Pic Carlit – hike starting from the parking lot of lac des Bouillouses – Parc naturel régional des Pyrénées Catalanes

The ascent to Pic Carlit from Lac des Bouillouses is one of the most iconic routes in the Catalan Pyrenees, offering a complete immersion in a landscape of stunning alpine beauty. The trail leads you through forests and meadows, winding alongside numerous glacial lakes, such as Estany de Vallell and Viver Lake, before tackling the more rocky and technical section towards the summit. It's an experience that combines the serenity of the lakes with the thrill of a challenging peak.

This hiking route is considered difficult, with a distance of 14.3 kilometers and an elevation gain of 868 meters, translating to approximately 6 hours and 31 minutes of effort. It is essential to have good physical fitness and be sure-footed on uneven terrain, especially in the final meters of the ascent where scrambling is required. During the summer months, access to Lac des Bouillouses is regulated, so you will need to use shuttle buses to reach the trailhead.

Pic Carlit, at 2,921 meters, is the highest point in the Eastern Pyrenees and offers 360-degree panoramic views stretching from Canigó to Puigmal. The area is renowned for its biodiversity and the chance to spot wildlife such as marmots and chamois. The abundance of lakes, often referred to as the "12 lakes of Carlit," adds a special charm to this popular route in the Parc naturel régional des Pyrénées Catalanes.