Redon Lake

Redon Lake (Estany Redon) is a glacial mountain lake in the municipality of Vielha e Mijaran, in the Val d'Aran valley of the Catalan Pyrenees, sitting at more than 2,200 meters above sea level. Ringed by bare rocky peaks and the sparse vegetation typical of the high Pyrenees, it is a favorite destination for hikers setting out from the Vielha tunnel area.

How do you get to Redon Lake?

The usual starting point is the car park by the Conangles refuge, right at the mouth of the Vielha tunnel (Espitau de Vielha). From there, the GR-11 long-distance trail climbs toward the Port de Vielha pass. At around 2,120 meters a signposted junction branches off toward the lake. The full approach from the car park to the lake typically takes two to two and a half hours, depending on pace and trail conditions.

No climbing gear is needed, but the path crosses rocky, high-mountain terrain, so sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, and layers for changeable weather are worth packing — even summer afternoons in the Pyrenees can turn cold and wet without much warning.

What will you see there?

Redon Lake sits among a cluster of well-known high points in this stretch of Val d'Aran. Tuc deth Port de Vielha (2,606 m) rises nearby, and the trail continues over the Coret deth Redon pass (2,454 m) toward a second lake, Estany de Rius (2,320 m). Many hikers link the two lakes into a single loop of roughly 11 kilometers, rated as a difficult route.

The lake itself, framed by bare rock and patches of snow that can linger well into summer, is a textbook example of a glacial landscape — deep blue-green water and a quiet that's harder to find in the busier parts of the valley below.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer, from June to September, is the best window for hiking to Redon Lake, when the trail is generally clear of snow and rainfall is limited. Earlier in the season, in May and especially June, snow can still cover the higher stretches of the route and the lake basin itself, making the approach slower and requiring extra caution.

Because the trail sits above 2,000 meters, it's worth checking the forecast right before setting out — storms and fog can roll in quickly at this altitude and cut visibility on the trail with little warning.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to reach the lake? From the car park at the Vielha tunnel, reaching the trail junction and then the lake usually takes two to two and a half hours one way.

Is the trail suitable for beginners? The route runs through rocky, high-mountain terrain and calls for reasonable fitness and proper footwear. Hikers without much experience in the high Pyrenees should build in extra time and check the weather beforehand.

Can Redon Lake be combined with other lakes on the same hike? Yes — a popular loop links Redon Lake with the nearby Estany de Rius via the Coret deth Redon pass, covering about 11 kilometers total and rated as a difficult trail.

What's the best time of year to go? The summer months, from June to September, when the trail is free of snow and conditions are most stable.