Easy hikes and walks around Lac du Portillon
4.6
(1318)
16,011
hikers
84
hikes
Hiking around Lac du Portillon offers access to high-mountain scenery within the Pyrénées, characterized by dramatic, mineral-rich landscapes. The region features glacial cirques and towering peaks, with the lake itself situated at an elevation of 2580 meters. Trails often progress through a chain of mountain lakes and cascades, providing varied natural features. This secluded area near the Spanish border maintains a preserved biodiversity.
Best easy hiking trails around Lac du Portillon
- The most popular easy hiking route is Cascade d'Enfer…
Last updated: June 30, 2026
4.7
(6)
89
hikers
4.10km
01:29
250m
250m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
23
hikers
1.14km
00:20
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7
hikers
3.34km
00:56
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
16
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
4.68km
01:21
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Lac du Portillon
Other adventures around Lac du Portillon
Tips from the Community
Impressive, with what power the water falls and has created a fantastic landscape!
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Impressive, with what force the water falls!
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An imposing natural spectacle
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The Höllenwasserfall, so named because of the dramatic sounds, is an impressive natural event
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From the hiking parking lot, it first goes to the waterfall and then uphill through a quaint forest.
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Coming from the largest natural lake (not dammed) in the entire Pyrenees, it is normal for this ravine to always descend with abundant water.
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The historic spa of Baños de Benasque was active from the beginning of the 16th century until 2019, when it was permanently closed. The use of the water from these baths has been documented since 1522, when the Benasque apothecary Francisco Frigoiti administered them. In 1801 the first building was built, which was successively improved and expanded over time, including a reconstruction after the Spanish Civil War, when the building was burned. The difficulties of maintaining road access during the winter months and the cost of renovating the current buildings led to its closure in 2019.
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The historic spa of Baños de Benasque was active from the beginning of the 16th century until 2019, when it was permanently closed. The use of the water from these baths has been documented since 1522, when the Benasque apothecary Francisco Frigoiti administered them. In 1801 the first building was built, which was successively improved and expanded over time, including a reconstruction after the Spanish Civil War, when the building was burned. The difficulties of maintaining road access during the winter months and the cost of renovating the current buildings led to its closure in 2019.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available around Lac du Portillon?
The Lac du Portillon area offers 6 dedicated easy hiking trails. In total, there are 83 routes of varying difficulties, ensuring options for all skill levels.
What kind of scenery can I expect on easy hikes near Lac du Portillon?
Easy hikes in this region immerse you in stunning high-mountain scenery typical of the Pyrénées. You'll encounter dramatic, mineral-rich landscapes, often featuring colorful high-altitude ponds and unique orange-colored sculpted rock walls. Many trails also pass through a chain of beautiful mountain lakes and cascades.
Are there any easy trails that feature waterfalls?
Yes, the Cascade d'Enfer loop from Les Écharts is a short, easy 1.1 km trail that prominently features a refreshing waterfall, making it a popular choice for a quick natural highlight.
Can I find easy circular routes in the area?
Absolutely. Several easy routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the View of the plain – Yellow rock loop from Granges d'Astau offers open views and distinctive rock formations on a 2.8 km circular path.
Are there any easy trails that offer panoramic views?
Yes, the View of the plain – Yellow rock loop from Granges d'Astau is an excellent option for easy access to open views of the surrounding plain and unique geological features.
What are some easy trails that explore reservoir landscapes?
You can explore reservoir landscapes on easy trails such as the Embalse de Paso Nuevo loop, which is about 5.8 km long, or the Paso Nuevo Reservoir loop from Camping Ixeia, covering approximately 4.8 km.
What do other hikers say about the easy trails around Lac du Portillon?
The easy trails around Lac du Portillon are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,200 reviews. Hikers often praise the stunning high-mountain scenery, the progression through multiple lakes, and the well-marked paths.
Are there any easy trails starting from Granges d'Astau?
Yes, Granges d'Astau is a common starting point. The View of the plain – Yellow rock loop from Granges d'Astau is an easy 2.8 km trail that begins here, offering scenic views and unique rock formations.
What is the typical duration for an easy hike in this area?
The duration for easy hikes varies. Shorter routes like the Cascade d'Enfer loop can be completed in about 20 minutes, while longer easy trails such as the Embalse de Paso Nuevo loop might take around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Are there any easy trails that pass through historic areas?
Yes, the Historic Center of Benasque – Ferrata de Sacs loop from Benasque offers an easy 7.1 km hike that allows you to explore the historic center of Benasque, providing a cultural element alongside the natural beauty.
What are the general characteristics of the terrain on easy trails?
Easy trails in the Lac du Portillon area generally feature well-defined paths suitable for most fitness levels. While the region is high-mountain, these specific routes are selected for their accessibility, often with moderate elevation changes, allowing you to enjoy the dramatic landscapes without extreme difficulty.
Most popular routes around Lac du Portillon
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