Advanced Valle de Tena Extension Tour

From the Soques bus stop the route climbs steadily out of the forest into a high, rocky world of lakes and sharp Pyrenean peaks. What starts shaded and gentle soon turns alpine, with granite walls closing in as you gain height. The sense of space grows with every step, setting the tone for a serious mountain day that ends at the striking Respomuso reservoir beneath the Balaitús massif.

The trail follows woodland and pastures beside the torrent, then opens into a broad cirque below Pic d’Arriel. Higher up, cairns lead across boulder fields where the slope steepens and hands are sometimes needed. A short exposed section requires confidence and stable conditions. Around Arrémoulit, surrounded by bright mountain lakes, a final climb reaches the border col, after which easier paths guide you down.

The descent contours above the Respomuso reservoir, its dark water framed by steep ridges and lingering ice. Gradually the path drops to the refuge, set close to the shore in a dramatic amphitheatre of rock. With wide views, fresh water and warm meals, the Refugio de Respomuso is a welcome place to slow down and settle into the heart of the high mountains.

Starting beside the water, this stage links two key refuges through a high alpine crossing. The route contours above the Respomuso reservoir before climbing toward a rough pass below Pico de Tebarray, the highest point of the day. A long descent past deep blue lakes leads into the Bachimaña basin, where a modern refuge sits among the peaks around Campo Plano (2717 m).

From the hut, a balcony path follows the southern shore of the reservoir, then turns into a stony valley and begins to gain height. Near the cirque beneath Pico de Tebarray the terrain steepens into scree and rocky steps. This upper section is exposed and technical in places, suited to confident, well-equipped hikers, and ends at the Collado de Tebarray with wide views over Ibón de Tebarray and the Infiernos massif.

Beyond the pass, the trail drops alongside Ibón de Tebarray and a string of smaller lakes, easing as it reaches the broad Bachimaña plateau. Granite slabs guide the final traverse to the refuge, perched between the upper and lower lakes. Comfortable and modern, it offers meals, dormitories and long evening views across water and stone.

This final stretch leaves the high lakes of Bachimaña behind and drops toward the forests and villages of the valley. At first the route follows a hanging valley, with wide looks back to Pico de Piedrafita and the jagged peaks of the Infiernos group. Gradually the alpine world fades, replaced by sound, water and shade.

The path begins gently, then commits to a steeper descent over a rocky spur. Short zigzags and smooth slabs ask for careful steps, before the trail settles into an old mule track. From here it flows past waterfalls, over bridges and through a tightening gorge, with the river growing louder and cliffs still towering above the trees.

At the Balneario, the route passes the stone Refugio Casa de Piedra and continues through mixed forest on easy paths. The slope eases, meadows appear, and the valley floor comes into reach. A final relaxed walk leads into Panticosa, where streets, cafés and transport mark a comfortable end to the journey from the high refuges.