Here’s a detailed guide to my favorite hiking trails in the Pyrenees. I return to this stunning mountain range several times each year, and I’ve been lucky enough to experience many incredible hikes across the region. Here are the routes that have been the most memorable for me
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Hiking in the Pyrenees: Best Trails Not to Miss in 2026
Are the Spanish Pyrenees Good for Hiking?
The Spanish Pyrenees are one of the best hiking destinations in the Iberian Peninsula, offering a perfect mix of iconic trails, hidden lesser-known routes, and challenging treks for experienced hikers – so there’s truly something for everyone who loves nature. It’s one of my all-time favorite places in Spain to discover new trails. This mountain range is home to breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures suited to every taste and fitness level.
My Pyrenees Hiking Guide
In this post, I’m sharing my personal favorite hikes from my many trips to the region, including solo adventures, family getaways with kids, and couples’ trips with my husband (if you’ve been following the blog, you’ll know I’ve explored the Pyrenees in just about every possible travel combination). You can find all of my Pyrenees tips and itineraries on the blog under the #Pyrenees hashtag.
I’ll also mention a few trails that are still on my Pyrenees bucket list for future visits, and I’ve included videos for most of the hikes so you can get a better visual sense of each trail and decide which one interests you the most.
Where are the Pyrenees?
The Pyrenees stretch over 400 kilometers along the natural border between Spain and France, forming one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Europe. On the Spanish side, they span four distinct regions: Aragon, Catalonia, Navarra, and the Basque Country – each offering its own unique landscapes, great foods, and hiking experiences.
The Spanish Pyrenees are easily accessible by car, making them perfect for a road trip starting from major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or even Zaragoza, which lies closer to the range. You can find all of my Pyrenees tips and itineraries under the hashtag #Pyrenees.
Where is the best base to hike in the Pyrenees?
If it’s your first time hiking in the Pyrenees, I’d recommend either exploring Ordesa and Monte Perdido (you can find the itinerary in this post) or Aigüestortes National Park (read more here).
There isn’t a single ideal base for hiking in the Pyrenees, as the mountainous terrain makes driving between locations time-consuming. Many travelers end up disappointed when they choose just one location and realize they’ll miss out on most of the hikes across the mountain range. To see as much as possible, I recommend this 2-week Pyrenees road trip.
I also suggest reviewing all the hiking trails mentioned in this post, selecting the ones that interest you most, and then checking the map at the end of the post to see which hikes can be conveniently combined – depending on how long you plan to stay in the Pyrenees.
For more information on my hiking essentials, you can check out this post.
Hiking in the Pyrenees: My Favorite Trails
1. Cañon de Añisclo
Ruta por el Cañón de Añisclo is a short and easy 2 km walk (around 45 minutes), but the surrounding landscape is so breathtaking that it quickly became one of my favorite hikes in all of Spain. The trail is located within one of the country’s most spectacular national parks – Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido.
It begins at the San Úrbez parking area, which you can reach via the scenic HU-631 road that winds dramatically through the Añisclo Canyon. Honestly, the drive itself feels like a separate adventure! For those looking to go further, there are several options to extend the hike by connecting with other routes along the canyon. You can find detailed trail information on Wikiloc.
2. Astun
Ruta de los 7 Lagos de Astún (also known as the 7 Ibones de Astún) was one of my very first hiking experiences in the Pyrenees – and it quickly became a highlight of our family’s first road trip through this majestic region of Spain. With its dramatic mountain peaks, shimmering alpine lakes, and scenic paths that cross the Spain-France border multiple times in a single day, this trail is truly unforgettable. The hike begins at the Astún Ski Station, where a lift takes you up to Ibón de Truchas, the first of the seven lakes.
At an altitude of 2,100 meters, the air is noticeably thinner, making the 13.5 km route more demanding than it might seem at first glance. I’d rate it as moderately challenging – definitely not for everyone, but absolutely rewarding for those who take it on. Despite the effort, this trail remains one of my all-time favorites in the Pyrenees. You can find full trail details on Wikiloc.
3. Pasarelas del Vero
The Pasarelas del Vero trail (also known as Pasarelas de Alquézar) was an unforgettable highlight of my second road trip through Aragón. This unique hike leads you through a spectacular gorge via a series of metal walkways suspended along the cliffs – offering dramatic views and a touch of adrenaline. The trail involves some exposure to heights, but it’s well-maintained and clearly marked, with an entrance fee of just 4 euros per person.
