Exploring the Coves dels Talibans, Gran Diagonal, and Pollegó Inferior on Pedraforca: An Epic Adventure

Pedraforca, one of the most iconic mountains in Catalonia, is renowned for its twin peaks, rugged terrain, and striking silhouette. Beyond the classic ascent to Pollegó Superior, Pedraforca offers a series of exciting and challenging routes for experienced mountaineers looking to explore lesser-known parts of the mountain. Among these hidden gems are the Coves dels Talibans, the Gran Diagonal, and the route to the Pollegó Inferior—offering a more technical and adventurous experience for those seeking to push their limits.

In this post, we’ll dive into these more advanced routes on Pedraforca, detailing what makes them unique, how to tackle them, and tips for preparing for these thrilling climbs.

Why Explore These Routes on Pedraforca?

For seasoned hikers and climbers, the Coves dels Talibans, Gran Diagonal, and Pollegó Inferior routes offer an alternative to the classic climb, bringing you deeper into Pedraforca’s dramatic landscapes. These routes combine technical challenges like scrambling, climbing, and exposure with the incredible beauty of Pedraforca’s vertical cliffs, caves, and ridgelines.

Here’s why these routes should be on your radar:

• Coves dels Talibans: A unique cave system tucked into the cliffs of Pedraforca, offering an exciting adventure for explorers and climbers alike.
• Gran Diagonal: One of the most famous climbing routes on Pedraforca, it cuts diagonally across the rock face, providing incredible exposure and sweeping views.
• Pollegó Inferior: A lesser-visited peak, Pollegó Inferior offers an equally rewarding climb with more solitude compared to the often-crowded Pollegó Superior.

1. Coves dels Talibans

The Coves dels Talibans are a set of caves located on the southern slopes of Pedraforca, accessible through a technical and challenging climb. These caves are not widely known, and they attract more adventurous climbers seeking to explore the less-traveled areas of the mountain. The caves provide a natural shelter and an atmospheric spot to take a break before continuing your climb.

Route Overview

The approach to the Coves dels Talibans typically starts from Coll de Verdet, a popular access point for other routes on Pedraforca. From here, climbers need to navigate rocky terrain and scramble up steep sections, with some short climbing portions. The caves are nestled into the cliffs, providing panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

While this route is not heavily frequented, it requires experience in scrambling and navigation, as there are no fixed cables or clear markers leading directly to the caves.

• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (requires some climbing and scrambling skills)
• Duration: 3 to 4 hours (depending on your route and pace)
• Best for: Experienced climbers and adventurers who are comfortable with technical terrain

2. Gran Diagonal

The Gran Diagonal is one of Pedraforca’s most famous climbing routes, cutting diagonally across the face of the mountain. This route is known for its exposure and dramatic position, providing stunning views as you traverse the cliffs of Pedraforca. The Gran Diagonal is a technical route that requires climbing gear and experience with exposed terrain.

Route Overview

The Gran Diagonal is typically accessed from the Refugi Lluís Estasen and starts with a steep ascent toward the face of the mountain. As the name suggests, the route follows a diagonal path along the rock face, requiring climbers to scramble and climb sections of exposed rock. While not overly technical, the route does require confidence with heights and good climbing skills.

The thrill of the Gran Diagonal comes from the exposure—at points, you’ll find yourself perched on narrow ledges with sweeping views of the Pyrenees and valleys below. It’s an exhilarating experience for climbers looking to challenge themselves and enjoy some of the best views Pedraforca has to offer.

• Difficulty: Advanced (requires scrambling and climbing skills, exposure to heights)
• Duration: 4 to 6 hours
• Best for: Experienced climbers and mountaineers

3. Pollegó Inferior

While the Pollegó Superior is the more frequently climbed summit of Pedraforca, the Pollegó Inferior offers a quieter and equally rewarding experience. Standing at 2,444 meters, Pollegó Inferior is the lower of the two summits but still presents a challenging ascent with stunning views.

Route Overview

To reach Pollegó Inferior, you can follow a similar approach to the one leading to Pollegó Superior, starting from Coll de Verdet. However, instead of continuing along the traditional scrambling route to the upper peak, you’ll divert toward Pollegó Inferior, which involves its own set of technical challenges.

The ascent to Pollegó Inferior is steeper and involves more scrambling and climbing sections than the standard route to Pollegó Superior. You’ll need to be comfortable with exposed terrain and confident with route-finding, as the trail is less defined.

From the summit of Pollegó Inferior, the views are breathtaking, offering a perspective of the nearby ridges and peaks. For those seeking solitude and adventure, Pollegó Inferior is an excellent alternative to the more popular climbs on Pedraforca.

• Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced (requires scrambling and route-finding skills)
• Duration: 4 to 5 hours
• Best for: Hikers and climbers looking for a quieter alternative to Pollegó Superior with equal scenic rewards

Preparing for These Routes

All three routes—Coves dels Talibans, Gran Diagonal, and Pollegó Inferior—require careful planning and preparation, as they involve technical terrain and exposure. Here are some key things to consider before setting out:

1. Essential Gear

• Helmet: Especially important for routes with rockfall risk or scrambling.
• Harness and climbing gear: For the Gran Diagonal and sections of Coves dels Talibans, where climbing is required.
• Rope: Depending on the conditions and your skill level, a rope might be necessary for sections with significant exposure.
• Good footwear: Sturdy climbing or approach shoes with excellent grip are essential.
• Clothing: Layered clothing to account for changing weather conditions in the mountains.

2. Physical Fitness

These routes demand a good level of physical fitness, as they involve steep ascents, scrambling, and sometimes technical climbing. Make sure you’re well-prepared for a long, challenging day of hiking and climbing.

3. Experience with Exposure

Both the Gran Diagonal and Pollegó Inferior involve exposed sections that can be intimidating for those unaccustomed to heights. Be sure to assess your comfort level with such terrain before attempting these routes.

4. Navigation Skills

These routes are less defined than the classic route to Pollegó Superior, so good navigation skills and familiarity with route-finding are important. Consider using a guide or GPS to help stay on track.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to tackle these routes is during spring, summer, or early autumn (May to October), when the weather is more stable, and the snow has melted from the higher elevations. Late autumn and winter bring snow and ice, which can make these routes more technical and dangerous without the proper equipment (crampons, ice axes, etc.).

Getting There

All routes start from the Refugi Lluís Estasen, located at the base of Pedraforca. The refuge can be reached from the village of Saldes, which is about a 2-hour drive from Barcelona. From Saldes, you can drive to the parking area near the refuge, where most ascents of Pedraforca begin.

Final Tips

• Go with a guide: If you’re unfamiliar with the routes or terrain, hiring a guide is a great way to ensure safety and enjoy the climb without worrying about navigation.
• Plan for a full day: These routes are longer and more technical than the classic hike, so plan for a full day on the mountain.
• Check the weather: Always check the weather before heading out. Pedraforca’s exposed ridges can be dangerous in poor weather conditions.

Conclusion

Exploring the Coves dels Talibans, Gran Diagonal, and Pollegó Inferior on Pedraforca is an adventure reserved for those seeking more technical challenges and fewer crowds. These routes take you deep into the rugged beauty of this iconic mountain, offering incredible views, thrilling climbs, and a sense of achievement that comes with exploring its less-trodden paths.

If you’re ready for a true mountain adventure, pack your gear, sharpen your skills, and set off to discover these hidden gems of Pedraforca!