Ascent of Collarada Peak

Collarada / Photo: Turol Jones (Wikimedia Commons)
Collarada / Photo: Turol Jones (Wikimedia Commons)

Collaradawith its 2,886 metresis one of those peaks known to all those who have ever visited the Aragonese Pyrenees. It is located in the municipality of Villanúa, which it flanks and protects from the height of its southern slope, and at a very short distance from Canfranc and the French border. But it is perfectly visible from Jaca, where it acts as a beautiful backdrop to the north, unmistakable thanks to the curious shape of its summit.

For being the highest peak in the areaand for its wide-ranging visibility along the whole of the Aragon valleyCollarada is one of those peaks that many mountaineers dare to climb. From its summit there are spectacular views, some of the best you can get in the Western Pyrenees. The Collarada peak closes the impressive Circo de Ip to the south. From the top you can see the ibón de Ip at your feet, and all the peaks of the Aragonese and western French Pyrenees, with the Midi d'Ossau at the top, which, at 2,884 metres, is only one metre higher than Collarada.

 Altitude: 2886m


Situation:

Aragonese Pyrenees, Aragon Valley, it can be climbed from both sides of the peak.


When to go:

From mid-May to mid-November (depending on the weather).


Difficulties of the route:

Low difficulty, as long as there is not too much snow. Long and durable ascent.


Complicated sections:

- At most, the final stretch if there is snow.


Recommended equipment:

- Waterproof boots and very useful walking stick.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen.
Ice axe and crampons in winter conditions


Climbing routes

The most common routes to climb the Collarada peak start from the southern slope -In the north, the rocks only allow passage on foot through the Ip color by climbing. From Villanúa (1,025 m) you can go up a track to the refuge at La Trapa (1.730 m). And, from there, climb to the summit, in about three hours of walking in permanent ascent.

It is not an easy excursion, nor is it recommended for children, especially at this time of year when the snow is starting to fall -in some sections it may be necessary to use ice axes and crampons-. If ski touring is your thing, these slopes are the perfect place to slide down them, but always with caution.