Located in the enchanting medieval village of Alquézar – widely considered one of the most beautiful in Spain – this trail lies within the stunning natural setting of Parque Natural de la Sierra y los Cañones de Guara. Despite the heights, it’s a family-friendly adventure. My kids (ages 4 and 6 back then) absolutely loved it, and the entire 3.37 km route took us around 2 hours to complete at a relaxed pace.
You can find full trail details on Wikiloc. For more incredible hikes in the Sierra de Guara Natural Park to combine with the Pasarelas del Vero, check out this post.
4. Mallos de Riglos
One of my favorite hikes in Spain is El Camino del Cielo por Mallos de Riglos – a breathtaking 5.4 km circular route that begins in the charming village of Riglos, nestled in the Huesca province. This striking natural setting, dominated by the towering red rock formations known as Los Mallos, is without a doubt one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in Aragón – and arguably one of the most surreal in all of Spain.
Although this hike is often described as easy, the elevation gain surprised me. While the rock formations are impressive, the trail itself doesn’t initially look that steep. I came across a tip in a Spanish travel article suggesting that hikers follow the trail clockwise, even though the local signs recommend the opposite direction. Taking this advice turned out to be a great decision – it meant tackling a short but steep ascent early on, followed by a mostly downhill path that allowed us to fully soak in the incredible scenery at a relaxed pace. The panoramic views from the top made every step worthwhile.
You can find the full trail details on Wikiloc.
5. Aiguestortes National Park
No trip to the Catalan Pyrenees feels complete without a visit to one of its most treasured natural wonders – Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. As one of Spain’s most strictly protected landscapes, it offers pristine alpine beauty, tranquil lakes, and some of the most scenic trails in the region.
The park’s most popular route is Ruta del Planell de Aigüestortes y Estany Llong, a trail that begins after a short transfer from the charming village of Boí. Since private vehicles are restricted to preserve the park’s delicate ecosystem, visitors must take the official 4×4 shuttle service (11 euros round-trip per person). For those seeking a more adventurous approach, there’s also the option to hike in via the 12 extra km of Ruta de la Nutria from Parking de la Molina (this way you will not need the shuttle). You can find all the trail details on Wikiloc.
6. Bosque de Carlac
The Ruta del Bosque de Carlac begins in the quiet village of Bausen, tucked away near the French border. Though not completely unknown, this enchanting trail feels like one of Spain’s best-kept secrets – especially as it starts from a remote, almost forgotten village and leads you deep into one of the country’s most magical forests. The atmosphere is serene and mysterious, as if you’ve stepped into a fairytale tucked between the mountains.
Despite finding a few online sources describing it as an “easy walk,” I would say the trail demands a bit more effort than that. At 6.5 km long with a +275 meter elevation gain, it’s better suited to those comfortable with moderate-level hikes. Still, I found it thoroughly rewarding. The circular route winds through ancient beech woods, moss-covered trees, and quiet paths that seem untouched by time. We hiked it clockwise – unlike most other travelers we met – and enjoyed having the steeper section at the start, followed by a gentler descent.
You can find full trail details on Wikiloc.
7. Cola de Caballo
Tucked within the breathtaking landscapes of Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, Cola de Caballo trail is one of the most iconic and beloved hiking trails in the Pyrenees.
Stretching over 17.5 km, this trail is a full-day adventure, though the area offers several shorter and longer alternatives for those looking for a more flexible route. With its dramatic waterfalls, towering cliffs, and lush alpine meadows, it’s no wonder this hike is on many travelers’ bucket lists. You can check out my full hiking guide to Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park in this post, and read the complete guide to this hike in this article.
8. Artiga de Lin y Ojos del Diablo
Artiga de Lin and Ojos del Diablo – also known by the locals as Es Uelhs deth Joeu – was one of the most spontaneous and rewarding hikes of our time in the Pyrenees of Catalonia. While spending a weekend in the Catalan Pyrenees, we initially planned just a short visit to the Uelhs deth Joeu waterfall, a magical spot where turquoise waters emerge from the base of a cliff in a dramatic, almost otherworldly cascade. But we were so captivated by the beauty of the area that we couldn’t resist exploring further.
