Pic de Cambalès, Granite summit in Hautes-Pyrénées, France.
Pico de Cambalés is a granite summit in the Hautes-Pyrénées rising to 2965 meters, characterized by steep northern cliffs roughly 200 meters high. The peak sits within the Marcadau massif and displays dramatic rock faces on its northern aspect.
French mountaineer Henry Russell made the first recorded ascent on July 20, 1877, establishing a climbing route. This early climb was part of the broader 19th-century exploration of the Pyrenees.
The summit forms a natural boundary between France and Spain, dividing two watershed systems. Visitors crossing the ridge can sense this geographical division as the landscape shifts between the two sides.
The route begins from Refuge Wallon at 1866 meters and involves a full-day hike with significant elevation gain. Plan to start early, wait for good weather, and allow ample time for both ascent and descent.
Two small lakes near Col d'Aragon at 2808 meters rank among the highest water bodies in this Pyrenees section. These alpine pools sit just below the peak and form surprisingly accessible mountain lakes at such high elevation.
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