Canyoning in the Aragonese Pyrenees, from the Sierra de Guara to jewels in the heart of the Tena and Ordesa Valley.

ByTravesía Pirenaica
Canyoning / Photo: Aday (pixabay)
Canyoning / Photo: Aday (pixabay)

The Pyrenees are criss-crossed by rivers, ravines, with impressive waterfalls and streams, interesting itineraries: "water paths" that are the delight of every canyoner.

From the mythical canyons in the Sierra de Guara to real jewels in the valleys of Tena or OrdesaIn this article we have collected the most emblematic canyons in the Huesca Pyrenees. It should be treated as a first approximation, with useful information such as location, approach, a brief description of the route, times, difficulty or periods in which to tackle them, but in no case will it replace a canyoning guide. And remember that, even more so when talking about canyons, the information is orientative and will depend on the level of water and the changing conditions in the canyons.

AT A GLANCE

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Canyons of Guara

Mascún Ravine

  • TimetablesApprox.: 3h, Descent: 3h, Return: 2h
  • Material: Rope (2x30m recommended), neoprene, harness, helmet.
  • PeriodSpring, summer (may be dry), autumn.
  • Unevenness120m in 2.5km.

If we choose to descend a ravine whose meaning is "place inhabited by spirits" we will immediately get an idea of what we are going to find along the way. The ever vigilant Cuca de Bellosta will escort us to the abandoned village of Otín. The Mascún is quite rightly the most outstanding ravine in the Park. Sierra de Guara and its symbol.

Mascún ravine / Photo: Roberto Lumbreras (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Mascún ravine / Photo: Roberto Lumbreras (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Note: The approach to the head of the canyon is long (3 hours), and so is the development of the activity, so we must calculate the schedules well. Easy and beautiful rappels in combination with jumps (up to 7 metres). SEE DESCRIPTION.

Formiga Gorge

  • TimetablesApprox.: 30-45′, Descent 2-3h, Return: 10-15′.
  • MaterialRope, neoprene, harness, helmet.
  • PeriodSpring, summer, autumn
  • Unevenness100m in 1.5km.

In the heart of the Sierra de Guara, we will find one of the most complete and mythical canyon descents of this place. The approach and its handrails, its narrows and lights, its labyrinthine rappels and hidden siphons, will show us in its descent the deepest of this pre-Pyrenean mountain range.

Note: Narrow ravine, conglomerate geological material. There is an alternative entrance from the Cueva de las Polvorosas, avoiding the darkest and narrowest part. Easy-sporting difficulty, enjoyable terrain. It is advisable to get up early to avoid crowds. SEE DESCRIPTION.

Regulations on canyoning in the Natural Park of Sierra de Guara

The practice of canyoning will be carried out in accordance with the characteristics and singularity of each canyon, establishing the following time limitations in order to guarantee sufficient tranquillity for the normal development of the life cycles of the various species of fauna present in the area, especially those included in the National Catalogue of Threatened Species and in the catalogue of Threatened Species.

  • In the La Choca ravine canyoning may not be carried out without the express authorisation of the Park Management.
  • The canyoning activity may not be carried out in the San Martín ravinein the section 100 metres downstream from the San Martín de la Val de Onsera hermitage.
  • In the Otín ravine canyoning activities may not be carried out between 1 March and 30 June inclusive, unless expressly authorised by the Park Management.
  • In the ravines of the VadielloThe following ravines: Isarre, Escomentué, San Chinés and Piedre Foratata, and the Yaray Formiga ravines up to their mutual confluence, may not be used for canyoning during the period from 1 December to 30 June inclusive.
  • In the rise of the "Pigeon Canal"It will not be possible to enter the pools or pools of water, for reasons of protection of the existing fauna.
  • In the rest of the canyons, canyoning may be carried out all year round, in accordance with the provisions of these regulations.
  • In the practice of canyoning, measures will be observed to minimise the negative impacts of this activity on the environment, providing it with greater fluidity, given that it is in the places with the highest concentration of canyoners where the negative impacts are greatest:

The maximum size of the groups to do the canyoning activity shall not exceed ten personsThe number of people, not including the guide, where appropriate, in the section of the river Vero, in the sections of the river Alcanadre known as "barranco de Barrasil" and "Peonera" and in the sections of the river Balcés or Isuala known as "Balcés Superior" and "estrechos de Balcés", and of eight people, not including the guide, where appropriate, in the rest of the ravines located in the Sierra de Guara y Cañones de Guara Park and its peripheral protection zone, with the exception of the section of the Formiga river known as "barranco del Gorgonchón", where the maximum group size shall not exceed four people, not counting the guide, where applicable.