I had read on several Spanish websites that during the summer months, access to the area is restricted to protect the natural surroundings, and visitors must use a small tourist train instead of private vehicles (be sure to double-check this if you’re visiting in peak season). Fortunately, our visit in autumn meant we were able to drive and park near the waterfall itself.
After taking in the powerful falls, we spontaneously decided to continue hiking up toward the nearby refugi (mountain refuge), surrounded by serene forest and alpine meadows. You can find full trail details on Wikiloc.
9. Llanes de La Larri
The Llanes de La Larri hiking trail was one of the highlights of my recent fall trip to the Pyrenees. This hiking route starts at the Parking de la Pineta, which costs 3 euros during peak season but is free the rest of the year. The most popular variation of this hiking trail is Llanes de La Larri + Cascadas de Cinca. You can find trail details on Wikiloc here.
10. Gargantas de Escuaín
One of the most popular hikes in the Pyrenees is the Gargantas de Escuaín trail, which leads to a stunning waterfall. There are several routes to explore the gorge and its scenic viewpoints. During my recent fall getaway to the Pyrenees, I chose the shorter trail, starting at the Gargantas de Escuaín parking lot, just a few kilometers before the village of Revilla. Depending on the trail length and difficulty you’re looking for, there are several variations to choose from:
- From the parking area near Revilla, as I did (this trail on Wikiloc).
- You can start from the village of Escuaín (this trail on Wikiloc)
The Spanish Pyrenees Hiking Bucket List
Here are a few more amazing Pyrenees hikes to consider that didn’t make it into my top ten trails – or are still on my list for my next visit. I’ll continue updating this post with new hikes as I return to the Pyrenees every few months.
- Ibón de Anayet in Valle de Tena (check it out on Wikiloc)
- Puente de los Pecadores in Valle de Chistau (check it out on Wikiloc) – already visited on this itinerary.
- Cascada de Aigualluts (check it out on Wikiloc) – on the backdrop you will see Aneto, the highest peak of the Pyrenees
- Santuario de Montgarri from Beret (check it out on Wikiloc) – we have done a snowmobile tour to Montgarri during our last Baqueira Beret Getaway
- Señorío de Bertiz – Ruta Circular de Irretarazu (check it out on Wikiloc)
- Ruta Circular Eskas Artikutza (check it out on Wikiloc)
- Mirador de Peñacornota – Foz de Arbayún (check it out on Wikiloc)
- Pardina del Señor (check it out on Wikiloc) – already visited on this itinerary.
- Bosque de Orgi – Lizaso (check it out on Wikiloc) – already visited on this itinerary.
- Las Ermitas de Tella (check it out on Wikiloc) – already visited on this itinerary.
- Cascada de Xorroxin from Erratzu (check it out on Wikiloc) – already visited on this itinerary.
- La Mesa de Los Tres Reyes (check it out on Wikiloc)
- Piedrafita de Jaca (check it out on Wikiloc)
- Lagos del Circo de Colomèrs (check it out on Wikiloc)
Hiking in The French Pyrenees
While my heart belongs to the Spanish Pyrenees, the proximity to the border makes it easy to cross into the French Pyrenees and explore their stunning trails as well. So far, I’ve only added two paths to my French Pyrenees bucket list, but I’ll be updating this post regularly with new hiking aspirations as my adventures continue.
- Cirque de Gavarnie (check it via Wikiloc)
- Lacs de Néouvielle (check it via Wikiloc)
Map of Hiking in the Pyrenees
Best Books about the Pyrenees
If you are looking for more visual inspiration or historical/practical data on the Pyrenees region, there are a few books you might find handy – Shorter Treks in the Pyrenees or Walks and Climbs in the Pyrenees (focused on the French Pyrenees).
Planning to read something about the Pyrenees on the road? – Check Boundaries, The Savage Frontier, Cruel Crossing, and If you only walk long enough. If you know Spanish, do not miss: Pirineos. Mas allá de las montañas, Los Pirineos, Leyendas de brujas en el Pirineo fantástico, Pirineos: 50 joyas del arte románico, Pirineos : montaña sublime, and 101 Lugares de los Pirineos sorprendentes.
