Trailspotting Hiking California, New Hampshire and More

Ordesa Valley, Pyrenees, Spain

• 5-star hike
• 11 mile loop
• Moderate | Gain 3,570 feet
• Torla, Spain | Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park
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The image shows a person hiking on a narrow, rocky trail in a mountainous area. The trail is surrounded by green grass and small bushes, and it leads down into a vast valley with steep cliffs and rugged terrain. The sky is partly cloudy, casting shadows over parts of the landscape.

The image shows a person hiking on a narrow, rocky trail in a mountainous area. The trail is surrounded by green grass and small bushes, and it leads down into a vast valley with steep cliffs and rugged terrain. The sky is partly cloudy, casting shadows over parts of the landscape.

Towering Monte Perdido at the end of the Cola de Caballo trail.

Nestled in the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees lies Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Spain's most dramatic mountain landscapes. Four hours northeast of Barcelona, beyond the charming town of Torla, the massive U-shaped Ordesa Valley unfolds—a pristine natural wonder carved by ancient glaciers and framed by towering limestone peaks.

The valley follows the Rio Arazas, which tumbles from the high mountains through a series of spectacular waterfalls. This glacial valley, with its vertical walls rising over 800 meters, creates a unique microclimate supporting exceptional biodiversity, including rare plant species and wildlife like the Pyrenean chamois.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 5★ Caballo & Cazadores Loop 11.0 mi loop, moderate, gain 3,570 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

€ Paid parking

Ordesa Valley has earned recognition as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy spectacular hiking, rafting, canyoning, and via ferrata routes, with popular trails traversing the valley floor and surrounding cliffs.

For those with limited time, a shorter option follows the riverside for 4.5 miles to reach impressive waterfalls near the valley entrance, such as the Cascada del Estrecho - see this AllTrails link. However, for the quintessential Ordesa experience, a full clockwise loop offers unparalleled rewards. This route follows the Rio Arazas toward its mountain source, passing numerous picturesque waterfalls. Despite gaining 1,400 feet over five miles to the Cola de Caballo waterfall, the gradual ascent feels almost imperceptible as surrounding beauty commands attention. The trail culminates at the magnificent Cirque de Soaso, crowned by Monte Perdido towering 11,000 feet above sea level.

The image shows a picturesque waterfall cascading into a clear blue pool surrounded by rocky terrain and lush greenery. The waterfall is set in a mountainous area with trees and vegetation growing on the rocky cliffs. The scene is serene and natural, with wildflowers and plants in the foreground adding to the beauty of the landscape.

The image shows a picturesque waterfall cascading into a clear blue pool surrounded by rocky terrain and lush greenery. The waterfall is set in a mountainous area with trees and vegetation growing on the rocky cliffs. The scene is serene and natural, with wildflowers and plants in the foreground adding to the beauty of the landscape.

One of many waterfalls along the Cola De Caballo Trail.

After reaching the Cola de Caballo (Horse's Tail) waterfall, the route transitions to the Senda de Los Cazadores (Hunters' Trail), continuing up the southern valley wall before leveling off. The return leg offers panoramic views across the entire valley, though sections border steep drop-offs. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot Pyrenean chamois foraging in the undergrowth. The final segment features a 2,000-foot rocky descent back to the trailhead, with switchbacks easing the journey.

While some recommend tackling this loop counterclockwise, experienced hikers prefer the clockwise approach. Starting early allows enjoyment of waterfalls before crowds arrive, and the gradual incline makes the total 3,570 feet of elevation gain more manageable.

The image shows a stunning mountainous landscape with a deep valley flanked by steep cliffs and lush green forests. The scene is characterized by the dramatic contrast between the rugged rock formations and the dense vegetation. The distant mountains are shrouded in a blue haze, adding depth and a sense of vastness to the image. The sky is partly cloudy, casting a soft light over the landscape.

The image shows a stunning mountainous landscape with a deep valley flanked by steep cliffs and lush green forests. The scene is characterized by the dramatic contrast between the rugged rock formations and the dense vegetation. The distant mountains are shrouded in a blue haze, adding depth and a sense of vastness to the image. The sky is partly cloudy, casting a soft light over the landscape.

The dramatic Ordesa Valley viewed on the return along the Cazadores trail.

Vehicle parking is available at the trailhead, though during peak seasons, private vehicles are restricted, and visitors must use the park-and-ride bus service from Torla, typically running from 6am to 9pm, though schedules vary seasonally.

We stayed at the Hotel Abetos in Torla, a well appointed small town with many hotels and restaurants. Check out the Guias de Torla website or their brick & mortar store in Torla for more details of other activities. We had a great time on a canyoning tour in the nearby Cañones de Guara.

The image shows a mountainous landscape with a rocky path leading through a valley. The terrain is rugged, with steep cliffs and scattered trees. There is a green sign with warnings in multiple languages about the dangers of the path. The sky is partly cloudy, and the overall scene suggests a remote and challenging hiking trail. The text on the sign reads: 'Atención: senda muy peligrosa. Attention: sentier très dangereux. Caution: dangerous path. Peligro: no iniciar después de las 15 h. Danger: ne pas commencer après 15 h. Danger: do not start after 3 pm.'

The Cazadores trail traces a precarious cliffside route back to the trailhead.

The image shows a picturesque rural scene with a small stone building, possibly a cottage or shed, surrounded by lush greenery and a stone wall. In the background, there are towering mountains with rugged cliffs and a partly cloudy sky.

The image shows a picturesque rural scene with a small stone building, possibly a cottage or shed, surrounded by lush greenery and a stone wall. In the background, there are towering mountains with rugged cliffs and a partly cloudy sky.

The valley entrance just outside the picturesque town of Torla.

Tangents:
• Official: National Park Website
• AllTrails Public: Senda de los Cazadores
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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Ordesa Valley, Pyrenees, Spain