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.

Four hours driving from Barcelona leads you to the pretty town of Torla, and beyond it the massive U-shaped Ordesa Valley surrounded by Pyrenees Mountains. The area is renown for spectacular hiking, rafting, canyoning and via ferrata routes with the most popular routes tracing paths through the valley itself.

Shorter options include a 4.5 mile creekside stroll to some of the more impressive and closest waterfalls in the valley (AllTrails link), but if you have the time and the stamina we recommend a full clockwise loop of the valley.

Our recommended route follows the Rio Arazas towards its mountain source, the trail gradually ascending as you pass one picturesque waterfall after another. Although you'll gain 1,400 feet in the five miles it takes to reach the Cola de Caballo waterfall at the end of the valley, chances are you'll barely notice the climb as you admire the views around you. Particularly as you arrive at the Cirque de Soaso crowned by the massive 11,000 foot tall Monte Perdido.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

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

At the end of the Cola de Caballo (Horse's Tail) trail, turn around and join the Senda de Los Cazadores (Hunters' Trail) which continues your gradual climb as you ascend part of the way up the South side of the valley wall before levelling off. The return leg of the hike offers some great views across the valley, though those with a severe fear of heights may want to give this trail a miss, as the path occasionally reveals and abuts some sheer drop-offs. We were armed with only cameras on the Hunters' Trail but we were able to spot Pyrenean chamois foraging in the undergrowth. The trail makes a final two thousand foot rocky descent back to the trailhead, switchbacking its way carefully down the valley wall.

For some reason AllTrails suggests a counter clockwise approach on this route, which requires beginning by climbing the cliff first and following the valley wall hugging Hunter's Trail over to Cascada Cola de Caballo. We prefer the clockwise route for multiple reasons, particularly if you get up early to enjoy the waterfalls before the crowds arrive. We find that the views of the valley terrain and waterfalls are best enjoyed by walking up it, and the gradual incline makes the 3,570 total feet of elevation gain so much easier to tackle.

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.

Vehicle parking is located at the trailhead, though in peak seasons personal vehicles are not allowed and a park-and-ride bus service from Torla is available. We've linked driving directions to both. The bus operates from around 6am - 9pm though this is subject to change so be sure to check the schedule.

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 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.

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
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