Situated close to the principality's north western border with Spain, Andorra's highest peak lies in the Parc Natural Comunal de les Valls del Comapedrosa. Pic de Coma Pedrosa can be translated to "Peak of the stony valley", illustrating some shared etymology of Spanish/Catalan and English. Pic and Peak require no explanation. The Catalan "Coma" refers to a small, high valley, often a glacial cirque or alpine meadow nestled between peaks. This can be compared to the English "Coomb" or "Combe" referring to a steep-sided, short valley or hollow, particularly in Southwest England. Perhaps even closer in meaning is Welsh "Cwm" used to describe a deep narrow valley or bowl-shaped hollow on a hillside, often of glacial origin.
Arinsal acts as a gateway for those on a day hike to the mountain, and also those trekking along the GR11 trail east to west. There is free parking in front of the Hotel Patagonia, and from here one joins the GR11, red and white trail blazes, through the road tunnel and sharply right there after. The route ascends through pine forest above the Riu Pollós, then through a valley of flourishing rhododendron that are simply magnificent during early summer. At Collet de Comapedrosa, there is an option to ascend to the Refugi de Coma Pedrosa, the only manned mountain hut within Andorra. Those in a rush can consider this for the return, and push on up to Les Canyorques and the lake Estanys de Comapedrosa, also known as Basses de l'Estany Negre. Shortly after the lake, a less visible trail, blazed with circles of yellow paint, ascends Coma Pedrosa's southern ridge. The GR11 continues and crosses into Spain at Portella de Baiau. This VR tour follows both routes, for on the descent of Coma Pedrosa's western ridge, the hike arrives back on the GR11 near Portella de Baiau. From the Portella, Portal, Door, Pass, the VR Tour heads westward on a challenging narrow trail beneath the Agulla de Baiau (2861 m). The yellow blazes continue to a col and then up onto Pic de Sanfons (2894 m). The ridge walking here is exposed and excellent, eventually relenting as it descends to Portella de Sanfons from where a more obvious trail winds its way down to Refugi de Coma Pedrosa.
Now explore for yourself. Float cursor over picture button below the map to view start location from above.
