The Gerber Valley and Lake
List posts20/09/2023
https://almadenieve.com/news/N3196F0x1400.jpgThe Aran Valley has incredible places that never stop surprising you. In this article we are going to talk about one of them. We are referring to the Gerber lakes, a unique enclave that you can visit during your stay in the Aran Valley and in Alma de Nieve accommodations. We will explain to you where the route starts and what you will find when you do it.
A route for all audiences: the Gerber lakes
The Gerber valley is located in the Pallars Sobirá region of Lleida within the area around Aigüestortes National Park and Estany de Sant Maurici. These are wonderful glacial origin lakes with a striking blue color surrounded by granite mountains and full of fir trees that decorate the surroundings. It has a depth of 64 meters and is located at 2150 meters above sea level.
Do you want to know what you will discover if you hike the Gerber lakes route? Below we tell you everything you need to know. This route has low difficulty, so it is perfect for all audiences. The best starting point for the route is the L'Apeulla parking area and the best time to do it is at any time of the year. Although when the area is snowy, the difficulty increases a bit.
Tips before starting the route
Although the difficulty is low and people of all ages can do it, you should keep in mind that mountain footwear is mandatory. Why? Because there are rocky areas where you will need shoes that do not slip so you can do the route with maximum safety.
Additionally, if you are going to do this hike with pets, you should keep in mind that you must keep them on a leash at all times. Finally, do not forget that it is a mountain hike and starting early is the best option to avoid the hottest hours. Remember to bring water to stay hydrated and also sunscreen to protect yourself in case the day is clear.
The route point by point
So that you have all the information before your trip, we are going to break down the route. This way, you will know what you will encounter at all times and most importantly, you will not forget the places where you need to stop to enjoy the best landscapes.
The route is marked with signs so you don't have problems getting lost. Keep in mind that it is uphill all the time, so we recommend you do it calmly and without rushing so you can enjoy it.
From the L'Apeulla parking area, you will have to head towards Estanyera by crossing a small uphill section that won't be difficult. It is a beautiful lake where you can take a break to continue forward. Getting here will take you approximately 45 minutes. Then, you will have to go around the lake on the right side to reach a small viewpoint that will surely enchant you. Continue advancing until you reach Estanyera del Mig, the second lake on our route and one of the most well-known.
You will have to follow the marked path until you reach Gerber Lake, the final point of this route and the perfect place to stop for lunch or simply enjoy the mountain air. This entire section will take you approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
The path is round trip, so to go down you just have to return by the same route.
Don't miss this hiking route
The Gerber lakes are some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Catalonia. Don't miss this hiking route where you can enjoy a unique environment and nature in its maximum splendor. If you want a good starting point to visit impressive places in the Aran Valley, we recommend staying at Alma de Nieve tourist apartments, which are located in Baqueira, the perfect place to go hiking and rest with all the comforts after having experienced an enriching experience with nature and the Aran Valley.