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 Europe, 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, as well as include a YouTube video at the end answering the most popular questions I get about hiking in the pyrenees on the At Lifestyle Crossroads website and social media.

Ordesa national park spain hiking — *Ultimate Hiking Guide to Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park*

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.

5-day Pyrenees Itinerary Fall foliage — *Pyrenees in Fall*

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.

forest pyrenees trail Añisclo — *Cañon de Añisclo in the Aragonese Pyrenees*

hiking anisclo ordesa park — *Cañon de Añisclo*

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.

astun lift spain Adventurous Things to Do in the Pyrenees — *Exploring the 7 lakes of Astun*

best hikes in Spain Astun lakes — *Exploring the 7 lakes of Astun*

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.

pasarelas alquezar hike spain — *Pasarelas del Vero hike in the Pre-Pyrenees of Spain*

alquezar medieval village spain — *The village of Alquézar, where the trail starts, is worth visiting on any Pyrenees hiking itinerary.*

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.

mallos riglos hike spain — *Mallos de Riglos*

hiking in the pyrenees — *Mallos de Riglos*

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.

trip to the catalan pyrenees spain — *Aiguestortes National Park – one of the best places for hiking in the Pyrenees*

aiguestortes pyrenees hiking — *Aiguestortes National Park is one of the most beautiful Spanish destinations in Autumn*

spanis pyrenees in 7 days — *Ruta del Planell de Aigüestortes y Estany Llong*

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.

bausen haunted villages — *Bosque de Carlac is one of the lesser-known trails in the Pyrenees*

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.

Trekking toward Cola de Caballo in Ordesa National Park — *Hiking to Cola de Caballo*

Ordesa cola de caballo ruta senderismo — *Hiking to Cola de Caballo*

Cola de Caballo waterfall in Ordesa National Park — *Cola de Caballo*

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.

exploring the Pyrenees of Catalonia — *Artiga de Lin y Ojos del Diablo*

waterfalls in spain — *Artiga de Lin y Ojos del Diablo*

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.

trail to Llanos de Lalarri pyrenees spain — *Llanes de La Larri*

Hiking llanos de larri pyrenees fall — *Pyrenees in Fall*

Cascadas de cinca pyrenees hiking pineta — *Cascadas de Cinca*

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)

Gargantas de Escuaín Ordesa y monte perdido hiking route — *Gargantas de Escuaín*

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)

cogost de montrebei gorge hikes in Spain — *Cogost de Montrebei (read more about this hike here)*

Cascada de Xorroxin Erratzu pyrenees of navarra — *Cascada de Xorroxin from Erratzu (check it out on Wikiloc)*

Valle de Chistau Pyrenees — *Puente de los Pecadores in Valle de Chistau (check it out on Wikiloc)*

Huesca ruta ermitas tella — *Las Ermitas de Tella (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)

Where is the best base to hike in the Spanish Pyrenees?

If it’s your first time hiking in the Spanish Pyrenees, check out this guide where I pair the accommodations with the nearest hikes. 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. You can see the major areas if you do this 2-week Pyrenees road trip, but even so, the Pyrenees is a destination to return to and discover new hikes each time.

For more information on my hiking essentials, you can check out this post; for a complete Spain packing list, head here.

Spanish Pyrenees Travel Guide: Ultimate FAQs & Planning Tips

Over the years, At Lifestyle Crossroads readers have asked me countless questions about visiting the Spanish Pyrenees. In the video below, I answer the most common ones, covering everything from accommodation and transport to hiking, family travel, and itinerary planning. If you still need advice, just leave me a comment.

Map of Hiking in the Pyrenees

7 Comments

Sonia on February 3, 2024 at 11:32 PM

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.
Caleigh on June 26, 2025 at 6:46 PM

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?
- Anna on June 26, 2025 at 9:28 PM
  
  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.
Marilyn on June 26, 2025 at 7:34 PM

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.
Katie on June 27, 2025 at 2:57 AM

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!
Linnea Jordan on June 27, 2025 at 4:03 AM

Wow! So many trails I’ve never heard of! I need to get back to Spain soon! Thanks for the tips!
Felicia on June 27, 2025 at 6:06 AM

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.

Hiking in The Pyrenees of Spain: Best Trails Not Miss in 2026

Hiking in the Pyrenees: Best Trails Not to Miss in 2026

Are the Spanish Pyrenees Good for Hiking?

My Pyrenees Hiking Guide

Where are the Pyrenees?