Pedraforca is one of the most popular mountains found in the Cadi Moixeró Natural Park. This mountain is located between the provinces of Barcelona and Lleida, to be more specific, in the region of Bergadá.
The popularity of this mountain is due to its rocky peaks and also to the ascents that have taken place over the years. This mountain has a lot to offer you, so if you decide to stay at our mountain campsite in the Catalan Pyrenees you can enjoy a wide variety of activities related to nature.
In this article we are going to focus on Pedraforca so that you can learn more about its routes, what you can see and some curious facts about the mountain.
Pedraforca: how to get there
To get to Pedraforca mountain you have several options, both by private vehicle and by public transport. One of the most comfortable options is to make the trip by car, as you will not depend on any schedule and will have greater autonomy.
Starting from the city of Barcelona, to get to the mountain you will have to take the C-16 motorway north towards Puigcerdà. Along that direction you will find signs that you must follow towards Berga and, when you arrive, continue to the Berga Mountains.
Gósol is a good starting point for many routes, making it a great place to start. If you decide to travel by public transport you will have to take a bus to Berga and, once you arrive in Berga, take a different bus to Gósol. Once you arrive in Gósol you can start the route or, if you prefer, take another bus that will take you to the Pedraforca Valleys.
Also remember that there are private bus lines that offer direct trips to Pedraforca, so it is another option to consider.
What to see in Pedraforca
There is no doubt that Pedraforca is much more than a mountain. Basically, it is like a kind of ecosystem in which you can find an important variety of flora and fauna as well as the most spectacular landscapes.
Probably the most interesting thing about Pedraforca is its panoramic views. As you go up the mountain you can appreciate spectacular views of the Pyrenees or the Ebro depression, as if you were at the top of the best viewpoint.
Although you can imagine otherwise, climbing Pedraforca in summer is quite interesting. This is because this mountain is surrounded by forests of beech, pine and fir trees, which makes for a very cool environment in summer and a lot of vegetation to visit.
The hiking trails on Pedraforca are all the more interesting due to the crystal clear rivers and impressive waterfalls that you can visit. As we will see later, what you can or cannot visit will depend on the route you are going to take, since there are a large number of different routes that, obviously, have different routes.
Ascent to Pedraforca
To go up Pedraforca there are different routes. Here we are going to deal with some of them so that if you want to enjoy this mountain you have access without problem. Knowing the routes well is essential before venturing into them, so we recommend that you also take into account your physical condition or experience when venturing with some of the most complicated ones.
The route to Pedraforca through the Verdet pass is the most famous route. Anyone thinking of climbing Pedraforca inevitably has this route in mind. This is because it is the most beautiful ascent due to the views it has, but it is not the easiest path, in fact, it is complicated.
If you are going to carry out this route you should bear in mind that it is a fairly long route, as it has a distance of 8 kilometres and, in addition, has a great positive slope. This means that half of the course is uphill, so it can be quite tiring.
The section of the lunch box is downhill and the main problem is that it is quite broken. This makes it somewhat dangerous because it is just over 1 kilometer with slippery rocks.
Although it is a very beautiful route, it is advisable to have done some similar routes previously to be used to this hardness and, unless you have experience in high mountains, this route is not recommended in winter.
The Pedraforca route from Gósol is a route of moderate difficulty and is carried out on the western slope of the mountain. Although this is an easier route than the previous one, that does not mean that it is an easy route for a family adventure, as it is also somewhat demanding.
One thing you need to know is that there are no complicated climbing sections, which is a plus. In addition to this, it should be taken into account that half of the climb is through the Gósol scree field, which means that it can be somewhat dangerous if it has rained a lot the day before.
As with the previous route, it is not advisable to carry out this route in winter unless you have a lot of experience in the high mountains.
Another route you can take is the Pedraforca 360 route. Unlike the previous routes, with this route you will not reach the top, but you will go around the surroundings of the mountain to enjoy the most beautiful corners of it.
Although you don’t get to the top of the mountain, you pass through the most beautiful places of interest, so it is highly recommended for nature lovers. Its difficulty is also moderate.
Pedraforca Height
One of the most striking aspects of Pedraforca is its height, in fact, the main attraction for all those who want to summit it. In this case, Pedraforca has two main peaks. Pollegó Superior is the highest in Pedraforca and has an altitude of 2506 meters.
The second summit is known as Calderer and has an altitude of 2496 meters. The interesting thing about this sense is that both summits are linked by a pass that is known as “L’Enforcadura”. Thanks to this union, Pedraforca has its characteristic gallows shape.
How long does it take to climb Pedraforca?
The time it takes to climb Pedraforca is variable depending on the route chosen. Each route has its own distance, for example, if you decide to climb Pedraforca through the Verdet pass it will take you 5 hours, while if you do it from Gósol the duration will be 6 hours.
Is it difficult to climb Pedraforca?
In the same way as with the time it takes to climb Pedraforca, the difficulty of the climb will depend on the route chosen. Although there are complicated routes, as we have seen, there are also somewhat more accessible routes.
It is very important to remember that it is not an easy path and, although it may seem that a signposted route is suitable for everyone, the truth is that not everyone can carry out the climb to Pedraforca.
In essence, to climb Pedraforca you do not need excessive mountain knowledge either, but it is important to be in good physical condition or not have impediments that hinder the ascent along the route. If you have experience climbing mountains you will have no problem when it comes to facing a route of moderate difficulty.
To enjoy Pedraforca it is not necessary to climb to the summit either. There are many routes around the mountain with which you can enjoy beautiful landscapes and nature and, of course, they are much more accessible. These routes are also a good introduction to the region before venturing into more complicated routes.
In addition to proper preparation, it is also important to have the right equipment to facilitate the ascent through the routes.
Pedraforca viewpoint
The Pedraforca viewpoint is one of the most important points of interest that can be visited in Pedraforca. As it could not be otherwise, the Pedraforca viewpoint offers spectacular panoramic views of the two summits of Pedraforca mentioned above.
The viewpoint is located in a privileged natural environment, so you can enjoy the best of the mountain outdoors. In addition to this, the Pedraforca viewpoint is easily accessible, so you will have no problem getting there even those who have no experience with hiking.
Finally, this viewpoint is also the starting point for many mountain routes, so it is the perfect place to meet and start enjoying Pedraforca.
Pedraforca car park
There are several car parks at the foot of Pedraforca, so you will have no problem parking no matter if you are in Saldes or Gósol.
Pedraforca map
Tips for enjoying the Pedraforca Route
Despite the fact that it is a mountain with great renown and that practically everyone knows, that does not mean that it is an easy mountain to climb. You must be very aware of your limitations, since it is not about taking a quiet walk in the mountains, but it will test you physically.
Any time of the year is good to enjoy the Pedraforca route. On the other hand, in winter, some routes present more difficulties and that is something to take into account. Regardless of the route you choose, always wear comfortable shoes, as it is a rocky terrain.
Once you are in the mountains, do not forget to respect the flora and fauna of the place and, of course, it is important to wear the appropriate protection such as sun protection, sunglasses or a hat, as well as water to be well hydrated.
