Estany dels Pessons Hike With Kids: Route, Time & Parking

In June 2019 we drove up to Grau Roig with Damian (6) and Marc (3) and walked up to the Pessons lakes. In summer the ski slopes turn into green meadows, and a gravel track climbs through pine forest to a chain of glacial lakes inside the largest mountain cirque in Andorra. It was cold in the morning, the sun burned by midday, and it’s still one of the most beautiful family walks we’ve done in the Pyrenees.

Quick answers

• Start: the Grau Roig ski-area car park (Grandvalira), at about 2,100 m.
• Easy option: the loop to the first lake (Estany Primer) is about 4.7 km and 276 m of climbing, ~1h40. That’s the one for small kids.
• Full circuit: about 9.1 km, 515 m of climbing, ~4h30, reaching 2,610 m. Too much for young children.
• Food: there’s a restaurant at the refuge by the first lake.
• When: roughly June to early October. Go in the morning, because storms build in the afternoon.

Where does the Pessons hike start?

At the Grau Roig car park, part of the Grandvalira ski area, off the main CG-2 road between Soldeu and Pas de la Casa. In summer it’s quiet and there’s plenty of space. You walk straight from the car onto the track. Most hotels in Canillo, Soldeu and El Tarter are a short drive away.

The easy route to the first lake (best with kids)

From the car park, a wide track climbs gently through forest before opening out into alpine meadows. Most of it is gravel, with no technical sections. The first lake, Estany Primer, is the natural goal with small kids. There’s water to throw stones into, space to run, and the refuge restaurant right there. A loop back gives you about 4.7 km, 276 m up, and 1h40 of walking. Add time for stops, snacks and stones.

We did it with a 6- and a 3-year-old. With a 3-year-old, plan on carrying them for part of the way.

The full Pessons circuit (for older kids)

Above the first lake the trail keeps climbing past more lakes into the cirque and comes back by a second group, the Estanys de la Solana. That’s about 9.1 km and 515 m of climbing, roughly 4½ hours, with a high point of 2,610 m and some rocky, uneven ground. It’s fine for fit kids of 8 or older. With little ones, save it for another year.

Can you do the Pessons lakes with a stroller?

Not really. The track is gravel and uneven in places. A sturdy all-terrain buggy might manage the lower part, but a carrier is the sensible choice for anyone under 3.

When to go

• Season: roughly June to early October. Snow can linger into June and return in autumn.
• Time of day: start in the morning. Mountain weather turns in the afternoon.
• Temperature: in mid-June the mornings were cold enough for jackets, and by midday we were sunburnt. Bring both layers and sun cream.

What to bring

• Layers, waterproofs, hats and high-factor sun cream
• Water and snacks (or eat at the refuge)
• Proper shoes for everyone. Trainers are fine for the first lake, boots for the full circuit
• A carrier for under-3s
• Tell someone your route if you’re going beyond the first lake

More in Andorra

The other easy lake we loved, Engolasters, is reachable by car with a short walk. It’s in our Andorra with kids guide, together with the rest of our June weekend. Driving up: Barcelona to Andorra by car or bus.

Staying near Grau Roig? See family hotels in Soldeu →

Estany dels Pessons: FAQ

Where does the Estany dels Pessons hike start?

At the Grau Roig car park in the Grandvalira ski area, off the CG-2 road between Soldeu and Pas de la Casa.

How long is the Pessons lakes hike?

The loop to the first lake is about 4.7 km and 1h40. The full circuit is about 9.1 km, with 515 m of climbing, and takes around 4½ hours.

Is the Estany dels Pessons hike suitable for kids?

Yes, to the first lake. We did it with a 6- and a 3-year-old. The full circuit is better for older, fitter kids.

Is there a restaurant at Pessons?

Yes, there’s a refuge restaurant by the first lake.

When is the best time to hike to the Pessons lakes?

From about June to early October, starting in the morning before afternoon storms.