaller tarns of varying size and shape. Estanh deth Pòrt de Colomèrs itself covers roughly 3.3 hectares and lies at the foot of the Pòrt de Colomèrs pass (2,603 m), close to the Colomèrs peak (2,933 m). These two landmarks give the lake its raw, high-altitude setting of bare ridgelines and scree slopes typical of this part of the Pyrenees.

How do you get there?

The trailhead is the parking area along the road to the Banhs de Tredos thermal baths, at 1,765 meters. From there, the route climbs through the Aiguamòg valley, passing a succession of rock steps and smaller lakes belonging to the Colomèrs complex before reaching the lake itself. The ascent takes around 4 hours 30 minutes, making it a demanding outing best suited to hikers with solid fitness and mountain experience. Starting early is a good idea, since the return follows the same route and daylight matters at this altitude.

Given the elevation and terrain, this is not a route for beginners or families with small children. Sturdy footwear, good route-finding skills, and checking the weather forecast beforehand are all essential — conditions in the higher reaches of the Pyrenees can shift quickly.

What will you see?

The scenery around Estanh deth Pòrt de Colomèrs is classic high Pyrenean landscape: bare rock ridges, shattered scree, patches of snow that can linger well into summer, and a turquoise-to-deep-blue lake surface set against the grey slopes surrounding it. The lake holds fish, which makes it a popular spot among anglers visiting Val d'Aran, though swimming in Pyrenean alpine lakes is generally discouraged or prohibited to protect these fragile ecosystems.

The hike through the Colomèrs cirque itself is one of the more spectacular walks in the region — the route passes lake after lake of varying size, giving a real sense of the scale and variety of this glacial complex. For many hikers, the walk up the Aiguamòg valley, with new lakes revealing themselves along the way, is just as rewarding as reaching the final destination.

When should you visit?

Given the altitude (2,415 m) and alpine climate, summer — from July through September — is the best window for this hike, when the trail is free of snow and weather is most stable. In spring and late autumn, snow patches can still linger in the higher sections, making the route considerably harder and requiring extra equipment. In winter, the trail is effectively inaccessible without proper high-mountain experience and gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reach the lake? The climb from the Banhs de Tredos parking area (1,765 m) to Estanh deth Pòrt de Colomèrs (2,415 m) takes around 4 hours 30 minutes.

Can you swim in the lake? Swimming is generally discouraged or prohibited in most high-altitude Pyrenean lakes, including those of the Colomèrs complex, to protect their fragile ecosystems.

Is fishing allowed in the lake? Yes, the lake holds fish and is a popular destination for anglers visiting Val d'Aran, though it's worth checking local fishing regulations before setting out.

Where exactly is the lake located? Estanh deth Pòrt de Colomèrs lies in the municipality of Naut Aran, in Val d'Aran, at the foot of the Pòrt de Colomèrs pass (2,603 m), near the Colomèrs peak (2,933 m).