In the north of Spain, several autonomous communities stand out for their unique natural gems. From steep cliffs to towering forests to towering waterfalls, the northern part of the peninsula is home to countless unique landscapes and places to discover.
In the northeast of the country, the territory of Aragon does not only stand out for the large number of borders it contains, even bordering access to France from the province of Huesca; but also for the large number of landscapes and natural destinations that it offers, among which you can enjoy several magical hiking routes with a particular appeal.
In this way, the Aragonese mountains and roads present a very striking peculiarity, since there are several natural routes throughout the autonomous community that welcome or end in what are known as lakes. The term refers to small mountain lakes, of glacial origin, distributed throughout the Pyrenees area which shelters the region.
These natural accidents arise from glacial processes, in which the ice melts and the water – at very low temperatures – erodes the mountain rock until it makes a hole. Likewise, they constitute an excellent alternative for any nature lover, since throughout the territory there are multiple trails through which you can access many of these natural gems.
There are several hiking routes in the Pyrenees that stand out as terminating or connecting routes between several of these lakes of glacial origin, defining themselves as unique options for enjoying the Aragonese nature. These are the three lake routes in Aragon not to be missed.
Route through the Ibón de Anayet and the Tena Valley
Throughout the Tena Valley there are several routes to access the Ibón de Anayet, although one of the most notable starts from Formigal, a circular route ten kilometers long and taking just over four hours. Additionally, the path is fully signposted, making the experience significantly easier.
The route begins at the Portalet car park, in Formigal, at the entrance to the Espelunziecha valley. From here it is possible to access the Collado de Batallero, where you will have to follow the Cresta de los Farallones and the natural balcony over the Barranco de Culivillas until joining the GR-11 trail, which will mark the rest of the path. .
Road to the Ibones of Bachimaña from Baños de Panticosa
The Alpine route to the Bachimaña Ibones begins at the Casa de Piedra refuge of the Aragonese Mountaineering Federation, in the Panticosa station. From there, it is possible to venture on a linear route of moderate difficulty and 12 and a half kilometers in distance.
The excursion is part of the GR-11 trail, from which it goes up the Caldarés River, where it will be possible to enjoy some waterfalls and waterfalls. Throughout the marked territory, it is possible to stop at several key points, such as the Mirador de la Reina or the Pradera de Bozuelo.
At the end of the path it will be possible to enjoy the Ibón Baxo de Bachimaña, but if you continue through the refuge located to the right of the same slope of the valley, it will be possible to access the Ibón Alto de Bachimaña. In this way, access both enclaves and then descend by the same route to the starting point.
Route through the Ibón de Estanés
One of the most recognized circular routes is the Ibón de Estanés, a linear route 9 kilometers long and 3 and a quarter hours long. Thanks to this route located on the border with France, it will be possible to enjoy not only two glacial lakes, but also a unique forest, the Sansanet beech forest.
The trail begins at the parking lot that gives its name to the grove, from where the trail leaves towards the glacial lake. The path, fully marked, also crosses a beech forest during the climb, but after 45 minutes, it clears and reveals large meadows.
From there, the route joins the GR-11 trail from Candachu, making the trip even easier. In this way, at 1,790 meters above sea level – the maximum level of the excursion – it will be possible to see the port of Estanés, which is home to the lake of the same name.
