Nafent’s favourites routes for expert trailrunning or hiking in Andorra
Comu d’Encamp in Andorra is a blast for hiking and trail running. With plenty of routes, splendid views and even a vertical kilometre, this could as well be your perfect summer visit.
This exceptional route with great views is not for those who suffer from Vertigo. After a demanding first part of the route, that is particularly physically challenging, it gets easier, but only for those who aren’t afraid of heights.
The route starts at the Pas de la Casa Tourist Office. The roundabout is crossed towards the town centre, following Carrer de les Abelletes until reaching Avinguda d’Encamp. A right turn leads onto Carrer de Catalunya, followed by a left onto Carrer Bearn. Stairs on the left are taken, continuing along Carrer de la Solana, through a right-hand bend and then a left-hand bend, heading uphill across the grassy slope.
The Port d’Envalira road is crossed twice, continuing straight uphill across steep grassy sections until reaching a flat area, where the dirt track to follow becomes visible. This track is later left, taking a shortcut uphill to reach Pic Maià, crowned by antenna installations. A gentle descent begins along the track, taking the first turning on the right. The route continues along the track, changing slope and descending easily along the shaded side of Maià. Below lies the Vall del riu de Sant Josep, where the descent continues later. Soon, the Refugi de la Portella appears on the opposite side of the valley.
Upon reaching the river, a right turn follows the signpost towards the refuge, which can be visited, or the descent can begin slightly earlier directly towards the river. The route follows the river downstream, crossing it several times over approximately 3 km until reaching a power line. There, a right turn follows the yellow markings and the power line, running parallel to the Ariège River, until returning to Pas de la Casa.
The route first passes under the bridge of the road leading to the Envalira tunnel, then continues along Avinguda del Consell General back to the Tourist Office.
Bony de les Neres (vertical kilometer)
A vertical kilometer is a mountain challenge in which 1,000 metres of elevation are gained over a short distance, often in less than 5 km. It has become popular thanks to trail running and ski mountaineering, attracting athletes who enjoy intense, direct climbs and measurable efforts against the clock.
This route in Comu d’Encamp’s proposal for a vertical kilometre attempt, making it suitable only for those in excellent physical condition with good adaptation to mountain terrain.
The route starts at the Encamp Tourist Office and follows Avinguda de Joan Martí, passing through the Gent Gran Park and over the river bridge.
It continues down Passeig de Mojocar, descending stairs and following the street on the left. At the junction, the route climbs Carrer Balcó del Solà and soon reaches the path marked Camí de la Carrera.
After a short paved section, the trail enters the forest. A sign for Camí del Bau is ignored, continuing left along a sunny path that quickly gains elevation with wide views over Encamp and the valley. Inside the forest, signs point towards Font del Torrent de la Canadilla and other landmarks to the right, while Camí del Solà lies to the left, which is followed. Another sign soon confirms the direction to Bony de les Neres.
From the Pas de la Casa Tourist Office, the road gently leads out of the village. Soon, a simple gate marks the transition from asphalt to open mountain. Beyond it, the path rises across a meadow, heading south, running parallel to the last buildings before they quietly disappear behind.
A clear, well-worn line guides the way forward. There is no real doubt about direction: it is always straight ahead, always uphill.
As the altitude builds, the landscape opens. Streams cut across the slope, crossed one by one, while yellow markers confirm the route. There is a sense of walking along an unseen border, with the terrain stretching out on both sides. After nearly two kilometres, the Lake of the Abelletes appears, calm and still, offering a brief moment to slow down. A signpost here points the way toward Envalira Peak.
The climb continues. At 3.3 kilometres, a first pass — the false Coll dels Isards — is reached. It feels like a milestone, though not yet the real one. The route presses on, and about 500 metres later, the true Coll dels Isards comes into view. A turn to the right sets up the final effort.
The last 800 metres bring a shift in atmosphere. The terrain narrows, framed by the imposing presence of the Negre Peak of Envalira on either side. With each step, the horizon expands, until finally the summit is reached. Up there, the view opens in every direction, a full 360 degrees, making the steady, unrelenting climb feel entirely justified.
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