NEW Aneto Lakes Loop Adventure

This is a moderate mountain stage from Llanos del Hospital Parking to Renclusa Hut. You begin in the Ésera valley and gradually work your way higher into the mountains, following open paths through a broad alpine landscape. With 720 m of ascent, the route has a steady uphill character, but it is not a technical stage. The final section climbs more directly towards the hut.

From the parking area, you follow the route beside the Ésera river, gaining height step by step as the valley becomes more mountainous. The trail passes through open pasture and rougher mountain terrain, with views across the surrounding slopes. You walk by Ibón Bajo de Villamuerta Lake and the Upper Lake of Villamuerta before continuing towards the Aigualluts area.

The route then continues to Forau de Aiguallut and the Aigualluts Waterfall, two clear highlights before the final climb. From the waterfall, it is one last uphill stretch to Renclusa Hut, set higher in the mountains. If you still have energy after arriving, you can follow the trail west towards Ibón de Paderna lake for an extra short hike.

This demanding mountain crossing links the Renclusa hut with the green cirque of Artiga de Lin, combining high alpine scenery with a long descent into the Aran Valley. After a short climb above the refuge, the route traverses grassy terraces and limestone shelves around Plan d'Aigualluts with constant views towards Maladeta and the summits of Tuca de Pomero and Penanera.

From the refuge a cairned path climbs briefly on the Camino de Antonio, then traverses beneath rocky spurs to reach the open lawns and waterfall of Plan d'Aigualluts. Here the water disappears underground while the trail continues west, crossing boulder fields and small hollows towards Barrac de l'Escaleta. The way becomes rougher as it passes close to Cova de l'Escaleta and the wide pastures of Plan de l'Escaleta, before contouring above lac deth Coth deth Horo and turning into the hanging valley above Artiga de Lin.

A marked path then begins the main descent, dropping almost one thousand metres on steep zigzags through scree, grass slopes and finally mixed forest. The noise of waterfalls grows louder as you approach the floor of the cirque, where bridges cross clear torrents and the meadows of Artiga de Lin open out. The modern Refugio de la Artiga de Lin stands at the edge of the grass, offering meals and simple dormitories.

From Refugio Artiga de Lin, the route starts uphill straight away towards Picada Pass. With 1,430 m of ascent, this is a demanding climbing day, especially in the first half of the route. After the pass, you briefly descend before climbing again towards Salvaguardia Peak. The summit is optional, so you can either take on the exposed climb or continue directly into the final descent.

The first section climbs through open mountain terrain, with rough paths, grassy slopes and rockier ground as you gain height towards Picada Pass. After a short descent, the route turns uphill again towards Salvaguardia Peak. The summit climb does not require special equipment, but the terrain is exposed, and some cabled sections are in place to assist you on the steeper passages.

After the summit option, the route begins its long descent back into the valley. You lose height steadily on mountain paths before the terrain gradually becomes easier and more open. The final stretch follows the Ésera river towards Llanos del Hospital Parking, where the route ends.