19 Alt del Griu
Goats
TOPONYMY
Alt del Griu:
Griu ( griffin ) is the
Ensagents lakes
popular name for a
mythical animal that
is half-lion and half-
Wolfsbane
eagle. It is a symbol
(Aconitum napellus) of vigilance and
protection. In the arts,
it appears with the
head and wings of an
eagle and the body
of a lion.
Leaving the farm at El Tresą (CS-220, km 6.2) follow the Ensagents path that
Etymology:
takes you through the valley quite easily.
From the Latin grip-
The natural landscape of the entire Ensagents valley alternates between open
hus. The peak of the
areas and more closed, intimate ones, which are humid and boast a large variety You ll pass by the Baix grazing area and continue ascending along the sunny side mountain vaguely
looks like the head of
of flowers. of Ensagents where, after a rocky bit, you ll arrive at the Ensagents refuge.
a bird of prey.
The Ensagents lakes are the result of the deep tracks left over from the ice age At this point, the path rises northward to the Ensagents lakes, from where you
period. They form a wild corner in the high mountains and are gorgeous. will go to Entinyola pass (2,663 m) to the northwest. Once on the pass, you ll only
have to follow it until the Alt del Griu.
The 360-degree panoramic view from a top of Alt del Griu peak is one of the
widest in the country. This is a perfect balcony for gazing over the geography of You can return by following the same route, though there are alternative descents
Andorra. through the El Campeą forest and the L Aspra pits.
HIKING IN ANDORRA
Don t miss
...
a visit to the Casa de la
V
all,
the headquarters
f
or the Consell General
(Andorran Parliament)
and the Old Hall of Jus
-
tice.
Interesting fact:
it is
the smallest parliament
in Europe.
Did you know?
t in 1419 the Consell
Tha
ted as
erra was crea
T
de la
orm of parliament,
the first f
wort
Fel
with the aim of solving local
(Swertia perennis)
disputes.
oxglove
Purple f
italis lutea)
(Dig
TOPOGUIDE
Encamp
RETURNING
You can return by following the same
route.
Alt del Griu
ROUTE SIGNPOSTING
2.900 m
9
2.750 m
8
2.600 m
7
2.450 m
6
N 5
2.300 m
4
3
2.150 m
O E
DATA SHEET
2
2.000 m
1
S 1.850 m
0 1,2 km 2,4 km 3,6 km 4,8 km 6 km
3h 40 min
2h 45 min
LOCATION DISTANCE TIME COORDINATES DESCRIPTION
LOCATION DISTANCE TIME COORDINATES DESCRIPTION
DROP
DROP
1
+985 m
The route starts at the Funicamp roundabout, 6
ELS -- -- N42 32.107
in the village of Encamp. First, take the Els Cor-
Continue along a steeper path on the left and
ENSAGENTS 3.760 m 1h 45 N42 31.084
CORTALS
5.960 m
(--) E1 36.860
tals road (CS-220). At the 6.2 km mark, there
go past a little scree. Further up, you ll en-
REFUGE
D ENCAMP
(+80 m) E1 38.338
will be a path that leads up to the right. A few
ter the cosy Ensagents refuge, which is well
2.425 m
1.885 m
ROUTE
metres on, there is a wooden sign with different
equipped (with bunk beds and a wood stove)
SIGNPOSTING
hikes to choose from.
and has capacity for 8 people.
2
7
N42 31.682 Right away, you ll pass by a farm. As you
COMA DELS 1.090 m 30
Starting from the refuge, the path is not mar-
ENSAGENTS 4.530 m 2h 30 N42 31.243
LLOPS AND
hike up a rather steep path, you ll enter the
LANDMARKS E1 37.063
(+170 m)
ked with yellow dots, so keep the rock land-
LAKE
ENSAGENTS
(+125 m) E1 38.772
El Campeą forest. You ll quickly come to a dry
marks in mind. Continue ascending eastward
PATH
2.550 m
rock wall and, a little further on, the coma dels
until you come to a group of pine trees where
INTERSECTION
WRONG WAY
Llops intersection.
you ll need to turn left, heading north. A litt-
2.055 m
le further ahead, go up the bank of the river
USE OF
3 until the first lake and then the second lake,
COMPASS AND
N42 31.552 The path continues heading to the southeast, which is the largest of the Ensagents lakes.
ENSAGENTS 1.810 m 1h
MAP HIGHLY
REFUGE with granite blocks in the forest. Next, you ll
E1 37.509
(+150 m)
RECOMMENDED
PATH AND THE
go by the Baix grazing area and see a wooden 8
From the lake, the path heads northwest. As
PEDRUSQUES
information panel pointing the way to the En-
ENTINYOLA 5.150 m 3h N42 31.458
PATH INTER- you follow the landmarks, you ll quickly gain
sagents refuge and Pedrusques path, as well PASS
(+115 m) E1 38.590
SECTION
altitude. The last stretch is the steepest part
as to the Els Aspres and Alt del Griu peaks.
2.665 m
of the path that takes you to Entinyola pass,
2.205 m
where there is a spectacular view over Pes-
4
sons cirque.
Walking level, take the Ensagents refuge path,
CLEARING 2.530 m 1h 15 N42 31.281
marked with yellow dots, which enters a forest. 9
2.250 m (+45 m) E1 37.801
Now you ll have to go up the pass, which is actua-
ALT 5.960 m 3h 40 N42 31.518
lly not so difficult. On the first stretch, you ll climb
DEL GRIU
5
(+205 m) E1 39.067
You ll pass by some granite walls in the fo- through some alpine meadows. After a rocky area,
ROCKY 3.420 m 1h 30 N42 31.014 2.870 m
rest. Next, the path climbs softly along the you ll need to head a bit to the left. Before reaching
AREA
(+95 m) E1 38.521
Ensagents river until you reach a rocky area the peak, the slope lessens. The main peak is on
2.345 m
with some large granite blocks. your right in the middle of a rocky area. Enjoy the
spectacular, 360-degree view of Andorra.