Location and surroundings
Comanegra belongs to the broad chain of the Iberian Peninsula, the Pyrenees, the Eastern Pyrenees, the Southeastern Pyrenees, and finally the Boixeda and Malforat Mountains. It sits on the frontier between Spain and France, in the area around Lamanère. In the range, it is the highest of 137 named peaks, so it is a key summit in this part of the border country.
The mountain lies on a fragmented section of the Pyrenean watershed, where ridges, passes, and isolated tops alternate with forested slopes and eroded gullies. Streams on the north side drain toward the upper Tech, while the south side feeds the Muga and upper Fluvià catchments. The terrain is typical of the lower and middle Pyrenees here: wooded approaches, open ridge sections, and a summit area shaped by faulted ground and erosion.
Neighbouring peaks
Comanegra is surrounded by a mix of nearby passes and neighbouring summits. The closest mapped features are:
- Coll de les Falgueres (mountain pass), 1,126 m, 1.5 km NE
- Coll del Perer (mountain pass), 1,117 m, 1.9 km NE
- Cim de Bordellat (peak), 1,391 m, 2.0 km NW
- Puig de les Bruixes (peak), 1,391 m, 2.5 km SE
- Coll del Llistonar (mountain pass), 1,088 m, 2.5 km NE
- Puig de Sant Marc (peak), 1,326 m, 3.3 km SE
- Puig de la Llibertat (peak), 1,289 m, 3.7 km NE
- Pla de la Muga (mountain pass), 1,222 m, 3.9 km NE
These neighbours show how Comanegra rises above a relatively low saddle network. Its prominence of 425 m is greater than the height difference to several nearby passes, so the summit feels distinct rather than just a point on a continuous ridge.
The view from the summit
From Comanegra, the highest peaks within 25 km are mostly in the central and eastern Pyrenees. To the north lies Pic du Canigou at 2,785 m, about 21.4 km away. Also to the north are Puig dels Tres Vents at 2,731 m and Pic dels Set Homes at 2,651 m, both about 18.3 km away.
Other high points in the wider view include Gra de Fajol at 2,714 m, les Borregues at 2,692 m, and Pico de la Dona at 2,702 m, all roughly 24-25 km away to the west or northwest. These are much higher than Comanegra, so the summit offers a broad look across the border ranges rather than a close ring of comparable peaks.
The range
Comanegra is the highest peak in the Boixeda and Malforat Mountains, which span France and Spain. The range’s high point is Comanegra itself, and the range contains 137 named peaks. Within that group, Comanegra ranks first by elevation, making it the reference summit for this mountain block.
The range sits in the broader Pyrenean border zone, where the watershed is less continuous than in some other parts of the chain. That broken structure helps explain why Comanegra stands out as an isolated high point rather than one crest among many equally high neighbours.
Climbing routes
The mapped hiking route Trepitja Garrotxa runs over or next to the summit, so Comanegra is part of a marked long-distance or linking route rather than only a standalone objective. In practice, hikers often approach it from the Molló or La Farga area, with forest tracks leading to the ridge and then to the top. On the French side, variants also start near Prats de Molló.
These are generally straightforward hiking lines for a mountain of this height, but the exact time depends on the chosen approach, the state of the tracks, and whether the route is combined with nearby summits in the Alta Garrotxa area.
Access and starting points
The nearest settlement listed for Comanegra is Lamanère, about 3.1 km to the north. From there, a rough walking estimate gives about 4.0 km on foot and 770 m of ascent, or roughly 1.5-2.5 hours to the summit. The summit area also has Font de l'Avellanosa, a spring, about 710 m SE.
OpenStreetMap data also shows the Trepitja Garrotxa route over or beside the summit. Most visitors plan a road approach to one of the nearby trailheads and continue on foot through the forest and ridge terrain.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER for 2001-2020 suggest that the summit is mild for its altitude. The warmest month is July, at about 17 °C, and the coldest is January, at about 1 °C. Mean temperatures stay above freezing in every month, though winter conditions on the ground can still be cold, windy, and wet.
The surrounding area receives about 600 mm of precipitation a year. October is the wettest month at about 70 mm, while June is the driest at about 35 mm. In this part of the Pyrenees, the main hazards are sudden rain, slippery forest tracks, fog on the ridge, and strong wind on exposed sections.