A minimum frequency of entry into the canyons, between groups, of ten minutes is established.

In gullies with abseiling The use of essential collective equipment is compulsory, consisting of a rope of appropriate length for each canyon and personal equipment for each member of the group, consisting of a harness with descender and carabiner.

Likewise, as personal material The use of a wetsuit, consisting of a full or two-piece suit, shall be compulsory in the section of the Flumen river known as "Palomeras del Flumen", in the sections of the Formiga river known as "barranco del Formiga" and "barranco del Gorgonchón", in the sections of the Alcanadre river known as "Gorgas negras", in the "barranco de barrasil", and in the "barranco de la Peonera", in the sections of the Mascún river known as "Mascún superior", "barranco de barrasil", and "barranco de la Peonera", in the section of the river Mascún known as "Mascún superior", in the sections of the river Balcés or Isuala known as "Balcés superior", "oscuros de Balcés" and "estrechos de Balcés", in the section of the river Vero and in the section of the ravine of Fornocal known by that name.

Canyoning in Ordesa

Gloces Ravine

  • TimetablesApprox.: 15′, Descent: 1h30′, Return: 30′.
  • Material: Rope (longest abseil 14m), neoprene, harness, helmet.
  • Period: Summer, autumn
  • Unevenness: 120m in 800m.

Located in the National Park of Ordesa and Monte Perdido. An exciting and fun route through this deep scar with more than 80m at times. We will enjoy its narrows, jumps, dark and abseils throughout its route, wrapped in a spectacular play of light due to its narrowness, at times no more than a meter wide. One of the most spectacular and complete for beginners or to descend with the whole family.

Note: The first mandatory 13m abseil right at the start. Then the gorge narrows (from 1 to 4m wide) and remains so until the end.

Furco Gorge

  • TimetablesApprox.: 15′, Descent: 2h30′, Return: 10-20′.
  • MaterialRope, neoprene, harness, helmet.
  • PeriodFrom April to October.
  • Unevenness: 150m in 900m.

One of the star ravines of the Torla and Broto Valley. At the foot of the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. With one of the best entrances to a canyon, two spectacular and aquatic rappel-waterfalls of 25 and 10m, over a formation of limestone rock in the shape of a mille-feuille, called Flysch, remains of the prehistoric seabed.

Note: Jumps, slides in a tropical garden, and another 23m....s rappel, without doubt, one of the most beautiful in the area. The most frequented canyon in the area, be careful to avoid overcrowding.

Viandico Ravine

  • TimetablesApprox.: 15′, Descent: 2-3h, Return: 45′
  • MaterialRope, neoprene, harness, helmet.
  • PeriodFrom April to October.
  • Unevenness: 120m in 800m.

One of the easiest and most spectacular canyons in the world. Añisclo Valley (star ravine of the valley). At the foot of the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. With two well-differentiated parts, an initial one at the Sercué bridge, which is normally dry. The second section is more interesting, with a succession of jumps (up to 6m) to large pools and a chaos of slides and siphons, with which we will have to be careful in case of high flow. There is still a 15m abseil and a beautiful jump from an embedded block to reach the Molino de Aso (this is the start of the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park and it is obligatory to leave the activity).

Note: Ideal canyon for beginners or to do the activity with children. Jumps, slides. Aquatic, to enjoy, it runs through a variety of landscapes and the end at the waterfalls near the Aso mill is simply spectacular.

Tena Valley canyons

Escarrilla ravine

  • TimetablesApprox.: 15′, Descent: 1h, Return: 15′.
  • Material: Rope (2x20m). Full wetsuit, harness, helmet.
  • PeriodSpring or autumn. Evaluate flow (Lanuza reservoir in the upper part).
  • Unevenness60m in 1km.

