Driving the steep Chemin Garcia to Estany de la Coma d'en Garcia
Estany de la Coma d'en Garcia is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2,303m (7,555ft) above sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of southern France. Tucked away in the high Pyrenees near Porté-Puymorens, this remote glacial pond offers a true alpine escape.
The journey follows the rugged Vall d'en Garcia, a high-altitude valley known for its preserved natural beauty and steep granite slopes. The landscape is typical of the high Pyrenean axial zone, featuring sparse vegetation, loose rock, and spectacular views of the surrounding massifs, including the nearby Pic Einar. Due to its elevation and north-facing orientation, the area remains snow-covered for much of the year, creating a dramatic and desolate atmosphere.
| Road facts: Chemin Garcia | |
|---|---|
| Location | Porté-Puymorens, France |
| Elevation | 2,303 m (7,555 ft) |
| Road Name | Chemin Garcia |
| Length | 3.8 km (2.36 miles) |
| Average Gradient | 9.05% |
| Surface | Totally Unpaved / Dirt |
How difficult is the Chemin Garcia?
The road to the lake, known as Chemin Garcia, is a demanding 3.8 km (2.36 miles) long mountain track. It is totally unpaved and requires a 4x4 vehicle with good ground clearance. The ascent is remarkably steep, covering an elevation gain of 344 meters. With an average gradient of 9.05%, and several ramps exceeding this figure, it is a great trail for experienced wheelers comfortable with high-mountain shelf roads. The surface can be rough, with loose stones and potentially muddy sections after summer rains.
When can you drive to the Coma d'en Garcia?
The road is usually impassable during the winter months and often remains blocked by snow until late spring or early summer. The best time to attempt the drive is between July and September. It is a very remote area with minimal traffic, so self-sufficiency is essential. Travelers should avoid this route if they are not experienced in navigating unpaved mountain roads, as the combination of steepness and isolation makes it a serious undertaking. The reward for reaching the end of the track is the pristine silence of the Estany de la Coma d'en Garcia, one of the best-kept secrets of the region.
Pic&more info: http://lespagnol.prod.free.fr/excursions/les_pyrenees_orientales_a_pied__le_puig_de_coma_dor.html