Going all over the accessing path to Gorgutes Lake is one of the ways to get to know the top of Benasque Valley and the very heart of Posets-Maladeta Nature Park through an itinerary that goes over high mountain meadows.

Once in the lake, if we still have strength, we can continue towards Puerto de la Glera, a beautiful track that will lead us to the very border with France, unveiling the wide and deep views that will allow us to observe the orography and landscape differences between the two hillsides of the Pyrenees if and when there is no fog in the France side.

Starting point of the route

This itinerary begins at the end of the A-139 road that goes all over the valley. From this point, located at the foothills of the so-called Corona de Remuñé, we have excellent views of the area where the Hospital de Benasque was built in the Middle Ages to shelter the travellers who used to cross the Pyrenees, since it was a border crossing between France and Spain.

At this point, there is an information panel that indicates the starting point of the route and the general information of this well-marked itinerary that progresses through granite blocks, black pines and some rhododendrons.

The initial stretch is very short, around 300 m, and has a slightly steep slope, though it is not technically difficult.

Once we have outpaced this stretch, the path becomes more comfortable passing through alpine meadows to arrive to a small wooden bridge over Gorgutes cliff that we have to cross.

Gorgutes cliff – Gorgutes lake

Once we have crossed the cliff, we continue through the perfectly marked path. Later on, on the right side and in the same direction, we outpace La Solana Lakes to reach a small mountain pass that reveals the gorgeous Gorgutes Lake and its wonderful views.

Straight ahead, we observe the lake that is protected by Mal Pintrat summit and Puerto Viejo mountain pass and right behind it there is something unique and worth admiring, the Maladeta glacier, one of the most beautiful glaciers of the Pyrenees.

Gorgutes lake – Puerto de la Glera

Once in the lake and having already enjoyed the wonderful and spectacular views, if we still have enough energy to get to know a little more of this unique setting, we can continue the path that leads us to Puerto de la Glera mountain pass.

This mountain pass is named after the rocky grounds formed by the rock breaking caused by the freezing and defrost of the water that is retained in its fissures.

Gorgutes Lake and Puerto de la Glera mountain pass are relatively closed and the slope gradient between them is minor, hence it is worth continuing walking a little bit more to discover the gorgeous views of the Pyrenees French side.

Way back to the starting point

The way back to the starting point of the route is retracing the same path; however in this direction it is undoubtedly much lighter.