Advanced Trekking Aneto Posets

From the stone refuge in the Estós Valley, this challenging route ascends to the high Puerto de Chistau Pass (2,572 m) to later descend into the secluded Gistaín Valley, where the welcoming Viadós Hut awaits. Throughout the day, views open up to the surrounding 3,000-metre peaks and wild hanging valleys.

From the Refugio de Estós, the route ascends along a clear path into the upper valley and soon gets close to the impressive Cascada de Clarabide waterfall. Steeper trails lead to port of Chistau and on to a traverse under the rocky flanks of Pico Chistau (2,794 m). Enjoy the spectacular views of Posets and the Clarabide peaks as you reach the high altitude watershed. Beyond the pass, the trail drops onto stony downhill slopes towards the Pleta de Añes Cruces.

You will pass the simple Cabane d'Anescruses, while the path eases into grassy pastures and forest, crossing streams and old shepherd terraces. Then, you will join a track above the Río Cinqueta walking towards the hut. On the way, enjoy views towards both Barranco del Milá y Barranco de Añés. A final gentle descent will bring you to the Refugio de Viadós, which is set among traditional bordas and meadows. Here, you can enjoy a hot meal and a rest before the next day

This challenging mountain route takes you from the lush pastures surrounding the Refugio de Viadós to the picturesque location of the Refugio Ángel Orús. Along the way, you will visit high lakes and pass through a panoramic pass between the Posets and Eriste massifs. Expect steep, rocky paths, long ascents and sweeping views of soaring peaks.

The path crosses several barranco streams and climbs steadily through forests and meadows before emerging from the trees and continuing along open slopes beneath the northern buttresses of Posets. Next, a clear mountain trail follows the Barranco de la Ribereta, passing relatively close to the Millares waterfall and some shepherd's huts. The path then steepens, becoming more challenging as it winds its way through flowery meadows and rocky steps towards Forqueta Pass, the highest point of the day at 2,840 metres. From here, it descends to the cirque that holds the beautiful Ibón de Lardaneta lake, situated at an altitude of 2,676 metres.

Skirting the lake's shore, the route continues downwards across broken terrain, running parallel to the Torrent de la Ribereta in the namelike valley. After crossing a metal bridge, a rough descent on narrow switchbacks begins. Later, the view opens up and the path becomes gentler, leading directly to the Refugio Ángel Orús via grassy and dwarf pine terraces. Take time to enjoy the terrace and its views of the surrounding peaks.

This closing mountain stage leads from the high perch of Refugio Ángel Orús back to the valley and the trailhead at Parking Estós. The day is dominated by a long descent from rocky, alpine surroundings into forests and pastures, followed by an easier walk along the valley floor. Views open over the Posets group and later towards the villages around Benasque, offering a final chance to enjoy the scenery before leaving the high mountains.

From the hut a marked path immediately starts descending in tight zigzags over rocky ground. For almost three kilometres the trail crosses steep slabs and loose stones, forming a technical section where sure-footedness and dry conditions are important. Once past this, the route becomes easier, following a clearer path beside the stream into the Eriste valley. Forests, small waterfalls and scattered clearings accompany the descent as the path approaches the first tracks and eventually the road near the reservoir.

The final part of the day follows quieter paths and tracks along the valley, often close to the river, with gentle undulations and views towards Benasque. A turn into the side valley of Estós leads through woodland and meadows, gaining height gradually on a gravel road. Signposts for the refuge and valley mark the approach to Parking Estós, where the route ends beside the information boards and parked cars.