Yo-Yo Pyrenees: The round-trip challenge in the Pyrenees

ByEduardo Azcona
Yo-Yo Pyrenees: The round-trip challenge in the Pyrenees
Yo-Yo Pyrenees: The round-trip challenge in the Pyrenees

The Pyrenees Yo-Yo consists of crossing the Pyrenees mountain range from one end to the other and then returning to the starting point. This challenge is doubly demanding, as it involves not only completing an arduous and long trekking route, but doing it twice in a row. The most common routes for this challenge are the GR10 (on the French side), the GR11 (on the Spanish side) and the Alta Ruta Pirenaica, each with its own charm and level of difficulty.

What is the Yo-Yo Pyrenees?

The Pyrenees yo-yo is a challenge reserved for very few people. Not only do you have to be physically and mentally prepared, but you also have to have the time to take on an adventure of this kind, which will take you through the Pyrenees and back. For example, the GR11 is divided into 46 stages, so adding the return trip on another of the Trans-Pyrenees is a good amount of time away from home. It is an experience reserved for phases of life in which one takes a sabbatical year or faces a new stage, such as after retirement.

📋 Trekking is an activity that has captured the imagination and adventurous spirit of many people around the world. In the United States, terms such as "thru-hiking" and "yo-yo" have become popular among hikers. In Europe, specifically in the challenging Pyrenees, the term "thru-hiking" has become popular among hikers. "Yo-Yo Pyrenees has started to gain traction. This concept refers to the crossing the Pyrenees and back using trans-Pyrenean routes such as the GR10, GR11 or the Alta Ruta Pirenaica.

Within the Travesía community, we have examples of Pyrenean Yo-Yos. At the time, Enric Cáceres and Jaume Canet, as part of their project "100 fites for disconnection".They faced the adventure of 2,300 kilometres to start their retirement. In their case, they started from their own home, so they had to do some previous stages to access the Pyrenees and then they travelled the entire GR10, to then return home via the GR11 (I encourage you to click on the link I just left you and see how they tackled it).

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Logistics in the 100fites project / Photo: Enric Cáceres i Jaume Canet (100Fites)
Logistics in the 100fites project / Photo: Enric Cáceres i Jaume Canet (100Fites)

This is exactly the adventure he is facing at the moment. Eli del PirineuYou can follow him on his social networks. With his powerful way of communicating, he is transmitting us his Pyrenean Yo-Yo, with which he will not only finish the Yo-Yo, but will also complete his Pyrenean Triple CrownHe did the Trans-Pyrenees via the Haute Route in his day.

🔥 Download the quick guide GR11
Pyrenean Triple Crown
GR11 vs GR10 vs ARP
Guide GR11
Guide GR10
ARP/HRP Guide

Main routes

GR11

Known as the Senda Pirenaica, the GR11 crosses the southern slopes of the Pyrenees, from Cape Higuer in the Cantabrian Sea to Cape Creus in the Mediterranean. This route, approximately 800 km long, is characterised by stages that vary from green and humanised mountain trails in the western Pyrenees to high mountain sections in the central part of the Pyrenees.

See guide GR11

High Pyrenean Route

This is perhaps the most challenging of all, as it follows the central axis of the Pyrenees and takes place at higher altitudes. The Haute Route Pyrenees requires significant physical and technical preparation due to its high mountain sections, glaciated areas and rocky passes. It is ideal for those seeking a truly immersive experience in the high mountains, and the solitude of finding yourself in isolated places.

See ARP/HRP guide

GR10

The GR10 runs along the northern slopes of the Pyrenees from Hendaye on the Atlantic to Banyuls-sur-Mer on the Mediterranean. From the lush forests of the west to the rugged, high mountain peaks of the centre and east. Although it runs further away from the central axis of the Pyrenees, its steep gradients will test you every day.

See GR10 guide

Practical advice

The Yo-Yo Pyrenees is not only a physical challenge, but also an experience that offers a deep connection with nature and the satisfaction of overcoming one of the most "powerful" of Europe's most spectacular treks. Are you ready for the challenge?

To tackle the Yo-Yo Pyrenees, meticulous preparation is essential. This includes:

  1. Physical preparationIt is crucial to be in excellent physical shape due to the long distances and the large accumulated slopes. It is recommended to do specific endurance and strength training. For guidance, you can read the article we wrote on preparation of the GR11.
  2. Appropriate equipment: Carrying the suitable trekking equipment is essential for safety and comfort. This includes quality trekking boots or shoes, layered clothing, adverse weather gear (depending on the time of year, assess whether the weather conditions are suitable for you). You will need crampons and ice axe.), and a good navigation system (maps and/or GPS).
  3. Route planningThe stages, supply points and shelters are vital to be documented. Planning should include alternatives in the event of bad weather and be aware of local camping regulations.
  • Choose the best timeSpring and autumn are ideal to avoid the extreme temperatures of summer and winter. However, some high mountain stages can be snow-covered well into the summer.
  • Booking in sheltersIn popular places, it is advisable to book in advance at the refuges to ensure a place to rest. For example, Góriz in Ordesa or the refuges of Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici, are some of the places on the GR11 that can cause problems.
  • Safety firstAlways check the weather forecast and advise someone of your route. Rapid changes in the weather can be dangerous in the high mountains.

Quick Guide GR 11

with everything you need to know before undertaking the Pyrenean Path