Continue with onX Maps
Sign in with Facebook
Montserrat Rock Climbing
| Elevation: | 2,339 ft | 713 m |
| GPS: |
41.59325, 1.83782 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
|
| Page Views: | 137,672 total · 718/month | |
| Shared By: | Monomaniac on Jul 18, 2009 · Updates | |
| Admins: | Robert Hall, Jason Halladay, David Riley |
Description
NOTE- There is also an in-progress “ Montserrat Re-Org” area which may be useful, especially if you are thinking about some of the “ outer” areas in this huge area. Eventually we will merge the sub-areas in THIS area with the re-organized area and drop this one. R.Hall 21FEB25
Perched fortress-like atop the surrounding wine country sits Spain's largest climbing area, and the spiritual cradle of Catalonian climbing. The magical blunted spires of Montserrat hide literally thousands of excellent routes, with a variety of length & commitment sure to intrigue climbers of all tastes & abilities. Located only 30 miles from the bustling metropolis of Barcelona, the Parc Natural de la Muntanya de Montserrat that contains the climbing area is a popular destination for locals & tourists alike. The main attraction for tourists is the aesthetic Benedictine Monastery located among the cliffs on the East end of the park, which offers access to many of the more popular climbs.
A funicular provides access to the Southeast portion of the park, reducing the daunting approach to a meager stroll. Beware there are two funiculars, one that goes up (St Joan), and one that goes down (Santa Cova). Be sure you are in the correct station before you buy your ticket.
There are a number of Refugis in the park that provide cheap accomodations for climbers. The Monastery also offers rooms and a campground.
Addition 11/1/19 - In addition to the general guidebooks of "Europe" there is a specific guidebook to the Sant Benet areas and a general guidebook of the trad climbs. The Trad book is in English and may be a help with descriptions of approaches even to the non-Spanish sport climber, the Sant Benet book is in Spanish, but the tools are so good that once at the base there’s hardly any need for translation. There are photographs of these guidebooks (you'll have to click on "see more photograps"), as well as the great map. These are available in shops in and around Montserrat. R Hall Admin.
The Rock
Routes range in difficulty from 3rd class scrambles & via ferratas to 5.14c. Lengths range from the ridiculously short 2-bolt power route, to multi-pitch adventures in excess of 10 pitches.
The vast majority of lines are bolt protected, but many of these are runout, and there are opportunities for intermediate natural gear placements. A small rack of nuts will prove useful on most lines. Helmets are a good idea here, and seem to be favored by the vast majority of local climbers. Although these routes see nearly constant traffic, pockets of loose rock remain.
First-time visitors will be drawn to the Gorros formations that tower above the Monastery. More accomplished climbers should not miss the imposing
When to Visit
Beta
Getting There
The parking situation at the Monastery can be troublesome, particularly on weekends. Arrive early or expect to waste a good bit of time looking for a space. There is a ~5 Euro fee if you are lucky enough to get a spot in the parking lot.
There is a train from Barcelona that will literally take you up the mountain to the monastery. We regretted renting a car, especially given how expensive all car related things are in Europe. Recommend the train, as it drops off at the monastery, and that is very very close to the hiker/ climber camping and where you begin many hikes to get to climbs.
Camping
Approach
Many routes will require a significant hike in, given how large Montserrat is. All but the easiest tourist paths are only maintained by foot traffic, and are covered with rocks from the conglomerate which have fallen out. Sturdy hiking shoes are a must on this approach if you don't want a turned ankle.
To access the main popular areas from the Monastery (Gorros, Sant Benat, plus the Normal Route on Cavall Bernat) one can take the Sant Joan Funicular for a fee. It cuts down the 1700' vertical approach to mere minutes. A nice option if you have bad knees or are making the approach on multiple days.
Exploring and Navigating Montserrat by foot
Wandering through Montserrat is a magical experience. The landscape is ever-changing, with jagged rock spires rising dramatically around you and panoramic views of Montserrat's rugged beauty. Hidden corners, secluded spots, and shifting perspectives make every step an adventure.
However, navigating the area can be challenging:
- Complex Trails: Numerous small paths crisscross the area, many of which were created by wildlife or climbers searching for new routes.
- Finding Routes: The trails leading to climbing walls often resemble goat paths, making it easy to get disoriented.
To avoid getting lost, it’s highly recommended to:
- Bring a Map or Guidebook: A detailed climbing guidebook with accurate route descriptions and approach directions is essential.
- Use GPS or Tracks: Modern tools like GPS or pre-downloaded route tracks can be invaluable but shouldn’t replace the basics of map-reading.
- Know the Area: Familiarity with the terrain is the best way to navigate confidently, so first-time visitors may benefit from joining experienced climbers or studying the layout beforehand.
Classic Climbing Routes at Montserrat
Weather Averages
|
High
|
Low
|
|
Precip
|
Days w Precip
|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Photos
All Photos Within Montserrat
Most Popular · Newest · RandomMore About Montserrat
Printer-FriendlyWhat's New
Guidebooks (8)
12 Comments