Best time to visit
Because the summit stays above freezing on average all year, Comanegra can be climbed in most seasons, but the most comfortable period is usually late spring through autumn. The drier stretch around June can suit longer walks, while October is wetter and may bring muddier paths. Summer is warm enough for a light pack, but ridge wind and afternoon storms can still change conditions quickly.
For a day hike, the best choice is usually a stable weather window with clear visibility and dry ground. In winter or after heavy rain, the same routes can become slower and more slippery, especially on forest tracks and shaded slopes.
Nature and wildlife
The slopes around Comanegra belong to the wooded and rocky lower Pyrenees, where mixed forest, scrub, and open ridge grassland meet. The landscape is shaped by erosion and faulting, so hikers can expect a combination of forest tracks, stony ground, and small clearings rather than a high alpine environment. At this elevation, typical wildlife may include deer, wild boar, foxes, birds of prey, and smaller mountain birds.
Seasonal flowers appear in the open areas in spring and early summer, while the higher and windier parts of the ridge stay more exposed. The border setting and the varied drainage also make this a transition zone between northern and southern Pyrenean habitats.
Guides and organised ascents
For a summit like Comanegra, a certified guide is usually not necessary for experienced hikers in good weather, but it can be useful if you want to combine border ridges, navigate in poor visibility, or walk in winter conditions. In Spain, the national guide association is the Spanish Association of Mountain Guides (AEGM), an IFMGA/UIAGM member, and the national federation is FEDME. An established guiding company in Spain is Spanish Highs in Granada (Sierra Nevada).
In France, the national guide association is the French National Mountain Guides Union (SNGM), also an IFMGA/UIAGM member, and the federation is FFCAM. An established guiding company in France is the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix. Guided outings in the mountains usually include route planning, pacing, and safety decisions; the cost depends on the number of days, group size, and whether equipment or extra nights are needed.
Safety and preparation
Comanegra is not a high alpine summit, but it still needs normal mountain preparation: sturdy footwear, weather protection, water, and a map or offline navigation. The main risks are poor visibility, slippery ground after rain, and getting slowed down on forest tracks or ridge sections. Because the mountain lies on the border, it is sensible to carry identification and to know which side you are on if you need help.
The emergency number for mountain rescue in both Spain and France is 112. In the mountains, it is routed to the competent rescue service, so it is the number to use if conditions deteriorate or someone is injured.
History and name
The name Comanegra comes from Catalan and means “black hollow mountain” in French terms. The summit is also known as Puig de Coma Negra and Coma Negra. Its border position has made it notable not only as a mountain but also as the southernmost point of mainland France.
Geologically, the peak rests on lower Eocene marls and lies near the southern edge of the Pyrenean axial zone, where the fault network is complex. That setting helps explain the mountain’s isolated form and the way the surrounding valleys have cut into the landscape.
Interesting facts
Comanegra is the highest mountain in the Boixeda and Malforat Mountains and the highest of 137 named peaks in that range. It has a prominence of 425 m, which gives it a clear topographic identity. The nearest higher giants are much farther away: Pic du Canigou rises to 2,785 m about 21.4 km to the north, and several other high Pyrenean summits lie around 18-25 km away.
Another notable fact is its border setting: the summit lies on the Spain-France frontier and marks the southernmost point of continental France. That combination of border geography, watershed position, and range rank makes it one of the more distinctive summits in this part of the Pyrenees.
FAQ
How high is Comanegra? It rises to 1,558 m.
Where is Comanegra? It is on the border between Spain and France, in the Pyrenees, near Lamanère.
What range does Comanegra belong to? It is part of the Boixeda and Malforat Mountains, where it is the highest peak.
What are the nearest peaks and passes? The closest are Coll de les Falgueres, Coll del Perer, Cim de Bordellat, Puig de les Bruixes, and Coll del Llistonar, all within about 4 km.
Is there water on the way to Comanegra? Yes: Font de l'Avellanosa is mapped about 710 m southeast of the summit. Even so, carry enough for the day, usually 1.5-3 litres depending on heat and route length.
Are there huts on Comanegra? Hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
How long does it take to walk up Comanegra? From Lamanère, the rough estimate is about 1.5-2.5 hours for around 4.0 km on foot and 770 m of ascent; the real path may be longer.
Is mobile phone coverage likely? There are 6 communication masts mapped within 10 km, with the nearest about 6.8 km north. On an open summit a signal is likely, but it can fail in valleys or behind ridges. Always keep 112 available and download maps before setting out.