Circ de Colomèrs, Glacial cirque in Naut Aran, Spain
Circ de Colomèrs is a glacial cirque in Naut Aran featuring more than forty lakes of varying sizes arranged in a natural amphitheater. These water bodies sit within a basin bordered by peaks rising above 2,500 meters (8,200 ft) in elevation.
Charles-Joseph Colomes de Juillan, a French-born engineer with Spanish heritage, explored and documented this formation during his 1838 expedition through the mountains. The cirque took its name from his family, marking an important moment in the region's geographic knowledge.
The cirque serves as the source of the Aiguamoix river, which flows into the Garonne de Ruda near the village of Tredos, sustaining local communities.
Access this cirque via marked trails starting from Banhs de Tredos, with hiking durations between three and eight hours depending on your route choice. The time varies based on your fitness level and which trail you select.
The lakes contain introduced fish species including trout and mullet, creating an unexpected freshwater ecosystem in this high alpine zone. Golden eagles and other raptors frequent the skies above, riding air currents around the peaks.
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