Pic de Madrès, Mountain summit in Censà, France
Pic de Madres is a mountain summit in the Pyrenees that rises to 2,469 meters with steep rocky slopes and dramatic terrain. The exposed rock shows how geological forces have shaped this peak over millions of years.
The peak formed during the creation of the Pyrenees mountain chain when tectonic plates collided and pushed rock upward. Glaciers during ice ages carved the slopes and shaped the rocky structure visible today.
Shepherds have long used the mountain slopes for seasonal herding, and the grazing routes they follow remain visible across the landscape today.
Trails to the summit begin from three different starting points and the main route takes about six hours for a round trip. The best time to hike is late spring through early fall when snow has melted and the terrain is safer to cross.
On clear days the view from this summit extends all the way to the Mediterranean Sea and across to the central Pyrenees range. This rare sight from a single vantage point shows how the mountain dominates its surrounding region.
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