Aragon along the Pyrenean Trail – GR 11
Hiking Collection by Sofía_Ibáñez
14
days
3-9 h
/ day
154 mi
45,825 ft
44,825 ft
The first section of the Senda Pirenaica (Pyrenean Trail) – see this Collection: komoot.com/collection/1991393 – takes you through the rolling mountains, green meadows and endless beech forests of the Basque Country and Navarre. This second section enters the spectacular Aragonese Pyrenees, where you find the highest peaks of the entire mountain range. This demanding route contains some of the most beautiful stages and some of the most memorable mountain scenery of the entire GR 11.
The rewards for hikers who dare to brave the steep gradient of this route are many: glacial lakes that hide below spectacular cirques, deep, verdant valleys, windswept and panoramic high passes, lush alpine forests and majestic peaks of over 3,000 metres (9,800 ft). As if that weren’t enough, the route crosses a large part of the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, as well as the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park. The former is home to what is possibly the most spectacular waterfall in the whole Pyrenees, the Cola de Caballo. Meanwhile, the second hosts the highest peak in the entire range, the Aneto.
In total, the Aragonese section of the GR 11 covers some 250 kilometres (155 mi) and almost 14,500 metres (47,500 ft) of elevation gain. It’s admittedly quite a challenge to overcome in 14 difficult yet magical stages. Most of the days, the challenge is solely down to the distance to cover and the elevation gain to overcome. However, pay attention to the highest points of the route, where there can be snow until well into the summer and where there are sections of loose rock. Depending on the snow conditions, some sections may require the use of ice axes. In any case, having decent fitness and some experience in high mountain routes is necessary to successfully complete this itinerary.
Although some stages end in small villages, you’ll mostly stay in mountain huts. These are sheltered refuges, which generally offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as other amenities for a comfortable stay. Be sure to book in advance and check opening hours and available services to avoid disappointment. Along the way, you'll also find small free shelters and huts where you can seek refuge in case of a storm or other emergency.
There are several points along the route where you can collect water, generally from streams, lakes and some springs. As for food, many huts offer half-board service and picnics to take away. The route also passes through some villages with supermarkets, but they are few and far between.
The best time to do this route is in summer, when weather conditions are more stable and there is less chance of snow. Even so, I advise you to check the weather before setting off. Don't forget to bring warm clothes, even in summer. In addition to good boots and a comfortable backpack, you should also bring a sleeping bag.
To get to the starting point, the Zuriza hut, the only options are on foot if you are coming from the Navarre section or by taxi from Ansó. From the Conangles refuge, where this adventure ends, you can take a bus to Vielha or to Barcelona.
I hope you enjoy what’ll undoubtedly be one of your most unforgettable high mountain experiences!
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Last updated: April 29, 2023
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Tours
- 07:2711.9 mi1.6 mph3,775 ft2,425 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The first stage of the Senda Pirenaica that runs through Aragón could not be more spectacular. In this section you will cross some of the most beautiful valleys of the Aragonese Pyrenees in the Valles Occidentales natural park. Fantastic views will accompany you all day.
The beginning of the Route runs…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 05:308.98 mi1.6 mph2,125 ft2,500 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
If the landscape of the previous stage already left you speechless, get ready for a section that is, if possible, even more spectacular. This tour offers you an unforgettable experience through some beautiful glacial valleys.
The first part of the Route runs through the impressive valley of Aguas Tuertas…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
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- 08:2310.8 mi1.3 mph3,475 ft3,525 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
From Lizara to Candanchú, the Senda Pirenaica continues through valleys, conquering hills and dazzling with the views of various peaks that are close to 2,500 meters high.
The day begins by crossing the Lizara plain and quickly begins its ascent towards the Bozo and Esper hills. From here, the panorama…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 08:4215.1 mi1.7 mph3,175 ft3,775 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The GR 11 continues towards the town of Sallent de Gállego through the Canal Roya valley, the Anayet lakes and the emblematic ski resort of Formigal.
The first part of the day is a long ascent, which becomes very steep at the so-called Salto de Agua, which goes up to the Anayet lakes along a very steep…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 03:486.89 mi1.8 mph2,825 ft50 ftIntermediateIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The Senda Pirenaica offers you a little respite with a short stage, although it is not exempt from impressive natural treasures. This section begins to leave the western Pyrenees behind to enter the central part of the mountain range.
After leaving Sallent de Gállego, the Route runs through a wooded area…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 04:377.61 mi1.7 mph2,100 ft3,675 ftIntermediateIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks that exceed 3,000 meters and dreamlike alpine landscapes... Could you ask for more from a high mountain route?
This section of the Senda Pirenaica starts at the Respomuso refuge and continues in a steep ascent towards the Tebarray pass. On your way through this bare high…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 08:4412.8 mi1.5 mph3,375 ft4,325 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Spectacular and demanding transition stage that leaves the deep Tena valley to enter the Ara valley.
From Panticosa the track continues in a steep ascent, passing through the beautiful lakes of Brazato until conquering the pass of the same name, at an altitude of more than 2,500 metres. It is essential…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 09:5215.4 mi1.6 mph5,150 ft2,425 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Emblematic stage of the Pyrenean Path that runs through the Ordesa Valley, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the entire Pyrenees.
The track starts from the Bujaruelo refuge and follows the course of the Ara River. After crossing the Navarros bridge, the track enters the spectacular Ordesa y Monte…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 07:218.15 mi1.1 mph2,900 ft6,000 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
The Senda Pirenaica continues to dazzle all the senses with this stretch through the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. The stage is as beautiful as it is demanding and requires a lot of attention, as the descent to Pineta is possibly the toughest of all the GR 11.
The path starts from the Góriz refuge…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 07:2012.3 mi1.7 mph3,150 ft3,625 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The Pyrenean Path leaves the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park with this stage, but not before offering you a wonderful perspective of the north face of the massif.
After starting from the Pineta refuge, the path runs parallel to the Cinca river, passing through the picturesque Pineta hermitage, and…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 08:5814.9 mi1.7 mph5,275 ft3,225 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The GR 11 awaits you in this stage with more than 1600 meters of positive elevation gain, an important challenge, although when done by track it is quite bearable.
The path starts from Parzán and begins a long ascent to the Urdiceto pass. At the top, if you wish, you can take a kilometer detour to the…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 08:2212.7 mi1.5 mph2,900 ft4,575 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Although long, this section of the Senda Pyrenees does not present great difficulties and takes you into the spectacular landscape of the Posets-Maladeta natural park.
From the Viados refuge, the GR 11 continues uphill to the Chistau pass, at more than 2,500 meters above sea level. After enjoying the…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 07:1310.4 mi1.4 mph5,150 ft1,300 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
The penultimate stretch of the Senda Pirenaica as it passes through Aragon is a true walk among giants, since the highest peaks in the entire Pyrenees are found in this area. Get ready to admire the beauty of the Maladeta massif and the Aneto peak!
The first part of the day runs peacefully following the…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
- 04:016.49 mi1.6 mph475 ft3,425 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
This is the last stage of the GR 11 that runs through Aragonese lands. The walk is mostly downhill and reveals beautiful lakes and leafy beech forests in its transition to the Catalan Pyrenees.
After starting from the Cap de Llauset refuge and overcoming the short climb to the Riueno pass, a long and…
by Sofía_Ibáñez
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Collection Stats
- Tours14
- Distance154 mi
- Duration100:18 h
- Elevation45,825 ft44,825 ft
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