estany Gelat

Estany Gelat is a small glacial lake in the municipality of la Vall de Boí, tucked into the high-mountain section of the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.

Where exactly is it?

The lake sits in the Cavallers–Punta Alta massif, inside the side gully of Barranc de Comalesbienes, at an altitude of 2,740 metres. It covers barely 0.8 hectares, and its depth has never been precisely measured — estimates put it somewhere between 6 and 10 metres. The water fills a rocky basin just below the col de Comalesbienes, surrounded almost entirely by bare stone and classic glacial terrain. The landscape here is stark and mineral, treeless, typical of the highest reaches of the Pyrenees.

How do you get there?

The starting point is the car park at the Cavallers dam, at 1,697 metres. From there, the trail climbs through the Barranc de Comalesbienes gully, with the ascent alone taking around four hours. The path is rocky and demanding, with little shade along most of the way, so an early start and plenty of water are essential. This is a route for hikers with mountain experience and solid fitness, not a casual afternoon walk.

What will you see once you're up there?

Two distinct peaks tower over the lake: Punta Alta (3,014 m) and Pic de Contraix (2,957 m), both serving as natural landmarks in this part of the massif. Right next door lies another glacial lake, Estanys de Comalesbienes, which makes it easy to combine both into a single, longer trek. The water itself, ringed by granite blocks and scree, sits in sharp contrast to the surrounding ridgelines — on calm days the peaks mirror perfectly on its surface.

When is the best time to visit?

At nearly 2,750 metres, the lake stays frozen or snow-covered for most of the year. The most reliable window for hiking runs from July to September, when the trail is fully clear and snow has retreated from the upper valley. Outside those months it's worth checking current conditions, since snow cover at this altitude can linger into June and return again as early as September.

Frequently asked questions

Is the hike to Estany Gelat difficult? Yes — the climb from the Cavallers dam car park takes around four hours over steep, rocky terrain. It suits hikers with mountain experience rather than casual walkers.

Are there other lakes nearby worth visiting? Yes, Estanys de Comalesbienes sits right next to it in the same gully, making it easy to plan a longer route combining both lakes in a single outing.

Which peaks can you see from the lake? Punta Alta (3,014 m) and Pic de Contraix (2,957 m) rise above Estany Gelat, both serving as recognisable landmarks for hikers exploring this part of the massif.

Is the lake inside a national park? Yes, Estany Gelat lies within the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, one of the best-known protected areas in the Spanish Pyrenees.