Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Trip Level

This trip is rated a Level 4 (Moderate to Strenuous) according to our trip grading system. You will need to be comfortable hiking 12 miles a day and being on your feet for up to 7 hours a day. While no climbing or mountaineering experience is necessary, you will need to be able to keep up with the moderate but steady pace of the group as there are no alternative hiking options available. Trail conditions, weather, and the group’s level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.

Average Hiking Day
• 7 miles
• 4-5 hours
• 1,200 feet gain/loss

Challenge Day
• Day 3 - 12 miles, 7 hours, and 1,600 feet gain/loss

Terrain

The terrain can be rugged with steep ascents and descents and rough, rocky trails with uneven surfaces including downhill over loose scree.  While we are not rock climbing, there are sections where you will need to use your hands to traverse over large stones, so good balance and prior hiking experience are necessary.

Weather

Temperatures are likely to be in the 70s°F during the day, with cool breezes and occasional rain. At night the temperature will drop quite a bit, depending on the altitude. In general, we expect mild conditions, but cold weather and rain can occur at any time, so it is necessary to bring raingear and warm layers with you on every hike.

Accommodations

We’ll stay in a collection of charming and historic mountain inns and hotels. Since they are often in historic buildings, the rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. Single rooms can be requested but are not always available, due to the limited space in the hotels. If you prefer a single room, please make your request as early as possible.

Cuisine

Lunches will be at local taverns and restaurants or picnic-style along the trail, with cheese, fresh vegetables, salami, copa, ham, fresh fruit, Spanish chocolate, and local breads. Dinners will be in taverns and restaurants which offer plenty of opportunity to sample the best local dishes and wines. Please note that in Spain, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 8:30 pm.

Transportation

Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need for the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day).