Route of the Estany de Sant Maurici viewpoint
Source: http://www.pirineos3000.com/fotos/ascensiones/800×600/19329_5.jpg
- Itinerary : Estany de Sant Maurici-Estany de Ratera-viewpoint of Estany-Estany de Sant Maurici.
- Access: from Espot along the Sant Maurici road to the Prat de Pierró car park and then along itinerary 1 to the pond information booth.
- Duration of the route: 2 hours 30 minutes (it is not necessary to foresee the return, since it is a closed itinerary).
- Difficulty: low.
- Height difference : 300 m (1,910-2,210).
- Recommended time: from the end of May to the end of October.
- Observations: ideal itinerary to have a general view of the upper basin of the river Escrito and that allows you to observe a truly spectacular landscape throughout the route.
General description
From the Sant Maurici information booth, we take the path that goes to the Ratera waterfall and that connects with the track that goes up to the Ratera pond , a little before reaching the latter. Once we have left the pond behind, we will see a fork next to a small pond. We take the path to the left that will take us to the Mirador. The place lives up to its name and invites you to let your eyes and spirit wander in a grandiose landscape. If we continue on, flanking the buttresses of the Pic del Portarró along a well-marked path, we will find the path that descends from the pass of the same name and that leads downwards towards the Sant Maurici pond.
Points of interest
- Ratera Waterfall: it is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the National Park that bridges the gap between the hanging valley of Ratera and the main one of Sant Maurici.
- L'Ordigal: a strategic point from which we can clearly see the glacial valleys of Monestero and Subenuix, as well as the Portarró d'Espot pass, a natural passage to the Sant Nicolau riverbank.
- Estany de Ratera: one of the most characteristic lakes in this sector, where trout swim and jump into the water more or less confidently, without fear of the fishermen.
- El Mirador del Estany: located on the path that connects the two slopes of the Escrito valley, it is a unique place to contemplate the relief that surrounds you. Here is an orientation chart that helps to identify the main topographic features in the area.
- Barranco de Subenuix: the area near the ravine presents a magnificent sample of the subalpine forests of the Park. We will find beautiful specimens of fir, black pine, rowan, birch, goat willow...
Source: http://www.aiguestortes.info/rutas/ruta-mirador-sant-maurici/
