Pyrenees in summer: my proposal for enjoying trekking and the mountains

ByEduardo Azcona

The Pyrenees are a paradise in summer for those who love mountains and trekking. I have walked the Pyrenees in autumn, winter, spring and summer, and each season has something special. Summer is the time when we attack the three thousands and challenge ourselves on climbing routes, but it also has other attractions, family excursions, nights in mountain refuges, routes to lakes and so on, endless.

Summer activities in the Pyrenees

Here the options are endless. Are you an experienced mountaineer looking for a challenge on a 3.000m or do you want an accessible route for your family? Do you want to take a break from trekking in the valley?

Three-thousanders
Trekking
In the family
Natural pools

I have been exploring this impressive mountain range for years, and have travelled from the most demanding to the most family-friendly routes, so I hope that my advice will help you to enjoy this experience as much as I have. This incredible environment offers an endless number of activities for nature and mountain lovers, with trekking routes, ascents to three-thousanders, visits to lakes and many options to enjoy with the family.

Ascents to three-thousanders

Who doesn't remember what their first 3,000m was when summer arrives and the peaks become more accessible? In my case, it was the Gran Facha. Then the summers came and came the Balaitus, Monte Perdido, and so on and so forth.

Everyone will have their own list of favourites and objectives. In addition to the three giants, usually called Aneto, Posets and Monte Perdido, I would add Vignemale, the most alpine mountain we have in the Pyrenees.

To the newcomer to climbing three mountains (or in the mountains) I will say that yes, there are easy three mountains in the Pyrenees, but generally almost all of them have a pass, an obstacle, something whose summit makes it more inaccessible. The Monte Perdido spittoon, the Mahoma pass on the Aneto, the Latour Gap on the Balaitus, are some examples. Others may not have complicated passes, but they are very isolated, and to reach their summit we will have a long walk.

Among the highlights are Aneto, Monte Perdido and Vignemale. Here are some details of my favourites:

RouteFrom La Besurta, passing through the Renclusa refuge, the Portillón Superior and the Aneto glacier.

The ascent to Aneto starts at La Besurta (1,900 m) and climbs up to La Renclusa refuge (2,140 m) in 50 minutes. From there, follow the path to Portillón Superior (2,895 m) in 3 hours and 10 minutes, and cross the glacier to Collada Corones (3,208 m) in 4 hours and 20 minutes. Finally, cross the Mahoma Bridge to reach the summit of Aneto (3,404 m) in 5 hours, returning along the same route or descending to Plan d'Aiguallut in 8 hours and 45 minutes.

Difficulty: High. You need ice axe and crampons to cross the glacier.

RouteThe classic starts in the Ordesa meadow, passing the Góriz refuge and the Lago Helado (frozen lake).

Difficulty: Medium-high. In summer it is accessible, but there are technical sections.

RouteFrom the Baysellance refuge, via the Ossoue glacier.

Difficulty: High. Glacial terrain and rocky passes.

TeamAlways carry the right equipment for the mountains. Layered clothing, hiking boots, map and GPS are essential.
Security: Always check the weather forecast and advise on your route. In the mountains, the weather can change quickly.
Physical preparation: Make sure you are in good physical shape

Trekking and circular routes

The hills open up, the snow gives way, and we can attack long-distance trails. And what a time in summer to take on an adventure that can change your life. Whether you are looking for solitude and are not satisfied with the Camino de Santiago, but something wilder calls to you, then the GR11 or any of the other Trans-Pyrenees (Alta Ruta Pirenaica or the French GR10) can be your path to reinvention.

Not all of us are so daring, or can afford so many days away from home. So the option is to set aside a week or two every summer to follow your Senda Pirenaica, on shorter crossings as you make your way from sea to sea.

But not everything is going to be great hikes, in the Pyrenees there are countless circular routes, some with their own brand, such as the Alta Ruta de los Perdidos, Cavalls del Vent, La Porta del Cel, the Ruta de las Golondrinas, and I could go on and on.

There are still small gems, which have been left out of this "marketinian"Perhaps because they are more inaccessible or perhaps because they are not as exploitable. We have written a lot about circular routes, we have our articles in which we deal specifically with them, and here I leave some that may not be the best, but they can be useful to start with.

Booking in sheltersOn popular routes such as Cavalls del Vent, book in advance at the refuges.

If trekking is your thing, the Pyrenees offer some of the most spectacular routes in Europe.

DescriptionThis long-distance route crosses the Pyrenees from west to east. There are 800 km divided into some 46 stages.

DifficultyVaried. From easy stages to high mountain stages.

DescriptionA circular trek of 4-5 days that covers 8 refuges in the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park.

Difficulty: Medium. Technical sections and steep slopes.

DescriptionA demanding route around Monte Perdido and the Vignemale, passing through spectacular high mountain scenery.

Difficulty: High. Mountain experience required.

DescriptionA three-day route that circumnavigates the Aneto, passing through the Renclusa refuge, the Vallibierna and the Plan d'Están.

Difficulty: High. High mountain terrain with significant slopes.

DescriptionThree-day circular route that covers the Respumoso and Larribet refuges, offering spectacular views of the Balaitous and the Crestas del Diablo.

DifficultyMedium-high. Technical sections and steep slopes.

DescriptionThree-day circular route through the Monte Perdido massif, passing through refuges such as Góriz and Pineta.

Difficulty: Medium. Suitable for well equipped hikers.

Family excursions

Now that I have two small children, I have to adapt my excursions. Those great hikes in the Pyrenees, and ascents of three thousand peaks, give way to a quieter stage, in which we go to the Pyrenees with our children and we want them to discover the passion that moves us. In my case, I have two children, currently very young, one of whom is starting to go on short hikes (sometimes he plants himself, of course) and the other is carrying his own backpack.

The Pyrenees are full of small lakes, which are accessible on short excursions of a few kilometres that we can do with the family and enjoy while they discover a new world.

RouteFrom the Anayet car park, passing through the Barranco de Culibillas ravine.

Difficulty: Low-medium. Suitable for families.

RecommendationIdeal for a family picnic and to enjoy the views of the Anayet Peak.

RouteFrom Tramacastilla de Tena, a circular route through an enchanting forest.

Difficulty: Low. Ideal for small children.

RecommendationPerfect for a relaxing walk and enjoy the nature.

RouteFrom San Urbez to Molino de Aso, following the impressive canyon.

DifficultyMedium. Moderate gradient.

RecommendationPerfect for enjoying the rock formations and natural scenery.

RouteA path that follows the metal footbridges over the river Vero, offering spectacular views.

Difficulty: Low-medium. Sections safe for children, but with supervision.

RecommendationIdeal for a family outing with a touch of adventure.

Natural pools

And I don't want to end this list of summer plans without including a section on natural swimming pools. Bear in mind that they are sometimes overcrowded and may be subject to restrictions that change over time, so it is necessary to find out in advance. But what better way to end a day in the mountains on those hot summer days (which also exist in the Pyrenees) than to cool off in a natural pool? Without a doubt, it relaxes the body, muscles and, above all, the mind.

Location: Valle de Bujaruelo, Huesca.

DescriptionNatural pools in an idyllic setting, perfect for a dip.

RecommendationPerfect to combine with a visit to the National Park of Ordesa and Monte Perdido.

Location: Pallars Sobirà, Lleida.

DescriptionNatural pools in a quiet and picturesque setting.

Recommendation: Ideal for a relaxing day with the family.

LocationPyrénées-Orientales, France.

DescriptionA spectacular place with crystal clear water pools surrounded by lush nature.

RecommendationIdeal for a day of relaxation after a hike.