Puig dels Llops

Puig dels Llops is a 1,486-metre peak rising above the municipality of la Vall d'en Bas in the Garrotxa region of Catalonia. It sits within the Serralada Transversal Catalana range, right beside its better-known neighbour Puigsacalm, linked to it by a short but scenic ridge walk.

Where is it located?

Puig dels Llops lies in north-eastern Catalonia, in the Garrotxa comarca, close to the town of Olot. Administratively the summit falls within la Vall d'en Bas, a broad valley municipality that gathers several villages — including Sant Esteve d'en Bas, Sant Privat d'en Bas and Joanetes — spread across the foot of the mountain range. The peak itself is the second-highest point in the immediate Puigsacalm area.

How do you get there?

The most common starting point is Coll de Bracons, a mountain pass connecting Vall d'en Bas with the neighbouring Vall d'Hostoles and reachable by car. From the pass, a trail climbs along the ridge, making it possible to reach both Puigsacalm and Puig dels Llops in a single outing. This is the route most local hikers choose, since it lets them bag two summits without retracing the same path back to the car.

What will you see at the summit?

Puig dels Llops is essentially a viewpoint. From the top, the panorama takes in the whole of Vall d'en Bas — an agricultural valley framed by hills, with the patchwork of fields and forest typical of the Garrotxa region. On a clear day you can also pick out further ranges of the Pyrenees and the volcanic landscape for which Garrotxa is known throughout Catalonia. The ridge traverse between Puigsacalm and Puig dels Llops is considered one of the more dramatic stretches in this part of the Serralada Transversal Catalana — open, exposed terrain with views opening up in several directions at once.

When is the best time to visit?

At over 1,400 metres, the terrain can be windy, and snow or ice may appear in winter, so proper preparation matters at that time of year. The most comfortable hiking conditions run from late spring through early autumn, when the trail is dry and visibility is at its best. In summer, an early start is worthwhile to avoid the heat on the exposed sections of the ridge.

Who is this hike suited to?

The route to Puig dels Llops, especially combined with Puigsacalm, suits hikers with average fitness who are used to mountain trails — no climbing gear is required, but expect several hours of walking over uneven ground. It is a popular target for hiking enthusiasts visiting Garrotxa, often paired with a stay in Olot or one of the villages of Vall d'en Bas.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Puig dels Llops? The peak stands at 1,486 metres above sea level and is the second-highest summit in the immediate vicinity of Puigsacalm.

Where's the best place to start the hike? Most hikers set out from Coll de Bracons, from where a ridge trail leads toward both Puigsacalm and Puig dels Llops.

Can you reach both summits on one trip? Yes — a short ridge connects Puig dels Llops and Puigsacalm, so most visitors climb both peaks during the same outing.

What can you see from the top? A panorama of Vall d'en Bas, the farming valley at the foot of the range, and on clear days further peaks of Garrotxa and the Pyrenees.