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Pic de Tristaina

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Pic de Tristaina (Andorra)

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Pic de Tristaina is a prominent peak standing at 2,878 meters in northern Andorra, near the French border. It is particularly famous for its location overlooking the Tristaina Circus, one of the country's most spectacular glacial landscapes featuring three tiered lakes. Geologically, the mountain is composed of granite and gneiss, sculpted by glacial activity into steep faces and sharp ridges. The climb to the summit is challenging, offering wide-open views of the Tristaina lakes and the French Pyrenees beyond. The flora in this area is rich in alpine species, including the Pyrenean buttercup, while the fauna is characterized by chamois and occasionally soaring griffon vultures. Historically, the region was an important passage for shepherds and has more recently become a hub for mountain tourism. Protecting the sensitive high-altitude landscape around Pic de Tristaina is a major focus for Andorran environmental authorities, especially given the popularity of the nearby Ordino Arcalís ski resort.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-2-21591416161282-1
Rain mm604857717752464750647049

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Visitors generally begin their trek from the Ordino Arcalís ski resort area, ascending past the scenic Tristaina lakes. The trail becomes increasingly steep and difficult as it approaches the French border.
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Best season
Late June through early October is the recommended timeframe, offering the clearest paths and most stable conditions. Snow and ice can cling to the shadowy northern faces almost year-round.
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Terrain & paths
The lower section features well-trodden paths near the lakes, but the final ascent is a steep, rocky scramble. Climbers must negotiate large boulders and loose scree channels to reach the 2,878-meter top.
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What to bring
Solid alpine trekking boots, trekking poles, and reliable wind protection are indispensable for the high ridge. Even in summer, carrying a warm insulated jacket and gloves is strongly advised.
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Parking
A large, paved parking area is available at the Ordino Arcalís resort base during the summer months. It is highly convenient but can become very crowded by mid-morning on sunny weekends.
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Safety
The final ridge is sharp, exposed, and highly dangerous during thunderstorms or high winds. Hikers must watch their step carefully on the descending scree to avoid potentially severe tumbling falls.
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Time needed
The complete round-trip hike normally takes about 5 to 7 hours, depending on one's pace through the boulder fields. The scenic lake basin often tempts hikers into taking much longer breaks.

Geography

Coordinates
42.63750, 1.47030

Facts

  • The peak reaches an elevation of 2,878 meters.
  • It towers over the famous Tristaina Circus and its three glacial lakes.
  • The mountain is located in the parish of Ordino in northern Andorra.
  • Its geological composition is primarily granite-based.
  • It is situated very close to the Ordino Arcalís ski resort area.
  • The view from the summit extends deep into the French Ariège department.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ordino-ArcalísOrdino-Arcalís<1 km · SExplore →
Tristaina LakesTristaina Lakes2 km · EExplore →
Pic de CataperdisPic de Cataperdis3 km · SEExplore →
Pic de MedacorbaPic de Medacorba4 km · SWExplore →
Jubba Valley BasinJubba Valley Basin5 km · SEExplore →
Coma PedrosaComa Pedrosa5 km · SExplore →
Pic de Font BlancaPic de Font Blanca5 km · EExplore →
Els PlansEls Plans6 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Pic de Tristaina (4)

Pic de Creussans

Mountain on the border between France and Andorra.

Punta de Peiraguils

Mountain on the border between France and Andorra.

Mirador Solar de Tristaina

Viewpoint with panoramic views of the Tristaina lakes.

Pic de Cabanyó

Mountain on the border between France and Andorra.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pic de Tristaina so popular?
Because of the spectacular view over the three Tristaina lakes below.
How high is this peak?
It is 2,878 meters high.
Does the hike start from the ski resort?
Yes, the ascent usually starts at the Ordino Arcalís parking lot.
Is the trail technically difficult?
The ridge path to the summit requires surefootedness and a head for heights.
How long does the tour take?
Starting from La Coma restaurant, the round trip takes about 3 to 4 hours.
Pic de Tristaina: where is it located?
Pic de Tristaina is located in Andorra.
Pic de Tristaina: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pic de Creussans, Punta de Peiraguils, Mirador Solar de Tristaina.
Pic de Tristaina: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Pic de Tristaina: why is it worth visiting?
Pic de Tristaina is a prominent peak standing at 2,878 meters in northern Andorra, near the French border.
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Nature

Pic d&#39;Arcalís — Pic de Tristaina (Andorra)
Pic d'Arcalís
Pic d'Arcalís reaches a height of 2,776 meters.
Pic de Cataperdis — Pic de Tristaina (Andorra)
Pic de Cataperdis
The 2,805-meter-high Pic de Cataperdis belongs to the Tristaina mountain chain.
Pic de Medacorba — Pic de Tristaina (Andorra)
Pic de Medacorba
This peak marks the tripoint where the borders of Andorra, Spain, and France meet.
Pic de la Capa — Pic de Tristaina (Andorra)
Pic de la Capa
Pic de la Capa reaches 2,572 meters.
Pic de Font Blanca — Pic de Tristaina (Andorra)
Pic de Font Blanca
A prominent peak on the border with France, known for its steep slopes.
Pic de Sanfonts — Pic de Tristaina (Andorra)
Pic de Sanfonts
A mountain in western Andorra near the Comapedrosa massif.
Pic de Bastenies — Pic de Tristaina (Andorra)
Pic de Bastenies
Pic de Bastenies is located in northwestern Andorra and reaches 2,628 meters.
Pic de Tor — Pic de Tristaina (Andorra)
Pic de Tor
Pic de Tor rises along the border with Spain to 2,690 meters.

More places

Iron Route Mine Site — Pic de Tristaina (Andorra)
Iron Route Mine Site
This historical mine was crucial for the economy in the 19th century.
Llorts Mine — Pic de Tristaina (Andorra)
Llorts Mine
This 19th-century iron mine is now a museum and forms part of Andorra's historical Iron Route.
Bosc de la Devesa — Pic de Tristaina (Andorra)
Bosc de la Devesa
A dense forest of Scots pines and firs located above Ordino.
Sant Martí de la Cortinada — Pic de Tristaina (Andorra)
Sant Martí de la Cortinada
A Romanesque church famous for its 12th-century wall paintings and elaborate artistic ironwork.
Serra de l&#39;Estanyo — Pic de Tristaina (Andorra)
Serra de l'Estanyo
Serra de l'Estanyo is a mountain ridge that connects the Pic de l'Estanyo with the surrounding massifs.
Sant Climent de Pal — Pic de Tristaina (Andorra)
Sant Climent de Pal
This 11th-century church is considered one of the best-preserved examples of Romanesque architecture in all of Andorra.
Postal Museum of Andorra — Pic de Tristaina (Andorra)
Postal Museum of Andorra
A museum in Ordino showcasing the evolution of postal services in Andorra and a stamp collection.
Casa d&#39;Areny-Plandolit — Pic de Tristaina (Andorra)
Casa d'Areny-Plandolit
This 17th-century manor house belonged to one of the most influential families in Andorran history.