This week we propose a trip to Zaragoza to climb the Moncayo (2,314m) or Pico de San Miguel, the highest peak in the Sistema Ib\u00e9rico.<\/p>
The summit of the Moncayo is shared by Soria and Zaragoza, being the provincial ceiling<\/strong><\/a> in both provinces. The most common routes to reach its summit are: from the south from Cueva de Agreda (Soria); or from the north from the Santuario del Moncayo (Zaragoza). The latter is much more popular than the former. This is the route we propose for this excursion, which runs along the northern slope, declared a natural park in 1979 (Dehesa del Moncayo).<\/p> As you can see from the photographs, the route took place in winter, a time when the Moncayo can show its most hostile side and which should not be underestimated. The wind here has a reputation for blowing strongly, with the thermal sensation<\/strong><\/a>. In the upper part, just before leaving the summit ridge, there is a stretch that usually remains frozen and can be dangerous. It is known as the \"escupidera\" (spittoon), as this is also the name given to the final section of Monte Perdido. In any case, ice axes and crampons are compulsory at this time of year. It is better to carry them and not have to use them than to miss them.<\/p> Once at the top of Moncayo, the views are endless. On clear days you can see from the Cantabrian mountain range to the Pyrenees, the Ebro valley, the rest of the mountains of the Iberian system and the Central System.<\/p> Circular route to Moncayo from the Fuente de los Frailes fountain, on the road that goes up to the Moncayo sanctuary. From here we take the AG-1 and GR90-1 path that passes by the sanctuary and ascends towards the base of the glacial cirque of San Miguel. Once here, the path zigzags along the slope on the left to gain the crest of the hill. On the left we leave the Alto del Corralejo, on the right in a few minutes we will reach the Moncayo. We will descend to the west to the Castilla or Pasalobos pass, where we can take advantage of the opportunity to climb Pe\u00f1a Negrilla in a few minutes. From the aforementioned pass, we descend along a path towards the northern slope and then continue flanking the hillside towards the sanctuary, where it joins the way up.<\/p>SUMMARY:<\/strong><\/h3>
MAP:<\/h3>