Estanys de Tristaina

The Estanys de Tristaina are one of those places where you find yourself gazing a moment longer than you'd planned. Three high mountain lakes in a chain — Inferior, Mitjà and Superior — starting at 2,240 meters altitude, within the Ordino Biosphere Reserve. The water has that clarity that only exists above 2,000 meters.

The 4.4 km circular route is not technically demanding: 210 meters of elevation gain well distributed, marked trail and a sculpture midway through — the steel ring 'Arcalís 91' by sculptor Mauro Staccioli — that gives a different dimension to the landscape. In summer you can see Percheron horses grazing and, if you're lucky, some hermits among the rocks.

The route starts from the parking area in the Coma zone, at the Ordino-Arcalís station. In summer, car access to Coma del Forat is restricted for bicycles; you can use the cable car at the station to get up. Perfect with a dog: open trail, with no exclusion zones.