The descent of the Barranco de Escarrilla, one of the easiest and most spectacular descents in the world. Tena Valley and Panticosa in the heart of the Pyrenees. In this fun and intuitive adventure activity, we will descend the riverbed, avoiding the obstacles that we find: overhangs, cliffs, water hazards, chaos..., surrounded by orange walls of dozens of metres.

Note: Its beauty, level and timetable make it a highly recommended canyon for beginners or for descending with the family. We must be attentive to water releases in the Lanuza reservoir, at the head of the canyon. SEE DESCRIPTION.

Forronias Ravine

  • TimetablesApprox.: 1h, Descent: 3h, Return: 10′.
  • Material: Rope (3x45m). Full wetsuit, harness, helmet.
  • Period: Summer and late spring
  • Unevenness400m in 2km.

Near Panticosa; if you like aerial and sporty, 12 rappels, the longest of 45m. 3 of 25m. 1 of 20m. 3 of 18m. make the Barranco de Forronias a fun and entertaining alternative. The first part is normally dry, in very aesthetic rock. The second part is accompanied by water with waterfalls in steps that descend a significant slope.

Note: The gully receives a lot of water in the large spring, so if we see that the upper part (normally almost dry) carries a lot of water, be careful with the last three abseils. SEE DESCRIPTION.

Gorgol Gorge

  • TimetablesApprox.: 20′, Descent 1h30′, Return: 5′.
  • Material: Rope (longest rappel 18m * Recommended x3). Neoprene, harness, helmet.
  • Period: Summer, autumn
  • Unevenness: 80m in 300m.

"El Gorgol", as the locals call it, is undoubtedly the star ravine of the Tena Valley and the Panticosa area. In the heart of an ancient beech forest, where legends tell of Güixas (witches).

Gorgol Gorge
Gorgol Gorge

Note: An easy level canyon that has it all, slides, jumps, jumps and a final abseil of 15m, half of it overhanging, between springs of crystalline water and submerged in orange walls and vaults of more than 30m, without a doubt one of the most special canyons in the Pyrenees. SEE DESCRIPTION.

Rutaviesas Ravine

  • TimetablesApprox.: 1,5h, Descent: 4h, Return: 10′.
  • Material: Rope (longest abseil 45m). Neoprene, harness, helmet.
  • Period: Spring, Summer (depending on the season it can be dry)
  • Unevenness: 300m in 700m.

In the village of Lanuza, flowing into the reservoir of the same name, we find the Rutaviesas ravine, which is practically dry due to its small catchment basin, so we can do it outside the thawing seasons. Thanks to the fact that the ravine is not very boxed in, it has several escapes (a path crosses the ravine in the middle-lower part).

Note: Quite vertical canyon, very steep and long. Not much flow except in spring and after storms. SEE DESCRIPTION.

Costechal Ravine

  • TimetablesApprox.: 10′, Descent: 1h, Return: 10-20′.
  • Material: Rope (20x3m). Neoprene, harness, helmet.
  • Period: Spring, Summer, Autumn
  • Unevenness: 40m in 700m.

Undoubtedly the big brother of the Barranco de Escarrilla, a forgotten, colourful and deep gorge. It is one of the most surprising canyon descents near Panticosa, under peaks of more than 3000m. We'll find big walls, cold water, narrow passages of less than a metre, a 20m abseil and a great chaos.

Note: A very accessible and comfortable medium level canyon. Highly recommended for beginners and can be combined with the Escarrilla canyon or any other canyon near Panticosa. SEE DESCRIPTION.

Canyons in the Aragonese Pyrenees by difficulty

Canyoning with children

  • Gorgol Gorge
  • Furco Gorge
  • Escarrilla ravine
  • Gloces Ravine
  • Viandico Ravine

Sports initiation

  • Gorgol Gorge
  • Furco Gorge
  • Escarrilla ravine
  • Formiga Gorge
  • Gloces Ravine
  • Costechal Ravine
  • Viandico Ravine

Level 2 / Medium

  • Gorgol Gorge
  • Furco Gorge
  • Formiga Gorge
  • Costechal Ravine

Level 3 and 4

  • Mascun Ravine
  • Forronias Ravine
  • Rutaviesas Ravine