estany de Sarradé d'Amunt

Estany de Sarradé d'Amunt is a small glacial lake in the municipality of la Vall de Boí, tucked into the high-mountain Vall de Sarradé within the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park in the Catalan Pyrenees.

Where exactly is this lake?

The lake sits in the upper reaches of the Sarradé valley, at roughly 2,500 meters above sea level, close to the administrative edge of la Vall de Boí. It's a classic cirque lake, carved by glacial action into a hollow ringed by rocky ridges. Its coordinates, 42.574368, 0.903252, place it deep inside a mountain massif whose peaks — Pala Alta del Sarradé and Pic de Sarradé among them — rise above 2,900 meters.

How do you get there?

Most visitors start from the Pista d'Aigüestortes, the broad track running into the park from the area around Estany de Llebreta, at about 1,620 meters. From there the route climbs the Sarradé valley, passing smaller pools along the way, up to the main Estany de Sarradé at 2,123 meters, then continues on a steeper stretch to reach the upper lake, Sarradé d'Amunt. The approach demands decent fitness and sturdy footwear — the ground is rocky, and the final section gains considerable elevation.

What does the lake itself look like?

It's a modest body of water, with a surface area estimated at roughly one hectare, draining toward the south. The outflow feeds first into the Bassa de Sarradé, a smaller pool just below, and then into the main Estany de Sarradé. Water from the whole Sarradé lake system eventually reaches the Barranc de Sarradé and from there the Riu de Sant Nicolau, one of the park's principal rivers. The surroundings are stark high-mountain terrain — bare rock and alpine turf, with barely any trees, since the site sits above the treeline.

Why make the trip up here?

The Sarradé valley sees far fewer visitors than the well-trodden routes around Estany de Sant Maurici or Estany Llong, which makes it a good pick for anyone looking for quiet and a closer brush with the park's wilder side. The views along the way — from Llebreta, past the main Sarradé lake, up to the higher Sarradé d'Amunt — rank among the most striking in this part of Aigüestortes. This is a destination for experienced hikers, not a short family outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drive to the lake? No. Estany de Sarradé d'Amunt lies in the core zone of the national park, reachable only on foot. The nearest point with vehicle access is around Estany de Llebreta.

How long is the hike? The round trip runs to several kilometers with substantial elevation gain, so plan for a full day and solid preparation.

Is the lake on a marked trail? Yes, the Sarradé valley forms part of the Aigüestortes National Park trail network, though markings in the upper stretches are sparser than on the main routes.

Is there anything else worth seeing nearby? Yes — the route passes several other lakes, including the main Estany de Sarradé, and the surrounding peaks, many over 2,900 meters, draw hikers interested in high-mountain trekking.