Stage with more protected natural environment
and also provides views of some of Andorras highest peaks
CHARACTERISTICS
The third stage starts from Lake Juclà, the largest in Andorra, and, specifically, from Juclà Refuge. You’re in the parish of Canillo, the largest in the Principality, with an area of 120.76 km2.
After leaving the mountain staffed shelter, you’ll cross the remains of what was once a cabin of FHASA workers at the Juclà dam. As you leave behind the River Manegó, head towards Lake Cabana Sorda, at 2,295 metres above sea level. Next to it, you’ll see the shelter of the same name. From here, continue towards Serra de la Cabana Sorda, between Coma de Varilles Peak and Tossa de Caraup. Before beginning the descent down Coma de Varilles, stop to contemplate the views 2,600 metres above sea level.
Continue to the Cóms de Jan Refuge, where you can take in a panoramic view of Ransol Valley. You’ll enter a hunting ground and, if you’re lucky, you may spot a chamois.
Afterwards, take a slight ascent to Collade de Meners, crossing the lake of the same name. From here you’ll clearly see the way to take to reach Sorteny Refuge. It couldn’t be easier, so enjoy the views of the Ransol Valley and Sorteny Valley, which you’ll discover as you get nearer.
Descend down Collada de Meners, between La Serrera and Estanyó Peaks (the fourth and fifth highest in Andorra, respectively). Little by little, you’ll enter the Sorteny Valley. It’s impossible to miss the steelmaking past of the area, given the abundant ferruginous soil. At last, you’ve arrived at Sorteny Refuge (1965 metres)!
There you can spend the night and you might even want to book an extra night to check out the Sorteny Valley Nature Park. If you still have time and you're not too exhausted, take advantage and visit the botanical gardens or enjoy some butterfly spotting.
The duration of the stage is approximate, it depends on the physical state of each hiker and the number of stops that are made throughout the trail.
