STILL AVAILABLE Intermediate Trekking Aneto Salvaguardia

This section starts from the free parking area at Llanos del Hospital. A comfortable path follows the river and gains height gradually without technical difficulties, while the landscape shifts from forested valley to high mountain scenery of granite and ice. Little by little the views open towards the surrounding peaks and the distant glaciers of Maladeta and Aneto that rise above the head of the valley.

From the buildings of Llanos del Hospital the route follows wide tracks beside the Río Ésera, then narrows to a stonier path leading to the meadows of La Besurta, framed by steep walls and avalanche corridors. Beyond Besurta the slope becomes steeper and the path zigzags through grass and boulders toward Plan de la Renclusa. Shortly before reaching the hut a waterfall on the right invites a pause to admire the cirque of surrounding peaks.

After a short traverse over slabs and blocks we arrive at the Renclusa Refuge at about 2140 m, perched on a small shoulder above the valley. The building appears suddenly, sheltered by ridges yet open to a wide panorama of peaks and glaciers. Inside, dormitories and a welcoming dining room provide a comfortable place to rest, and nearby viewpoints allow one last look over the valley before night in the high mountains.

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.