Cap de la Gallina Pelada: A White Start to the Year in Serra d'Ensija

Our first outing of the year, on January 4, 2025, led us to the majestic Serra d'Ensija to conquer Cap de la Gallina Pelada. Covering a distance of 10.78 km, this winter adventure was marked by the constant presence of snow and ice, creating a postcard-perfect landscape from the very beginning.

Although our initial intention was to start the route at Font Freda, we encountered the road closed due to ice at the Pleta de la Vila recreational area. This meant starting lower than planned, but it did not diminish the day's enjoyment in the slightest. From the outset, ice and snow accompanied us, beautifying every step of the way.

The route led us past the Refugi d’Ensija (2156m), on a clear and not-too-cold day, which allowed us to fully appreciate the views. Looking south, an impressive sea of clouds stretched beneath us, with the iconic needles of Montserrat rising on the horizon. To the north, the majestic Pedraforca gifted us an unparalleled image throughout the route, especially with the first lights of dawn, a spectacle that made this start to the year an unforgettable experience.

Despite having planned a longer circular route that included descending via Torrent Llobateres, the pleasant sun, stunning views, and numerous photo stops convinced us to leisurely enjoy the surroundings. Thus, we decided not to complete the full loop and instead retraced our steps after lunch, turning it into a delightful out-and-back excursion.

It is important to note that we were equipped with crampons, as snow and ice were a constant presence along most of the path. Although we encountered some people without them, safety is always paramount in these conditions. The satisfaction of walking without slipping greatly contributed to our enjoyment. We thoroughly enjoyed the environment and encourage you to discover this magnificent winter route, or even the entire loop if conditions and experience allow.