Estanys de Comalesbienes

Estanys de Comalesbienes is a cluster of glacial lakes in the municipality of la Vall de Boí, tucked into the Catalan Pyrenees within the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. The lakes sit in the Comalesbienes valley, a glacially carved side branch of the wider Vall de Boí, in the Alta Ribagorça region.

How do you get there?

The lakes lie in a high mountain cirque above 2,000 metres, in the upper reach of the Comalesbienes valley. That upper section falls within the national park itself, while the lower stretch of the valley is part of the park's peripheral zone, where access rules are somewhat more relaxed.

The usual starting point is near the Cavallers Dam (Presa de Cavallers), at roughly 1,743 metres of altitude. From there the trail climbs steadily along the valley floor until it reaches the rocky threshold that opens onto the lake-filled cirque. This is proper mountain terrain: expect a sustained climb, uneven ground, and weather that can shift quickly at altitude, so trekking boots and layered clothing are essential.

Reaching the Vall de Boí itself, and from there the road toward the dam, means driving in on local access roads serving the valley's villages. During the summer high season, vehicle access near the reservoir is sometimes restricted because of park traffic, so it's worth checking current access rules before setting off by car.

What will you see?

The centrepiece of the cirque is a modest summit rising in the middle of the basin, at around 2,649 metres. On its eastern and southern flanks sit the two main Estanys de Comalesbienes, along with several smaller pools scattered across the rocky ground.

The scenery is classic high Pyrenees: bare granite ridges, grassy patches lower down, and glacial lakes whose still, clear water mirrors the surrounding peaks. The remoteness and quiet of this corner of Aigüestortes make it a draw for hikers looking to escape the busier trails around Estany de Sant Maurici.

Keep in mind this is genuinely wild terrain — there's no tourist infrastructure right at the lakes themselves, no refuges or fenced viewpoints. It suits visitors who are comfortable navigating open mountain ground on their own.

When should you visit?

Summer, from June through September, is the best window, once the snow at higher elevations has melted enough to keep the trail fully passable. Earlier in the season, snow patches can still linger on the higher ground and around the passes, making route-finding harder and the walk slower. In autumn, days shorten and Pyrenean weather turns more quickly, so an early start and a fresh forecast check are worth building into the plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to get to Estanys de Comalesbienes? Reaching the trailhead near the Cavallers Dam is straightforward by local road from the Vall de Boí. From there it's on foot only — the trail climbs steadily up the valley and calls for a reasonable level of fitness.

Are there any refuges near the lakes? No, there's no tourist infrastructure right at the lakes. This is wild high-mountain terrain inside the national park, so bring your own food and water.

Is the route suitable for beginners? Given the elevation gain, the altitude, and how quickly mountain weather can change, this is a fairly demanding route best suited to hikers with prior mountain experience.

Are the lakes entirely inside the national park? The upper part of the Comalesbienes valley, including the lakes, lies within the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, while the lower part of the valley falls under the park's peripheral protection zone.