Light and contrast in Pallars: Montsent de Pallars and Montorroio

The dawn over Pallars is always a promise, and this morning was no exception. The expedition kicked off with the first light, leaving the vehicle behind to delve into the Barranc d'Entremonts, a gully that allowed us to gain altitude quickly. This route fully immersed us in the high-mountain atmosphere that characterizes the peripheral zone of the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.

Once the most demanding section was overcome, we tackled the ascent to the first giant: the Montsent de Pallars (2,883 m). From this majestic viewpoint, included in the FEEC 100 Cims Challenge, the landscape reveals a surprising duality. To the west, the abrupt and rocky walls dominate the Vall Fosca and Estany Gento, while to the east, the almost infinite softness of the alpine meadows of the Vall d'Àssua extends. The geodesic vertex testifies to its privileged position.

The traverse between the peaks along the ridge was the pinnacle of the experience. We retrace our steps, now going down, and back to the Collada de Coma Plana that gives way to the ascent towards Montorroio (2,862 m), a summit that breaks with the granitic norm. Its reddish or garnet tone, a testament to the Devonian geology, creates a spectacular contrast under the October sky, featuring softer and more rounded reliefs. From here, the gaze wanders towards the great massifs, easily distinguishing the silhouette of Pica d'Estats, the roof of Catalonia, on the horizon.

With both summits bagged, the return was draped in mystery as low clouds began to envelop the cliffs, providing a memorable closure to a demanding day in one of the most iconic and less crowded ranges of the Axial Pyrenees.