Cadi-Moixero Natural Park: wilderness at your doorstep

The park is dominated by two parallel mountain ranges:

• Serra del Cadi: a massive limestone wall running 30 km east-west, with peaks reaching 2,648m (Vulturó)
• Serra del Moixero: lower but equally dramatic, with distinctive rock formations

The geology creates diverse habitats:

• Alpine meadows above 2,000m with rare flowers in summer
• Mixed forests of pine, beech, oak and fir
• Rocky screes and cliffs home to vultures, eagles and chamois
• Underground caves including Tancalaporta, one of Europe's deepest

The park protects over 1,400 plant species and important populations of golden eagles, Egyptian vultures, chamois, roe deer, wild boar and even the rare Pyrenean desman (aquatic mammal).

Before exploring, visit one of the park's information centres:

Casa del Parc in Bagà (25 min from Montclar):

• Main interpretation centre with exhibitions on geology, flora and fauna
• Free entry, open daily except Mondays
• Trail maps, guided walk schedules, weather updates
• Educational displays suitable for children

Centre d'Interpretació in Josa del Cadí (35 min from Montclar):

• Focuses on traditional mountain life and shepherding
• Starting point for hikes to Pedraforca

Both centres provide free trail maps and advice on current conditions. Rangers speak English and can recommend routes for your fitness level.

1. Pedraforca Circuit (from Gósol):

• Circumnavigate the iconic forked mountain
• Distance: 14 km, 5-6 hours, moderate-challenging
• Spectacular views, no technical climbing required

2. Coll de Jou to Refugi de Gresolet:

• High-altitude traverse through alpine meadows
• Distance: 8 km one way, 3-4 hours, moderate
• Possible to sleep at mountain refuge

3. Serra del Moixeró from Castellar de n'Hug:

• Panoramic ridge walk with 360-degree views
• Distance: 10 km, 4 hours, moderate

4. Camí de les Fonts (Family route):

• Gentle forest walk following springs and streams
• Distance: 5 km, 2 hours, easy
• Suitable for children, picnic spots

All trails are marked with yellow-white paint markers and wooden signposts.

The park offers excellent wildlife watching opportunities:

Best times and places:

• Dawn and dusk: chamois and deer are most active
• Vultures and eagles: visible soaring above cliffs throughout the day, especially near Pedraforca
• Summer alpine meadows: marmots (introduced), butterflies, alpine flowers
• Autumn: deer rutting season, impressive bellowing calls

For photography, the golden hours (sunrise/sunset) light up the limestone cliffs spectacularly. The Cadi range from viewpoints near Montclar creates stunning foregrounds for sunset shots.

Always maintain respectful distance from wildlife and stay on marked trails to protect fragile ecosystems.

Morning: Drive to Bagà (25 min) and visit the Casa del Parc interpretation centre when it opens at 9am. Collect trail maps and current trail condition updates. Then drive to your chosen trailhead (e.g., Gósol for Pedraforca, 40 min total from Montclar).

Midday: Hike your selected trail, bringing packed lunch to eat at a scenic viewpoint. Always carry plenty of water (2 litres per person), sunscreen, warm layer, rain jacket and fully charged phone.

Afternoon: Complete your hike and drive back to Montclar via a scenic route, perhaps stopping at Castellar de n'Hug to see the Sources of the Llobregat or at a roadside restaurant for a well-earned meal.

Evening: Watch the sunset over the Cadi range from La Tor de Montclar's terrace - you've hiked those very peaks.