Barcelona, Catalonia's hiking community has actively shared nearly two million new routes on Wikiloc, a global platform for outdoor trails. This year, seven specific paths have received the highest praise from users, according to Wikiloc data.
Among the top-rated is a circular route around Pedraforca, an iconic mountain in the Pyrenees. Users Joan and Dolors designed this 17.58-kilometre journey, which features a 639-metre elevation gain. It allows hikers to view the mountain's distinct twin peaks, known as 'pollegons', from various angles. The route passes through the medieval village of Gósol and near the Lluís Estasén refuge, offering a moderate challenge with significant scenic rewards.
Exploring Volcanic Landscapes and Alpine Lakes
The volcanic zone of La Garrotxa also features prominently with a route officially named 'The Croscat Volcano gravel pits, the Santa Margarida Volcano and a walk through the Fageda d'en Jordà'. This 11-kilometre circular path, created by user Lacoromina, has a gentle 254-metre elevation gain. It guides hikers through the gravel pits of Croscat, down to a hermitage inside the Santa Margarida crater, and concludes with a walk through the Fageda d'en Jordà beech forest.
In the Pyrenees, a route by Ramon Codina, 'Sant Maurici Lake - Ratera Lake - Gran d'Amitges Lake', offers an alpine experience. This 11.37-kilometre trail includes a 594-metre elevation gain, reaching an altitude of 2,388 metres. Hikers can see the Ratera waterfall and the serene Gran d'Amitges Lake, enjoying a mosaic of lakes and ridges.
Montserrat's Mystical Paths and Sau Valley Views
Montserrat, known for its unique rock formations and spiritual significance, is another highly rated destination. User jsindreu's 14.21-kilometre route explores the mountain, featuring a substantial 1,223-metre elevation gain. It includes challenging sections like Jacob's Stairs and leads to the Sant Jeroni peak at 1,236 metres, offering views and a sense of the area's ancient hermitic life.
The cliffs of Vilanova de Sau have also captivated Wikiloc users. A route by En Guillem to Puig del Far is a 7.97-kilometre walk with a 352-metre elevation gain. This path leads to a viewpoint at 832 metres, passing the ruins of Santa Margarida and areas reminiscent of Savassona. The descent via the 'Cargol' section, overlooked by Roca Falconera, provides panoramic views of the Sau valley.
Waterfalls and Montseny's Peaks
The 'Gorgs de la Cabana' in Ripollès offers a refreshing experience with its waterfalls. User posets63 published this approximately 10-kilometre linear route along the Estiula stream. It takes about three to four hours to complete, allowing visitors to enjoy seven distinct waterfalls, from the initial fall at La Cabana to the larger Gorg Gran del Colomer. Access to this area from Font del Querol is regulated, with an entry fee of €5 to €10, to help protect the natural environment.
Montseny Natural Park is also featured, with a circular traverse of Turó de l'Home and Les Agudes from Font de Passavets, designed by user ssoti. This moderately difficult hike ascends to Turó de l'Home at 1,706 metres, providing 360-degree views across a significant part of Catalonia. The trail continues to Les Agudes massif at 1,705 metres, passing through beech forests.
Beyond these top-rated routes, Pedraforca is also the most completed excursion in 2025, according to Wikiloc, specifically the route to its upper peak via Coll de Verdet. This Berguedà classic, along with the Agulles refuge and Roca Foradada route in Montserrat, and the old pilgrimage path from Queralbs to Núria, are among the most followed and downloaded trails. These excursions show Catalonia's strong connection to nature through hiking.
Wikiloc has also introduced an augmented reality feature, the 'Peak Identifier', which allows users to point their phone cameras at the horizon to instantly see the names and altitudes of surrounding mountains. This tool enhances the hiking experience by providing real-time geographical information.