Best time to enjoy hiking in the Pyrenees
I’ve visited the Spanish Pyrenees in every season, and so far, my favorite months have been May, June, September, and October. During these months, the weather is pleasantly mild, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F), making it perfect for hiking and exploring without the summer crowds.
Summer in the Pyrenees offers warm and sunny days – typically between 20°C and 28°C (68°F to 82°F) – but it’s also when the region is most crowded, as both international travelers and local Spaniards flock to the mountains for their vacations. If you plan to visit in summer, I recommend focusing on the Pyrenees of Navarre, which is the rainiest area and shines brightest in these months, or the Pyrenees of Aragon, a lesser-known destination that sees fewer international visitors.
The Pyrenees of Catalonia are stunning in summer, but as many visitors come here on road trips from Barcelona, it tends to be the busiest. If you’re considering a winter visit instead, I suggest checking out this post for tips and insights.
How to get to the Spanish Pyrenees
I often get asked about hiking in the Pyrenees using public transport. As someone who visits the region regularly, I honestly don’t understand why some bloggers even suggest it. While it’s technically possible to reach some of the main towns in the Spanish Pyrenees by bus, such as Huesca or Vielha, services to the smaller villages where most trails begin are very infrequent. Honestly, visiting the Pyrenees without a car is a huge waste of time.
In my opinion, it simply doesn’t make sense to explore the Pyrenees without renting a car. Relying on public transport would be time-consuming and inefficient for reaching popular hikes, and completely unrealistic if you want to visit some of the region’s hidden gems. I always explore the Pyrenees by car. If you’re planning a trip from the main Spanish cities, you can also check out my Pyrenees road trip itineraries – from Madrid (including stops worth visiting along the way) here and from Barcelona – here.
Read more about the Pyrenees
- Where to Stay in the Pyrenees: Top Hotels and Best Hikes in Every Area (read it)
- Top Adventurous Things to Do in the Pyrenees (read it)
- Hiking Guide to Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park in Spain (read it)
- Beautiful Small Towns in the Spanish Pyrenees (read it)
- Exploring The Pre-Pyrenees of Spain: A weekend in Sierra de Guara (read it)
- Cogost de Montrebei: The Most Adventurous Hike in Spain (read it)
- Epic 7 Days in the Pyrenees of Spain (read it)
- 10-Day Pyrenees Itinerary: An Ultimate Road Trip from Madrid (read it)
- Top Beautiful Places to Visit in the Spanish Pyrenees (read it)
- Exploring the Pyrenees of Catalonia (read it)
- 5 Epic Reasons to Visit the Pyrenees with Kids (read it)
- Top Romantic Things to do in Andorra (read it)
- The Spanish Pyrenees Road Trip 4-Day Itinerary (read it)
- Skiing in Spain: Our Baqueira Beret Family Getaway (read it)
- Top Things to Do in Andorra (read it)
- Best Foods in the Pyrenees of Spain (read it)
- 3 days in the Pyrenees of Aragon with Seniors & Kids (read it)
- Pyrenees in Fall: An Ultimate 5-day Pyrenees Itinerary (read it)
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I’ve done extensive hiking in many parts of Europe but never in continental Spain. Your photos and descriptions are inspiring me to try the Spanish Pyrenees.
Wow the views on these hikes look insane! I wouldn’t have guessed that any of these pictures are from Spain. Do you have any recommendations for visiting the Pyrenees without a car?
Hiking without a car is almost impossible in the Pyrenees, but you can still reach major towns like Huesca, Jaca, Andorra la Vella, and Vielha by bus. Some of these towns even offer day tours. Unfortunately, public transportation in this area isn’t as efficient as in the major Spanish cities.
I’ve experienced hiking the lower regions of the Pyrenees, from Roncesvalles as the starting point of walking the el Camino de Santiago. This part of the journey was graced with beautiful scenery.
Oh my goodness this looks like a dream! My partner and have recently gotten into hiking and started incorporating it into our travels. I am now adding Pyrenees to our list!
Wow! So many trails I’ve never heard of! I need to get back to Spain soon! Thanks for the tips!
This hiking guide is an excellent resource for hiking the Pyrenees. I like that it continues to evolve as you do more trips. Thanks for providing this.