Hiking in Cavalls del Vent — Spain’s Parque Natural Cadí-Moixeró

Lush pine forests, hills with incredible views, and epic emblematic peaks, you'll find all this in the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park. This route, perfect for a weekend, allows you to try part of the official route of Cavalls del Vent.

The Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park is a protected natural area located between the provinces of Barcelona, Girona and Lleida, in Catalonia. The lowest valleys are at 900 metres (2,950 ft) and the highest peak – Vulturó – is at an altitude of 2,650 metres (8,694 ft). With an average of 13 kilometres (8 mi) per day and about 7 hours of walking, it’s a challenging circuit with quite a steep climb, but one that rewards you with incredible views.

The first stage consists mainly of ascent, as it starts above 1,000 metres (3,280 ft) and reaches an altitude of 2,500 metres (8,202 ft). And on the second day you have to descend! The highest point of the route is right in the middle, where you find the Niu de L'Aliga refuge, one of the best known in the Catalan Pyrenees. There, you can have dinner and spend the night (consider booking beforehand). The mountains of the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park are spectacular both for their diversity and their beauty. There are forests, meadows, peaks and everything you need to enjoy a weekend in nature.

This is a route that can be done in one direction or the other, and in all seasons of the year. However, if you go in winter, make sure you know the state of the snow so you can decide whether to take snowshoes and crampons. In summer, you can wear good hiking shoes with decent lugs or hiking boots. Don't forget to bring plenty of water, as there are no natural springs along the way and the refuges may be closed.

To access this route, you can go by car in the direction of Bagà, as there’s a road that takes you to a car park right at the start of the trail. The walk begins and ends there.