Estanys dels Vidals d'Amunt

Estanys dels Vidals d'Amunt are a group of three high-mountain glacial lakes in the municipality of la Torre de Cabdella, in the Catalan Pyrenees.

Where are Estanys dels Vidals d'Amunt located?

The lakes sit at roughly 2,670 metres above sea level, at the headwaters of the Vall Fosca valley, in the Pallars Jussà region, northeast of the village of Cabdella. Their basin is framed on one side by the southern slopes of Pic dels Vidals and on the other by the Serreta dels Vidals ridge. That combination of altitude and bare rock gives the surrounding landscape a stark, alpine character that contrasts with the greener lower reaches of Vall Fosca.

How did these lakes form?

They are classic cirque lakes, carved out by glacial action in the bedrock of the highest parts of the Pyrenees. The three basins that make up Estanys dels Vidals d'Amunt are similar in size and appearance, and mainly differ in how they drain: the eastern lake feeds directly into Estany Vidal, while the western one sends its outflow through a stream that also reaches Estany Vidal on its way toward Estany Tort. That makes the Vidals d'Amunt lakes one link in a longer chain of high-altitude lakes in this stretch of the Pyrenees.

Who are these lakes for, and is the visit worth it?

This is terrain for hikers already comfortable with high-mountain walking — the ground around the lakes is open, rocky, and has no tourist infrastructure. Most visitors reach them as part of a longer route linking several estanys across Vall Fosca, rather than as a standalone short outing. The reward is the sight of three clear pools set into a rocky bowl, framed by views of the neighbouring peaks.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the altitude — close to 2,700 metres — snow can linger here for much of the year, and unassisted access is realistically limited to summer and early autumn. Outside that window, reaching the lakes calls for winter mountaineering experience and appropriate gear.

What about the surrounding lakes?

Estanys dels Vidals d'Amunt are not an isolated stop: they border Estany Vidal and sit along the water route that continues toward Estany Tort, one of the better-known lakes in this part of the Pyrenees. For anyone planning a longer stay in Vall Fosca, they form a natural link in a route that strings together several high-mountain lakes in a single trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly are Estanys dels Vidals d'Amunt? In the municipality of la Torre de Cabdella, in the Pallars Jussà region, at the headwaters of Vall Fosca, at around 2,670 metres of altitude, northeast of Cabdella.

How many lakes make up this group, and how do they differ? Three, all similar in size. The main difference is drainage: the eastern lake flows directly into Estany Vidal, while the western one reaches Estany Vidal via a stream that continues toward Estany Tort.

Is the hike to the lakes difficult? Yes — this is high-mountain terrain, rocky and without infrastructure right at the lakes, so it requires proper preparation and experience walking in the high Pyrenees.

When is the best season to go? Summer and early autumn, when the high routes are most accessible; outside that period the area can stay snow-covered for a long time.