The Ordesa Valley is probably the most popular hiking spot in Aragonese Pyrenees. This is unsurprising, as the immense walls of the canyon, combined with an easy trail make it a very attractive destination for mountain enthusiasts. Here I will detail all the routes you can do that start from the parking lot of Pradera de Ordesa.
Cola de Caballo
The Cola de Caballo waterfall is the emblem of the Ordesa valley. This cascade is shaped like a horse tail, hence its name. The route to Cola de Caballo is the easiest one you can do in the area. Just follow the signs from the parking lot and you will traverse the entire valley to get the waterfall at the end. The route doesn not have any technical difficulties, but is rather long. You will need to walk 11 kilometers and come back the same way. The sight is well worth the hike and makes for a great day in the mountains.
Length: 17.5 km
Elevation gain: 612 m
Route type: Out and back
Pradera de Ordesa – Cola de Caballo | AllTrails
Senda de los Cazadores
If you want something more challenging – Senda de los Cazadores is your option! The route leads to the waterfall of Cola de Caballo as well, but in this case you will start your hike with about 600 meters of elevation gain made in the first three kilometers. You will get rewarded with views from Mirador de Calcilarruego at the top. This another iconic spot, giving you amazing views of the entire Ordesa valley. From here on there is almost no more elevation to gain. The path will take you along the wall of the canyon with scenic views on the way, culmintaing with the waterfall at the end. The return is an easy path through the valley.
Length: 19.2 km
Elevation gain: 852 m
Route type: Loop
Senda de los Cazadores | AllTrails
Faja de Canarellos
If you have explored the main routes of Ordesa valley, Faja de Canarellos can be a great alternative. This time you will get up the Northern side of the canyon. The first 4.5 kilometres coincides with the classic Cola de Caballo route, after which you will see a sign taking you to Faja de Canarellos. You will turn left here and start making your way back. Faja is a name for narrow trails that formed in the canyon walls, and is a typical term in the area. Usually it looks impossible from the bottom that there can be a path in the middle of these walls, yet it is a fact. Faja de Canarellos is a great example of that. Towards the end of the route you will come to the Cotatuero waterfall. The descent is made along the stream flowing down back to Pradera de Ordesa.
Length: 11.75 km
Elevation gain: 370 m
Route type: Loop
Ruta Faja Canarellos | Wikiloc
Faja de las Flores
And those looking for a truly epic hike will find Faja de las Flores! Right from the get go, you would need to ascend about 1100 meters to get to the very top of the Ordesa valley. Naturally, you will get the best sights from here. The trail then follows the rim of the canyon, curving around and showing you the full view of the Tobacor mountain. Here you can either turn around and come down the same way, or continue along the side of Tobacor to finish the day at Goriz refuge and spend a night there. Another alternative is to come down passing by Clavijas de Cotatuero. Technically, this is a short via ferrata, so if you choose to come down this way, bring a harness with you.
Length: 17.6 km
Elevation gain: 983 m
Route type: Loop
Technical difficulty: high (a stretch along via ferrata)
Ruta Faja de las Flores | Wikiloc
Transportation
Note that in summer Pradera de Ordesa parking is only accessible by public bus going from Torla. The ride is only 15 minutes long and costs 5 euros (return trip). Alternatively, you could take the Camino de Turieto trail and walk there. This is a nice route, with several waterfalls along the way. However, it does add some 7 kilometers to your hiking day.
Torla – Turieto Bajo – Pradera de Ordesa | AllTrails
To conclude, the Ordesa Valley is definitely worth a visit! I would recommend staying in Torla for a couple of days to truly enjoy everything the area has to offer and spend great time in the mountains.
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