Location and surroundings
Montpedró is positioned in the Central Pre-Pyrenees, which are part of the broader Pyrenees range in the Iberian Peninsula. Administratively, it falls under the Castillonroy municipality in Aragon. Within the Carrodilla Montroig Mountains, the peak is ranked 72nd out of 119 named summits. The surrounding area is characterized by typical Mediterranean mountain terrain, featuring varied topography and proximity to several small rural settlements.
Neighbouring peaks
- La Volteria (peak), 851 m, 5.9 km N
- lo Picot (peak), 871 m, 6.7 km N
- Tossal de Fontanyon (peak), 726 m, 7.0 km E
- Tossal de la Barraca (peak), 778 m, 7.9 km E
- La Sisquella (peak), 817 m, 8.1 km E
- Tossal de la Guardia (peak), 990 m, 8.4 km NE
- Los Picons (peak), 951 m, 8.6 km NE
- Coll de Guillo (mountain pass), 921 m, 8.7 km NE
Montpedró is lower than most of its immediate neighbours, with La Volteria being the nearest higher peak at a distance of 5.9 km to the north.
The view from the summit
From the summit of Montpedró, several higher peaks are visible within a 25 km radius. To the northeast, the landscape is dominated by Sant Alís at 1,675 m, La Corona at 1,567 m, Serrat de Les Banes at 1,332 m, and Lo Graller at 1,328 m. To the north, Cerro de Santa Magdalena reaches 1,121 m, while San Quílez at 1,084 m is located to the northwest.
The range
Montpedró belongs to the Carrodilla Montroig Mountains. This range contains 119 named peaks, with Sant Mamet serving as the highest point at 1,391 m, located 34 km to the east. Montpedró holds the 72nd position by elevation within this specific mountain group.
Climbing routes
The mountain offers several routes, primarily via ferratas graded on the K1–K6 scale. The easiest ascent is the Via ferrada Sergi (grade K2), featuring about 180 m of cable. Other options include the Via ferrata - K3 (grade K3, 20 m of cable), the Via ferrada del Pèndol - K4 (grade K4, 40 m of cable), the Via ferrada Roies de Pinyana (grade K4, 60 m of cable), and the Via ferrata - K6 (grade K6, 10 m of cable). These routes generally involve a height gain of 520–540 m.
Access and starting points
The nearest settlements to the summit are Castillonroy (3.7 km W), Ivars de Noguera (3.9 km SE), Andaní (4.4 km S), and Baldellou (4.5 km N). There are five car parks within 2 km of the summit, with the closest located 960 m to the east. Access is typically gained via local roads leading to these parking areas or directly from the surrounding villages.
Climate and weather
Estimates from NASA POWER climate data indicate that the mean temperature at the summit ranges from about 4 °C in January to about 24 °C in July. Precipitation in the surrounding area is approximately 500 mm annually, with April being the wettest month (about 55 mm) and February the driest (about 30 mm). Weather in this region can change rapidly, and hikers should be prepared for sudden shifts in conditions typical of the Pre-Pyrenees.
Best time to visit
The summit experiences mean temperatures above freezing throughout the entire year, from January to December. While the mountain is accessible year-round, the drier months are generally preferred for climbing activities. Visitors should monitor local forecasts to avoid periods of high precipitation, particularly in the spring months.
Guides and organised ascents
For those seeking professional assistance, the Spanish Mountain Guides Association (AEGM), which is a member of the IFMGA/UIAGM, provides access to certified professionals. The Spanish Federation of Mountain Sports and Climbing (FEDME) serves as the national governing body. Established companies such as Spanish Highs operate within the country. Guided ascents typically vary in price based on the number of days, group size, and specific logistical requirements.
Safety and preparation
Climbing Montpedró requires standard mountain preparation, including appropriate footwear and navigation tools. Given the terrain, hikers should be aware of their physical limits and current weather conditions. In the event of an emergency, the single number for mountain rescue in Spain is 112, which dispatches specialized teams.
Interesting facts
Montpedró is a peak of 715 m elevation. It is the 72nd highest of 119 named peaks in the Carrodilla Montroig Mountains. The nearest higher peak is La Volteria, located 5.9 km to the north. The summit area features the Ermita de Sant Salvador shrine and the Avenc de les Roies cave.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Montpedró? The summit of Montpedró is 715 m above sea level.Where is Montpedró located? It is in Spain, within the Aragon region, specifically in the municipality of Castillonroy.
Is there water on the way to Montpedró? There is drinking water located 980 m southeast of the summit. Otherwise, hikers should carry 1.5–3 litres of water depending on the heat and length of the trip.
Are there huts on Montpedró? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
How hard is it to climb Montpedró? The easiest route is the Via ferrada Sergi, which is a via ferrata graded K2. Harder routes reach up to K6, requiring more technical skill and equipment.
How long does it take to climb Montpedró? From the car park 1.0 km east of the top, the ascent takes roughly 35–55 minutes. From Castillonroy, it takes roughly 65–100 minutes. These are estimates based on distance and height gain; actual path times may vary.
Is there mobile phone coverage? There are three communication masts within 10 km, with the nearest 4.4 km southeast. Coverage can be patchy in valleys and behind ridges. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.